Hi everyone, I own an AT-LP120XBT record player, and I was wondering which speakers to pair it with. In your opinion, are active or passive speakers better? If so, I'd like to know which speakers faithfully reproduce the sound as it was recorded on vinyl, meaning without built-in bass (unless there's a crank to boost it). Please recommend any budget options, from €100 to €500. Any advice is always welcome!

Considering adding a sub to my setup and curious what will integrate well with the SFs. Any thoughts?

Hello guys! I need some advice. I like a natural sound and don't really like overly bassy sound. I had Aria 2 before, but I'm planning to upgrade to Blessing 3. I'll mainly be using it for gaming on my PC, especially Valorant.

I'm planning to get B3 with a DAC, either FiiO KA13 or Moondrop Dawn Pro. Is there any other DAC that would be better for my use case? I don't really use EQ, so I'm mainly looking for something that sounds clean and natural.

Also, is there a better IEM + DAC combination I should consider, or is the B3 + one of these DACs already a good enough setup for my needs?

Hi, everyone!

A few years ago, I bought a pair of KEF 104/2 speakers, which I’ve been using ever since with a relatively low-quality amplifier. I recently started thinking that it might be worth investing in a higher-quality amplifier, so I began doing some research.

First, I thought about what type of amplifier would best suit my listening habits. I listen to music exclusively from my laptop and phone, mainly using Tidal, so initially I thought that a Class D all-in-one amplifier with integrated streaming platforms would probably be the ideal solution for me.

However, I’ve also read on various forums that all-in-one streaming amplifiers may not be the most future-proof option, since software platforms and streaming services can eventually lose support. If I separate the streaming functionality from the amplifier, I might be able to get better amplification for the same money, while also having a system that could potentially remain useful for several decades.

I’ve also come across the common opinion that some traditional Class A/AB amplifiers can sound richer or more lively than modern Class D designs. I realize this is a somewhat subjective topic, though, and I’d be very interested in hearing the opinions of people who have actually used different amplifiers with the 104/2.

The logical alternative, therefore, seems to be buying a good traditional amplifier and pairing it with a separate streamer (e.g. a WiiM Mini or WiiM Pro). This would also mean that if the streaming technology becomes obsolete in 10 years, I could simply replace the inexpensive streamer rather than having to replace the amplifier.

Genre-wise, I mostly listen to alternative rock, but I also like grunge, nu metal, jazz, trip hop and dubstep.

My amplifier options so far:

• WiiM Amp Ultra / Eversolo Play

These would obviously be the options if I wanted to save money, but there are surprisingly good reviews and reports of great value for money, especially for the WiiM, on various forums.

In the country where I live, the WiiM would cost around €475, while the Eversolo Play is around €600.

With the WiiM, I might be able to minimize my concerns about longevity, since it’s relatively inexpensive and it wouldn’t be as painful to replace if its software became obsolete in 10 years.

One major drawback for me is the lack of AirPlay 2. I’m wondering whether AirPlay 2 is likely to be more future-proof than proprietary streaming integrations such as Tidal Connect.

• Cambridge Audio Evo 75

Honestly, physically, this is the one I like the most. It’s simply a beautiful piece of equipment. I know that with an amplifier you should focus on the sound rather than the appearance, but my heart still leans toward this one.

I’ve read a lot of positive reviews about its sound as well. My main concern is whether it makes sense as a long-term investment if, say, Tidal—or even AirPlay 2—were no longer supported in 10 years.

On the other hand, many people say that the Evo 75 is still an excellent amplifier even without its streaming functionality.

I recently found a used unit for €1,000 in my location, with a warranty valid until 2030. From what I’ve seen, this seems like a particularly good price.

• Audiolab 7000A / Cambridge Audio CXA81 Mk II / Rotel S14

These are some of the other models I’ve come across in a similar price range.

With the Audiolab and Cambridge, I could simply add a separate streamer. The Rotel S14 already has streaming functionality, so it raises some of the same long-term questions as the Evo 75.

As a relative newcomer to hi-fi, I honestly don’t know which of these would be the best match for the KEF 104/2, so I’d really appreciate some advice.

I’m also open to other alternatives in this price range.

I’ve read in many places that 40-year-old used amplifiers in this price range can offer significantly better sound quality than modern equipment at the same price. However, this would be completely new territory for me.

My main concern with a 40-year-old amplifier is reliability. How much longer can I realistically expect it to last? Do they generally require restoration or replacement of aging components? Since I don’t understand the electronics inside an amplifier and wouldn’t be able to repair one myself, buying a vintage amplifier would feel considerably riskier to me.

So, while sound quality is obviously very important, my main priority is long-term reliability and getting something I can keep for many years or even decades.

I’d also like something that allows me to connect my laptop or phone quickly and easily without having to deal with complicated setups.

What would you recommend for my KEF 104/2 and my needs?

Would you go for:

• a modern all-in-one such as the Evo 75,
• a cheaper all-in-one such as the WiiM Amp Ultra,
• a traditional integrated amplifier + separate streamer,
• or a good vintage amplifier?

