2. misc-audio
  3. 165701-160081

Please help! First Hi-fi audio system for small listening space

Hello everyone,

I'm still fairly new to the hi-fi audio world and I’m thinking of putting together my first hi-fi system. I would absolutely appreciate some inputs on the right type of gear for my listening space. I’ve done a fair amount of research, but I have no direct experience with this gear and no real way of testing it live.

Current setup and room:
- Listening/gaming room is a perfect 10 sq ft box
- Audiotechnica LP40WN turntable with stock VM95E cartridge
- Schiit Mani phono preamp
- Edifier r1700BT active speakers
- Chromecast audio + Tidal hi-fi

Here are 3 possible options of systems I'm considering, depending on how much performance I can really get out of my 10x10 room:

Option 1 - In an ideal world where I'll notice significant sonic improvement:
- Triangle BR03 speakers (I already have them, still in box)
- Schiit Vidar (currently backordered til April 21st)
- Schiit SYS (I would only be connecting turntable and CCA to the setup, so no preamp needed like the Saga)
- Schiit Loki EQ
- Schiit Modi 3+ DAC (on its way) to be paired with the CCA

In case you’re wondering, the reason why it’s all Schiit gear (pun intended) is because from what I’ve seen, it’s one of the better bang for buck brands that have a direct to consumer model and that ship to Mexico. Any other big name brands I might be able to get but for exorbitant prices given the many middlemen who need to get their cut.

Option 2 - In case the abovementioned system is overkill for my small 10x10 room:
- IOTAVX SA3 integrated amp with a 45W at 8 ohms output
- Triangle BR03 or if they are still overkill, then going for a pair of ELAC debut B6.2
- CCA, Modi 3+ and Tidal hi-fi for streaming

Option 3 - In case my room is just too small to notice any meaningful difference:
- Keep my current setup, including the Edifier active speakers
- Schiit headphone amp
- Good headphones (haven’t really looked at brands or models)
- CCA, Modi 3+ and Tidal hi-fi for streaming

Additional Context:
- My Edifier active speakers have a 18W output and I usually have them at around 70-80% volume
- I have never been exposed to a true hi-fi audio system. I have no point of comparison
- I mainly listen to jazz, and jazz-related genres, classic prog rock. No electronic music / heavier rock music
- I’m currently not considering using headphones as part of my current system, but could get into the idea

I hope you can help me with your opinions and direct experience either with this type of gear and space constraints. I’m trying to find the best balance between the pricetag and the performance I’ll be able to squeeze out of the equipment.

Thank you all very much in advance.

Best regards,
tarkus1984

Showing 3 responses by tarkus1984

tarkus1984's avatar
tarkus1984 OP
9 posts
 
Thanks tomic! I have a 55 inch screen on the same wall where the speakers are located. I’ve read online that covering it with a thick piece of cloth could help. Would you recommend anything different?

I also need to buy volcanic sand from our local home depot to fill the new speakers stands I bought for the triangles. When I flick the switch to turn on my active speakers the stands ring like crazy.

I will definitely check GIKs site out, thanks for the suggestion!
tarkus1984's avatar
tarkus1984 OP
9 posts
 
Thank you everyone for your suggestions! I really appreciate you taking the time to help me out. 

@yyzsantabarbara , those headphones look quite impressive but I'm afraid they're way out of my budget at the moment. Thank you!

@artemus_5 Thanks! For the time being I'll be using a Chromecast audio and pair it with the Schiit DAC for streaming. I will certainly look for a more premium type of unit, like the Bluesound you recommended, in the future. As for your suggestion to go with an integrated amp, I was leaning that way too but yesterday I found quite a few reports of bad experiences with the Iotavx brand, especially when it comes to post-sale service and some QC issues. I think I may play it safe and go with Schiit even if it costs a bit more. 

@jdoris I've seen some opinions and reviews online saying that the Triangles can be placed near to walls without issue, but as you say it will be a matter of trial and error. I place my current speakers (which are also fron ported) at least 1 foot from the wall and I get a bit of boominess from the room accoustics but it doesnt sound bad. If I place them in a more nearfield listening arrangement, the boominess goes but I feel the sound loses a lot of body. I'll be playing around with the Triangles to see what they can do. Thank you!

@djones5 Thanks for your suggestion on nearfield monitors. This is something I hadn't considered. Given that they are monitors, I assume they are super neutral. Would you say that is the case for the Genelcs you suggested?

@dougsat Thank you! I started getting into this world about a year ago when the world had to spend a LOT of more time indoors. I've learned quite a bit from forums like this one and Steve Hoffman, audiosciencereview and youtube reviews. The only downside is that because I live in Mexico I don't really have a chance of testing equipment that easy and even if the brand has a good return policy, often times the international shipping is on the buyer. I bought the Triangle speakers from Amazon US so I still have about 3 weeks to return them. The bad thing is that the Schiit power amp I ordered will start shipping around April 21st, so I doubt I will have a chance to test the speakers before the return window closes. 
tarkus1984's avatar
tarkus1984 OP
9 posts
 
@dougsat I'm absolutely with you there! I want to avoid the neverending money pit that the hifi hobby can turn into! My wife is ok with me making this "investment" now that we're only beginning to save for our future permanent house in a few years so better make it count! 

What you and @slaw mention is something I haven't really though much of. I've also done some research on room treatments but don't really know where to begin. Is there some way to have a general idea or a rule of thumb of what I would need? diffusors, bass traps, how many of them and where? 

Thanks!
More to discover