The history of Hi-Fi is a varied one – the aim in the beginning was simple: to reproduce any given source with realism and at the highest possible level of fidelity. Where once Hi-fi was cumbersome and technical – as technology got smaller so did unit size, this posses some problems however: speakers for example need to be an adequate size to move enough air to convey realism and weight, amplifiers need large power transformers in order to be of an adequate quality. It seems that the masses became satisfied with substandard equipment more than likely due to its abundant availability, price and size. This said we know people out there just like us who want something more and this is available to everyone who want to enjoy music as music, to sound like music and this is they key ingredient – being an audiophile is all well and good, I enjoy lifting my cables of the floor as much as the next person but my key aim is musical enjoyment: the soundscape should be natural and move me emotionally – I need to feel a connection with the music, this is nigh on impossible with substandard kit, or phone speakers for example – I am not saying you need to break the bank but with careful thought and system matching your relationship with music can be taken to a whole new level.
Benefits Of A Good System!
As afore mentioned a good system or source can augment your enjoyment of music, this is not just true of dedicated 2 channel systems, those interested in AV or looking for a simple radio for the bedroom or kitchen can gain improvements, headphone users for example: this is one of the most personal music experiences, using a good quality headphone can elevate this experience to something really quite special – I remember one personal experience onboard a train coming through the heart of industrial Birmingham (under spaghetti junction to be exact) I had my trusty Sennheiser Momentum with me and was listening to Debussy Clair De Lune – the stark industrial complexity of industrial Birmingham, graffitied and concrete was beautifully softened by Clair De Lune’s striking simplicity in the opening bars – it makes a blue sky bluer and takes you somewhere beautiful, somewhere different – this is the magical element of music, in my opinion!
Scientific research has suggested a link between music, health and well-being, I imagine there are arguments for and against this – I am not going to question, I personally believe in this and I know some of my customers would agree with me as well! We at Audio Affair have music on all day while working, we find it allows us to work to a higher potential and keeps focus – music dependant though of course!
Take Pride
Another benefit of owning a good system – is pride of ownership! Having a “proper” Hi-Fi can be the focal point in the home – a midi system just does not do justice! Traditionally (think 70’s) Hi-Fi was functional and not a great deal of attention was paid to aesthetics with of course some acceptations. Today’s Hi-Fi is designed to not only perform to a higher standard but look fantastic as well – this can be seen in the Naim Uniti range.
It’s Easier Than You Think!
Setting up a system can seem like a daunting process but let me assure you with a little planning and some assistance (a member of our team is here to help you, if required) it is a doddle! Absolute essentials are speaker cables and interconnect cables – there are a wide variety of these on the market and we cherry pick the best so you don’t have to, we can suggest the appropriate cables for any system you are setting up: 2 channel, 5.1, 7.2. As for sources we see increasingly our customers wanting to get the best from computer based music – PC soundcards are usually pretty useless at doing this with audiophile sound quality – this is where a DAC via a high quality USB cable would come into play! For example the Audiolab M-DAC and Chord USB Silver Plus is a pretty fearsome combination. We also offer more traditional sources such as CD players, turntables and right up to date offerings such as NAS drives.
Starter Systems
For those new to Hi-Fi, these are some great starter systems:
System One
An entry level system for the beginner, offering high quality components and a guaranteed audiophile sound on a budget, total RRP for this package is £645.00 – proof that you do not need to break the bank to get great sound! Comprising of:
Yamaha A-S300 Integrated Amplifier
Q Acoustics 2020i Speakers (Pair)
Apollo A2 Speaker Stands (Pair)
Chord Sarsen Speaker Cable – Per Metre
Musical Fidelity VDAC 2 DAC
TCI ASP RCA Interconnects
System Two
We will look at another beginner/intermediate system but at a slightly higher budget, form this higher budget the benefits will include greater dynamics, clarity and frequency response:
Total cost for the package: £2020.00 – Not cheap but when you think of the years of potential enjoyment and the fact we offer such a wide range of payment options: this may make the “big” decision seems somewhat less daunting! Comprising of:
Audiolab 8200A Integrated Amplifier
Audiolab M-DAC DAC
KEF Q500 Speakers (Pair) Cherry
Chord Odyssey 2 Speaker Cable – Per Metre
Chord Cobra VEE 3 RCA Interconnects
System suggestions
For those of you already enjoying two channel or wanting to get the very best sound, these are some of the best sounding systems we’re enjoying currently. There are lots of other options but if you want a good recommendation without too much fuss, these are winners:
The famous M-DAC with a super quality USB from the Chord Company, undeniably one of the best DAC/cable combinations out there!
Audiolab M-DAC DAC
Chord USB Silver Plus Cable
Naim Uniti Lite All-In-One System
Dali Mentor Menuet Speakers
The Naim Uniti lite and Dali Mentor Menuets! I have probably mentioned this before, what can I say – it is that good! Amplifier, CD player, streamer and Internet radio – is there anything else you could ask for – don’t all shout turntable, we have wide range available.
Conclusion
With a little forethought and going to the correct retailer (Audio Affair of course!) a great system can be obtained – one which allow you to acquire and build a better connection to your music: which in honesty is the reason why we have this hobby! The suggestion of music offering a positive impact on aspects of your life is one we at Audio Affair completely support – music takes us somewhere else it can elevate, it can bring you up, down, it offers a solution for your every mood or fancy – why not give it the justice it deserves with a quality system!