I have a wonderful 25 year old daughter who has finished college and grad school and is working in her first professional job (CPA). She appreciates music as much as I do (12 years of piano and band). She enjoys my setup and enthusiastically tells her friends (the few who are interested) about it. She has never had a stereo of her own and she's on a pretty tight budget. Like most young folks, she streams with earphones on the go, and listens through smart speakers at home. Bach's Cello Suites by YoYo Ma are her most played tracks –– because it's soothing and she can listen while working without being too distracted. But she likes a variety across many genres.
She deserves something nice for Christmas this year, and I believe it would be meaningful, in a way that may only be fully appreciated by a father and a daughter who connect through music, if I build her a decent hifi setup as my gift. I have built two amps from kits, and pretty much rebuilt my speakers, so I'm fairly confident with assembly and soldering and so forth. Here's what I'm thinking...
1. A good pair of bookshef/stand speakers from a kit with flatpack enclosure, probably two way. Decent bass response as I don't intend to do a sub right now. I'm not too worried about efficiency since the amp will probably have >100wpc.
2. A good quality Class D amp kit like Hypex or Purifi, stereo with volume control.
3. Raspberry Pi streamer, probably with a DAC HAT that can feed straight into the amp and she can control via her phone or computer.
I want great sound, of course, but I also want stuff that is durable, not fidgety or prone to needing attention. It could get cranked up at times, so I want the speakers to be able to handle what the amp dishes out. And I want it to look good, at least the speaker cabinets (I'll veneer, stain and seal).
I haven't done much research yet, so I'd appreciate ideas on which speakers and amps would be the best choices, and a low-cost DAC either mated to the RPi or stand alone (first thought is a HAT). What kits are proven and loved. My budget is around $1500 give or take a few hundred. Thanks for your thoughts and ideas.
She deserves something nice for Christmas this year, and I believe it would be meaningful, in a way that may only be fully appreciated by a father and a daughter who connect through music, if I build her a decent hifi setup as my gift. I have built two amps from kits, and pretty much rebuilt my speakers, so I'm fairly confident with assembly and soldering and so forth. Here's what I'm thinking...
1. A good pair of bookshef/stand speakers from a kit with flatpack enclosure, probably two way. Decent bass response as I don't intend to do a sub right now. I'm not too worried about efficiency since the amp will probably have >100wpc.
2. A good quality Class D amp kit like Hypex or Purifi, stereo with volume control.
3. Raspberry Pi streamer, probably with a DAC HAT that can feed straight into the amp and she can control via her phone or computer.
I want great sound, of course, but I also want stuff that is durable, not fidgety or prone to needing attention. It could get cranked up at times, so I want the speakers to be able to handle what the amp dishes out. And I want it to look good, at least the speaker cabinets (I'll veneer, stain and seal).
I haven't done much research yet, so I'd appreciate ideas on which speakers and amps would be the best choices, and a low-cost DAC either mated to the RPi or stand alone (first thought is a HAT). What kits are proven and loved. My budget is around $1500 give or take a few hundred. Thanks for your thoughts and ideas.
Dont they have network streaming receivers these days, say from Denon or Yamaha? With that kind of power?
I think the Pi based source goes against your "durable, not fidgety or prone to needing attention" requirement. Granted mine has been pretty stable over the past year or so, but I'd think you'd want something that doesnt go south because the particular microSD card you used drops some bits along the way, "wont boot" today or whatever; I'm sure she doesnt need any of that.
She'd probably prefer smart speaker appliance operational simplicity, with good sound. Versus components connected by cables...
I think the Pi based source goes against your "durable, not fidgety or prone to needing attention" requirement. Granted mine has been pretty stable over the past year or so, but I'd think you'd want something that doesnt go south because the particular microSD card you used drops some bits along the way, "wont boot" today or whatever; I'm sure she doesnt need any of that.
She'd probably prefer smart speaker appliance operational simplicity, with good sound. Versus components connected by cables...
Last edited:
Firstly, lucky daughter to have a dad willing to gift her something special like this, but I do have a few thoughts to share.