And if you would choose a traditional or vintage amplifier, which models would you recommend looking for?

My budget is €1,000, and my listening room is quite small, so I don't need a huge amount of power.

Thanks in advance for your answers!

Hey everyone,

I am looking to invest in a pair of high-end active speakers and have narrowed my choices down to the RCF ART 945-A and the Yamaha DZR 315.

I am aware of the on-paper physical and technical differences: the Yamaha is a heavy 41.6kg (92 lbs) 3-way wooden cabinet, while the RCF is a lightweight 22kg (48 lbs) 2-way composite box featuring a massive 4" voice coil.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has A/B tested them or has real-world experience with either. I'm strictly looking for a head-to-head comparison on these points:

Sound Quality & Clarity: Does the 3-way design of the Yamaha provide a noticeable advantage in vocal clarity and mid-range compared to the RCF when pushed hard?

Real-World Volume & Throw: Specs aside, which speaker actually cuts through better and maintains its punch at high SPL without getting harsh?

The Weight Trade-off: Is the acoustic superiority of the Yamaha's wooden cabinet genuinely worth the physical struggle of a 42kg box, or does the RCF sound close enough to not justify the extra weight?

Thanks for any insights!

Hello! I'm a freelance writer for the Brooklyn Eagle Magazine -- currently doing a feature about the rise in and experience of listening/HiFi bars across the city. Hoping to chat with people who go to a variety of listening bars in New York for an interview either in the DMs, email, or wherever you're most comfortable. I love these places but I'm not as much of an audiophile, so I'm curious about your perspective on the listening/social experience, their broader public appreciation, and why you seek this experience out.

If you're interested, please leave a comment or send me a DM. Happy to answer any questions about the piece or verify my identity before we chat.

Thanks!

Hi all,

I’m interested in hearing some speaker recommendations for a Pioneer PL- 44F Record Player that has been serviced and has had its cartridge replaced with a new AT-3600L.

Looking for the best reasonably priced speaker recommendations if possible for either

-Powered speakers + an inexpensive MM phono preamp, or

-A receiver/amplifier with a phono input + passive speakers

All recommendations and tips are appreciated!

Hey friends, I’m looking to build out my secondary rig, and am looking for a specific Technics SU-7300K amplifier in black. I very rarely see one on eBay, often overseas with prohibitive shipping. Are there any other specific online channels/forums to track down a specific model? Any help is greatly appreciated!

Hello :)

I need your help. I am using Marantz Pm7000n and i would like to change a speakers.

I was looking Borea BR04 and Borea BR08.

I will pair them with two 8 inch active subwoofers in a room of 25 square meters. Should i go with Borea 04 or 08 ?

Any opinion about this speakers ?

Howdy! I recently got a Bang and Olufsen RX2 for my dad for his Christmas present this December and am trying to figure out the best receiver to get to go with it? I want to get him something that will allow him to get the best sound out of the RX2. Any speaker recommendations too? I just want to get him everything he needs now so that he can set it up on Christmas and not need to hunt for anything.

Both of these set ups will end costing pretty much the same. I will mainly be listening through streaming or turntable.

Which of these is the better set-up?

Newbie here. Really appreciate your help!

Hi all, just about to move from KEF Q350’s to Polk R200’s. Driven by Wiim Amp Ultra. I love electronic music primarily. Anyone any experience of the Polks? Or both. Interested in what to expect in my small 5 x 5 room.

Hi all, thank you for reading. I need help. I’m setting up a hi-fi system in my room however I’ve bought the wrong cable. I have Whafedale diamond 12.3s and I have a Yamaha A-S201 on its way but I have the wrong cable. I have the correct length of cable however the clips are wrong. These banana clips don’t seem to go all the way inside the speaker and I’m not even sure now if they’re going to fit inside the amplifier and I don’t even know what cable I need to fit inside my turntable I believe it’s a RCA 2.5mm^2 but now I’m worried that I’ve got this wrong as well could any people who are well experienced advise? I really don’t want to lose any more money on this. Thank you for any help 🙏🤞

Hey everyone,

I'm trying to finally make the jump from phone audio / small Bluetooth speakers (like a JBL Charge) to proper sound in the living room. No TV in the setup, purely for music.

A quick context: I live in an apartment with people living right below me, so I can't blast the bass, but I want clean, punchy sound that's actually fun to listen to and doesn't sound thin or boxy.

I'm currently torn between two paths and wanted to get your input:

1. WiiM Amp + two compact bookshelf speakers (e.g., Dali Spektor or Q Acoustics)
2. An All-in-One speaker like the Audio Pro C20 (or C10 MkII) — mostly because it needs to be super straightforward for my wife to use (just cast Spotify/AirPlay and go, zero friction).

My questions for you:

• How do these compare sound-wise? Do I actually need a proper stereo setup, or does a solid single-box speaker like the C20 give you just as much of that "fun" factor for everyday listening?
• Where do I get the best value for money in the €500–€600 range?
• Would love to hear your experiences if anyone was in a similar spot.

Thanks!