Hi everyone - I’m new to Roon and the whole Hi-Fi scene (not through lack of wanting to I should add) and can so far say I’m loving the Roon experience with my current set up but I’m considering an upgrade somewhere in my system - where would my money be best spent? (More of a music lover than an audiophile but I definitely appreciate good quality audio)
My current setup is:
Core - Windows laptop running the the Roon Core but I’m going to be testing a dedicated light weight Linux install on fanless PC running the Roon Server (MSI Cubi-N (Celeron N3050) with 8Gb of Ram and a 500GB SSD if you’re interested). I know this is below the i3, i5 or i7 that is recommended but it was cheap (very) and I’m going to be switching to a headless server so I hope to reduce some of the strain of the graphical interface of the core. File-wise I almost entirely stream Tidal Hi-fi files rather than have local copies.
Endpoint: Raspberry Pi3 with IQAudio DigiAmp+ connected to a pair of Q Acoustics 3020’s.
More specifically - would I be better buying better than CD quality files or changing the DAC or amp or something else entirely? Is there one limitation in my set up where a upgrade could radically improve my listening experience without costing the world? My initial thoughts were probably a dedicated amp would be best but I’m new to all this. Specific recommendations are welcome so I can target my search
If modern music plays a large part in your tastes then I’d consider looking at moving to a 2.1 configuration with an amp and subwoofer.
One speaker that might be of interest is the Elac UB5, particularly if they have released the active version.
If you were looking at new digital electronics then the Allo Piano DAC has been well received on this forum as a Pi compatible DAC. It also has a 2.1 output enabling a subwoofer to be used.
Just some ideas, others will be able to assist I’m sure. One thing audiophiles are never short of is opinions !
There’s no end of things to spend your money on as you probably know already.
Best thing you can do if possible is try at a dealer and then on home loan, or buy from somewhere that allows proper free returns if you’re not happy. And also bear in mind what other people like isn’t going to be any use to you since it’s a bit like asking someone else what shoes are most comfortable and look the best.
Another thing worth bearing in mind is more expensive isn’t always best, or won’t necessarily mean you prefer it (but of course you might).
Depending on your budget you might want to consider active speakers, or separate amp/DAC and upgraded speakers. Actives are a hotbed of development right now. Second hand is also a great way to go.
Agree with Steve’s advice - particularly trying at home and not assuming that expensive = best. I moved to active speakers 10 years ago and wouldn’t go back. You could also think about DIY with active speakers - much easier these days with the availability of DSP (e.g. miniDSP) - that way you can do room correction as well as designing your own crossover.
Yes, it’s endless. I moved to Meridian active years ago and love Trifield.
This turns Stereo into a nice surround ambient mix.
The result, I can listen all day and never get fatigued.
I had to buy pre owned for the most part but with carefull research it’s been a fun ongoing project.
The Kit I am using is so cheap now on the market and it still blows people away (including me) when they hear it.
The Explorer 2 and the current Meridian winter offer is a particular New bargain.
Interesting! I didn’t realise that active speakers were so highly rated! I assumed more people liked the flexibility of choosing their own hardware to drive the speakers. I guess manufacturers match the drive to their speakers very carefully so I suppose it makes total sense.
Unfortunately speakers are probably last on my list (they’re still fairly new, and the wife doesn’t really ‘get it’ yet), but a 2.1 setup might be possible as I do find myself preferring the slightly warmer, bassier sound as long as its not drowning out the subtle details and separation!
Regarding the kind of music I listen to, a range of indie/rock moving into folk and more rocky blues with an growing interest in some of the bands that were unfortunately slightly before my time such as Led Zeppelin, Queen (would have loved to have seen them live while Freddie was still with us!), Pink Floyd and Dire Straits - can’t get enough of an epic guitar solo when it sounds so good!
Thanks for the suggestions guys, I’ll definitely do some research and find somewhere to have a listen to some of the brands and models suggested. Feel free to keep them coming!
A pair of Meridian M60 actives will see you with amps and speakers all in.
Just add source and preamp and your done.
You get a great Warm sound and have change in your pocket.