If there’s any chance that she might be moving around a bit, you might want to consider a system with as few components as practical, and you may have over estimated the power requirements.
I could expound at great length on my though process, but I’ll summarize.
It might well be worth considering an entry to mid level integrated amp with streaming capabilities, such as Yamaha WXA 50 DS, and a knockdown kit such as several of the very well engineered offerings from Parts Express; for example, the Tritrix MTM.
I happen to not be a fan of MDF, but they certainly could make for a simple build ready or your finishing work.
All told, I think you’d be looking at well under $1000.
If there’s any chance that she might be moving around a bit, you might want to consider a system with as few components as practical, and you may have over estimated the power requirements.
I could expound at great length on my though process, but I’ll summarize.
It might well be worth considering an entry to mid level integrated amp with streaming capabilities, such as Yamaha WXA 50 DS, and a knockdown kit such as several of the very well engineered offerings from Parts Express; for example, the Tritrix MTM.
I happen to not be a fan of MDF, but they certainly could make for a simple build ready or your finishing work.
All told, I think you’d be looking at well under $1000.
Well, that counts out a lot of the stuff made today.
I'd go "vintage" with something known for having a good reputation.
Good point. I'm using a RPi and once I got it set up it hasn't been fidgety, but yea I'm sure you're right about that. Thing is though, they're almost free and that extra $5-800 could go into the speakers and amp. She's probably going to only source from Spotify via Airplay.
I have a Yamaha RN 803 stereo streaming reciever (as Joe mentions) that is perfect for this, check it out. YPAO room correction, all the big streaming services through MusicCast,internet radio, airplay,talk command through Alexa and google assistant.
Has sub out with app settings for crossover and delay, great amp section......all she could ask for in one box....just add speakers.
Has sub out with app settings for crossover and delay, great amp section......all she could ask for in one box....just add speakers.
Don’t get me wrong, as a certified boomer, I’m as big a fan of vintage gear as the next old fart, BUT it should be considered that:
Any vintage piece would offer many more features and functionality than required, and would be absent those most important to the specified use case, necessitating additional boxes and interconnect, etc;
As a repair tech, I think you’d have to admit that reliability or ease of service to vintage gear cannot be guaranteed.
edit:
Judging by the experience of raising both a son and daughter, I’m inclined to think that she could be quite satisfied with much lower SPLs than you might think, so I’ll repeat myself on the issue of power requirements.
She can always hit the clubs once it’s safe to do so again when the need arises to damage her hearing.
Last edited:
I just looked at the Yamaha WXA 50 and it does seem to fit the bill exactly, and it's only $500. I didn't see the specs though so not sure how much power it has. It's no more than one of the Class D kits, so sort of a no brainer. The Tritrix MTM speakers are only $239 currently (said on sale, 44% off). I can't imagine that the Dayton drivers and crossover parts are going to produce the sound quality I'm imagining. If you know different please say so. Of all the stuff, I'd like the speakers to be something special that she'll never want to let go of a) because they're so damn good, and b) because I made them (sort of).
So let's say the WXA 50 is a slam dunk... what speaker kit would be absolutely amazing, using high quality drivers, etc.?
I'm not nuts about MDF either, but I doubt anyone is selling solid wood kits. And if I do a great veneer job they will be fine. Supposedly MDF is less resonant, right?
Have you considered second hand speakers?
That guy says B&W 603 sound like cardboard boxes, which means he owns a well functioning pair of ears 😀
That guy says B&W 603 sound like cardboard boxes, which means he owns a well functioning pair of ears 😀
Oh no Chris, I don't agree that vintage gear is troublesome, nor hard to service.
On the contrary, after servicing thousands of customers, as well as owning "vintage" stuff, I'd certainly endorse a lot of that equipment.
And the styling of said equipment is unique as well, unlike the mundane, boring modern stuff.
Indeed, vintage equipment lacks the "modern world" appointments such as bluetooth, etc., but that can easily be added with little fuss.
I stand firmly by my views on vintage.
salparadise; IINM the Yammie’s power rating is 50per channel, which is only 3db less than the 100 you originally posited, and I think its feature set fits the use case described quite well. Whether that qualifies it as a slam dunk might be best left to the end user.
