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Question: What are some of your best pieces of advise to someone new to the hobby?

I have a friend who is interested in putting together a system and am putting together a little guide for him, compiling information I’ve found over the years, plus some of my own personal tips and tricks. However, I am by no means the end-all-be-all of knowledge and want to incorporate information, tips, and tricks from the community - however basic they may seem - into a nice reference resource.

Without specifically naming any pieces of gear or brands (this isn’t a product recommendation question), what are some of the biggest tips, tricks, important pieces of info to keep in mind, caveats, etc. that you would have for someone new?

*side note - hopefully this post can also serve as a nice reference point for people in the future, as well!

128x128mmcgill829
garebear
1,146 posts
 

.......maybe to first learn the difference between ; advice and advise. In which you could actually do both here with your friend in order to help them build their system. Good luck and have fun doing it.   

vthokie83
853 posts
 

OP,

You didn't mention a price range, that could certainly define any recommendations in the upgrade path. If the budget is $4,000, then a $2,000 DAC wouldn't be a good choice.

strawj's avatar
strawj
74 posts
 

Stream it and Let It Be (Self Powered)

johnto
1,023 posts
 

Listen, listen, listen go to friends homes to hear their systems, bring records or CDs you are familiar with. I would buy gently used as your dollar goes twice as far. Bring a note book so you remember what and why you like certain equipment. Enjoy yourself.

 

moonwatcher
446 posts
 

To spend what they are comfortable with but make sure they know that other than us audio-fools they can likely get 10 years out of their investment in listening - if they are careful to put together a system that isn’t strident sounding.

Take any recommendations with a huge grain of salt because 90% of people will parrot what they bought to justify to their ego that THEY made the right choice.

Measure their room. Despite what Paul Mcgowan said in a recent YouTube video, you can buy "too much" speaker for your room. If your room is 8’ x 10’ you don’t want LaScalas. Keep in mind that most speakers sound and image their best if pulled at least 18" from the wall if not more.

Go to a bricks and mortar store even if it requires a day (or two) trip to hear and compare speakers, amps, preamps, DACs, turntables (cartridges) and get a feeling for what trips their trigger. Do this BEFORE buying anything. You can read all the reviews you want and watch endless YouTube videos and ask people on this forum all the questions you want, but at the end of the day, hear something with your own ears.

No matter what, speakers should be your first priority. Some say source, but if the speakers can’t deliver, the source won’t matter. I’d say budget roughly 1/3rd of your total budget on them.

Buying great speakers that will scale with "eventual" better electronics is easier than vice versa.

Buy price commensurate items. As @vthokie83 said, if your system is in the $10K range, it would make little sense to buy a Mola Mola DAC to run through some ELAC DBR bookshelf speakers powered by a "cheap" ChiFi Class-D amp.

Most of all remember this is a hobby. It is supposed to be something that brings you joy and moves your soul. It isn’t supposed to stress you out. Have fun.

Oh, and keep in mind that you are human and will sometimes make a mistake. Don't let it kill your interest or joy in audio and music. Keep on keeping on. 

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