Budget Audiophile Stereo System With Paradigm Atom Monitors

This is an updated version of my previous video. Here is the equipment breakdown:

Mains: Paradigm Atom Monitors v.5
Subwoofer: HSU Research STF-1
Receiver: Denon DRA-397
Turntable: Technics SLBD20D
Cartridge: Grado Prestige Black
Speaker Wire:TARA Labs
RCA Cable: Audioquest G-Snake
Artist: Steely Dan
Album: Greatest Hits
Song: Reeling In The Years

The reason I am posting this video is obviously not for you to hear how good the system sounds, but rather to help those on a limited budget by showing what I have decided upon after much research.
I know there are many avenues to take with inexpensive audiophile systems, this is just one route. Discussion is encouraged!



A few more pieces of info: My sound card on the computer is an Audiotrak Prodigy HD2 with the upgraded operational amplifiers.

Always use either MAD or mpg123 mp3 decoders if you must play lossy digital files.

Also, always bypass the windows kmixer as doing so will add definition to your music.

There is no substitute for the tonal color that vinyl has to offer.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Paradigm
• Atom
• Monitor
• Speakers
• Stereo
• Audiophile
• HSU
• Research
• Music
• Steely
• Budget
• Vinyl
• Denon
• Sound
• Technics
• Turntable

[85Silvana85]

No tubes

No silver wires

No spikes..

You're NOT AN audiophile !!

[weezecup08]

I was in high school when I took this video. I purchased the system slowly while making car, insurance, and cellular phone payments. It is a starting point for a burgeoning audiophile on a budget.

Audio = "I hear"; Philos = "loving"

One who thoroughly enjoys, has interest in, and pursues the hobby of listening to music of their choice with as little compromise as is possible for their budget is an audiophile.

[bassturd666]

I've heard HSU subs rock. Is it true?

[weezecup08]

I have been thoroughly impressed with my HSU sub. It is the tightest and most accurate sub I have heard at its price point. It compliments my monitors quite well, stays nice and subtle, but when the signal requests, it has the ability to make you feel the notes as well.

[TheMovieEditor]

Look into SVS subs as well. Specially there ultra sub line.

[weezecup08]

Agreed.

[seemac70]

No tubes, you're not an audiophile?

What a load of valves, pal.

Go ahead and blow your cash on fancy speaker cord. It's a waste of money.

Faithful reproduction and enjoyment of music is my goal, and of course, dropping big bucks can help accomplish that in some ways.

But. A lot of audiophiles are snobbish dicks who sit around talking about equipment, not music.

[bcdhifi]

@edeyboyz Not magnets the cr tube produces a magnetic field when charged.

[bcdhifi]

@PEYIAKID I know what you can ask for, a copy of Aja on vinyl by Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs!

[bcdhifi]

@pitoloco You are the ignorant one, first turntable placement can be difficult and their is a sweet spot near speakers that have a low decibel level it is like a pocket. If you have a sound meter you can measure it. Steely Dan has a reputation for high quality sound recording which makes for good listening. HSU has a good reputation in the sub field.

[bcdhifi]

@RetroPCDOS You are right, I grew up listening to tubes and solid-state devices and solid-state has come a long way in sound quality. The first SS amps on the market were a disaster in sound reproduction. I live with both tubes and SS amps and love them both.

[bcdhifi]

@weezecup08 Is it possible he(85Sivana85) was being sarcastic? and if not he is a schmuck.

[SuperRegisteredUser]

@85Silvana85 Don't don't actually hear a difference, just imagine you hear a difference. If you do think you can hear a difference then you can win one million dollars in Randys contest if you can prove you can hear a difference in a blind test.

[85Silvana85]

@SuperRegisteredUser Why ? Because it's expansive ? I just like to listen to the beautifull FILTERED en with no sound like this through it : GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG

dust and electricity. In holland it's bad, but the electricity in america is even worse..

So by the filters and the wires and listen to real music.

THIS IS MY OPINION, AND I LIVE IN A FREE COUNTRY SO ... NOW LEAVE ME ALONE!!!

[RetroPCDOS]

@85Silvana85

As tubes go, it's really personal preference, as they do color the sound a bit, so you are not hearing the music the way it was recorded. Some actually prefer it that way, as to not hear all the not to hear all the flaws in the track.. I actually prefer a good quailty solid state amplifier, over a tube amplifier, as sounds more neutral and closer to the source, everyone different. I more for the music, some audiophiles are in it for mostly bragging rights and not the music

[themasterofmovies]

@85Silvana85 there are 2 kinds of audiophiles, those who try to get as close as the live performance as they can, and those who try to get closest to the sound they like best. Sometimes, audiophiles need to go on a BUDGET! As with me, i'm an audiophile in high school, all my equipment is consumer level, but the way i have it set up rivals the sound of many systems costing thousands of dollars. Also, as far as tubes go, it's a musical preference. i would explain, but youtube wont let me.