As regards to speakers, could the larger audience here at least consider that that’s a minefield of subjectivity, and while I personally have a well documented strong affection for “full-range” (wideband/single driver) systems - call them what you will - they’re definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. I pointed out the Tritrix kit as an example of an affordable competently designed and relatively compact system kit; to quote Frank Zappa - add water, makes its own sauce. There are no doubt scores of other suggestions yet to be proffered, and while all of my own builds over the past 20yrs before retiring where with Baltic birch plywood, I can understand the economics of why that material is seldom found in affordable kits.
wiseoldtech; no offence intended in my comments, but please understand that your personal opinion on the aesthetics or practicality of serviceability of classic vintage gear - of which I’ve owned scores of pieces in my close to 60yrs of audio addiction- is just that; and that the young woman in question here might be quite content with a unit that provides all the functionality required all in one box. Like it or not, Gen Z has become acclimated to high turnover rate of their various personal technological accoutrements, and there are companies whose business model is based upon their thirst for the latest new shiny thing; many would rather upgrade to the new model whatever than replace the (non user replaceable) battery.
And yes, that last point is a personal bugbear of mine.
As regards to speakers, could the larger audience here at least consider that that’s a minefield of subjectivity, and while I personally have a well documented strong affection for “full-range” (wideband/single driver) systems - call them what you will - they’re definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. I pointed out the Tritrix kit as an example of an affordable competently designed and relatively compact system kit; to quote Frank Zappa - add water, makes its own sauce. There are no doubt scores of other suggestions yet to be proffered, and while all of my own builds over the past 20yrs before retiring where with Baltic birch plywood, I can understand the economics of why that material is seldom found in affordable kits.
wiseoldtech; no offence intended in my comments, but please understand that your personal opinion on the aesthetics or practicality of serviceability of classic vintage gear - of which I’ve owned scores of pieces in my close to 60yrs of audio addiction- is just that; and that the young woman in question here might be quite content with a unit that provides all the functionality required all in one box. Like it or not, Gen Z has become acclimated to high turnover rate of their various personal technological accoutrements, and there are companies whose business model is based upon their thirst for the latest new shiny thing; many would rather upgrade to the new model whatever than replace the (non user replaceable) battery.
And yes, that last point is a personal bugbear of mine.
I suggested it to direct OP to that specific website. I assume these speakers when finished are >50lbs a piece; just might be a little heft for her when moving, but something she'll surely remember her Dad by. With the Yamaha, probably fits the budget close enough...
Everyone selling something needs a little song and dance, to arouse some interest.
I'd certainly go with a one box solution.
I haven't heard the WXA-50 but I have a WXC-50 pre which works very well even though the gain is very low for power amps with low gain (mine is 26dB) as well as low SPL speakers (84dB). There's only a small amount of music where I can't get the full volume I need.
The Yamaha R-N602 may work and I have a R-N500 which is an earlier version. The sound of the R-N500 is a bit too laid back for my tastes.
I have a Denon CEOL which works a treat and preferred it to the above R-N500. It comes with speakers which are better than expected but I swapped them out for some DIY ones (SB26STAC + NE123).
Marantz has a CR612 which I've heard but do not own.
The thing that bothers me with some of this stuff is that they are App controlled and if the App disappears you end up with a brick. I prefer ones that have a display and can be controlled as well via the front panel and/or remote. My Cambridge CXN falls into this category as well as all the above except the WX*-50 series.
I haven't heard the WXA-50 but I have a WXC-50 pre which works very well even though the gain is very low for power amps with low gain (mine is 26dB) as well as low SPL speakers (84dB). There's only a small amount of music where I can't get the full volume I need.
The Yamaha R-N602 may work and I have a R-N500 which is an earlier version. The sound of the R-N500 is a bit too laid back for my tastes.
I have a Denon CEOL which works a treat and preferred it to the above R-N500. It comes with speakers which are better than expected but I swapped them out for some DIY ones (SB26STAC + NE123).
Marantz has a CR612 which I've heard but do not own.
The thing that bothers me with some of this stuff is that they are App controlled and if the App disappears you end up with a brick. I prefer ones that have a display and can be controlled as well via the front panel and/or remote. My Cambridge CXN falls into this category as well as all the above except the WX*-50 series.
Rabbitz, I think the first part of your above post reinforces the position I’ve long taken that application / end use case should be the foundation upon which any system building decisions should be made.
To a generation raised on “smart devices” and who’ve been the butt of some lighthearted fun when asked to use a rotary dial phone, etc, an all App based system is not necessarily an impediment. My son is now in his late 30s, and while he did jump on the vinyl resurgence bandwagon a few years ago, his primary home listening as well as the background music at at least one of the 4 brunch restaurants he’s involved with is all Sonus. I gotta admit the convenience and flexibility of such lifestyle based systems is very appealing, but he still doesn’t get it when I don’t lavish the sound quality with effusive praise.
The Denon CEOL looks to share a lot of features with the Marantz MCR 610 I’ve had for a few years now in small living room system. Great little gadget, but how many 25yr olds even have CDs these days? Feeling old yet?
To a generation raised on “smart devices” and who’ve been the butt of some lighthearted fun when asked to use a rotary dial phone, etc, an all App based system is not necessarily an impediment. My son is now in his late 30s, and while he did jump on the vinyl resurgence bandwagon a few years ago, his primary home listening as well as the background music at at least one of the 4 brunch restaurants he’s involved with is all Sonus. I gotta admit the convenience and flexibility of such lifestyle based systems is very appealing, but he still doesn’t get it when I don’t lavish the sound quality with effusive praise.
The Denon CEOL looks to share a lot of features with the Marantz MCR 610 I’ve had for a few years now in small living room system. Great little gadget, but how many 25yr olds even have CDs these days? Feeling old yet?
Last edited:
Member
Joined 2009
Paid Member
I too think the idea of a quality all in one box is best because it gives access to her current music sources and likely with a control method she’ll be familiar with.
Speaker enclosures require care and attention, you can style them and finish them in a unique way if desired, so could be a nice way to make the gift more personal. Something like a speaker is something where the results of your efforts are seen and heard and in my opinion will have a (very much) longer lasting impact than any electronics you put inside a box. I’m not familiar with all the options, but I would trust anything from Troels Graveson. His kits may exceed your budget but he has some designs where the crossover details are available free so you can source your own parts locally. I would start here:
DIY Loudspeaker Projects Troels Gravesen
maybe this one (v2 crossover design free, v3 design not free)
18W-8434G00
Another way to personalize the electronics would be to make a nice wooden platform for the amp/receiver to sit on, using a nicely finished piece of local hardwood. Add your own signature and a date by carving it in. It may sound trivial but I think these are the touches that make a difference and if you size it large enough it can still serve use if the electronics are updated in some years later.
Speaker enclosures require care and attention, you can style them and finish them in a unique way if desired, so could be a nice way to make the gift more personal. Something like a speaker is something where the results of your efforts are seen and heard and in my opinion will have a (very much) longer lasting impact than any electronics you put inside a box. I’m not familiar with all the options, but I would trust anything from Troels Graveson. His kits may exceed your budget but he has some designs where the crossover details are available free so you can source your own parts locally. I would start here:
DIY Loudspeaker Projects Troels Gravesen
maybe this one (v2 crossover design free, v3 design not free)
18W-8434G00
Another way to personalize the electronics would be to make a nice wooden platform for the amp/receiver to sit on, using a nicely finished piece of local hardwood. Add your own signature and a date by carving it in. It may sound trivial but I think these are the touches that make a difference and if you size it large enough it can still serve use if the electronics are updated in some years later.
Attachments
Last edited:
Joe, Bob offers some great sounding designs on his site for either full range or multi-way fans, but size / portability might be a factor?
Maybe he’d consider expanding his range of models to include compact bookshelf 2-ways.
Maybe he’d consider expanding his range of models to include compact bookshelf 2-ways.
Last edited:
They're more likely to have a turntable and records, which makes me feel slightly less old.😉
jeff