Please help! First Hi-fi audio system for small listening space


Hello everyone,

I'm still fairly new to the hi-fi audio world and I’m thinking of putting together my first hi-fi system. I would absolutely appreciate some inputs on the right type of gear for my listening space. I’ve done a fair amount of research, but I have no direct experience with this gear and no real way of testing it live.

Current setup and room:
- Listening/gaming room is a perfect 10 sq ft box
- Audiotechnica LP40WN turntable with stock VM95E cartridge
- Schiit Mani phono preamp
- Edifier r1700BT active speakers
- Chromecast audio + Tidal hi-fi

Here are 3 possible options of systems I'm considering, depending on how much performance I can really get out of my 10x10 room:

Option 1 - In an ideal world where I'll notice significant sonic improvement:
- Triangle BR03 speakers (I already have them, still in box)
- Schiit Vidar (currently backordered til April 21st)
- Schiit SYS (I would only be connecting turntable and CCA to the setup, so no preamp needed like the Saga)
- Schiit Loki EQ
- Schiit Modi 3+ DAC (on its way) to be paired with the CCA

In case you’re wondering, the reason why it’s all Schiit gear (pun intended) is because from what I’ve seen, it’s one of the better bang for buck brands that have a direct to consumer model and that ship to Mexico. Any other big name brands I might be able to get but for exorbitant prices given the many middlemen who need to get their cut.

Option 2 - In case the abovementioned system is overkill for my small 10x10 room:
- IOTAVX SA3 integrated amp with a 45W at 8 ohms output
- Triangle BR03 or if they are still overkill, then going for a pair of ELAC debut B6.2
- CCA, Modi 3+ and Tidal hi-fi for streaming

Option 3 - In case my room is just too small to notice any meaningful difference:
- Keep my current setup, including the Edifier active speakers
- Schiit headphone amp
- Good headphones (haven’t really looked at brands or models)
- CCA, Modi 3+ and Tidal hi-fi for streaming

Additional Context:
- My Edifier active speakers have a 18W output and I usually have them at around 70-80% volume
- I have never been exposed to a true hi-fi audio system. I have no point of comparison
- I mainly listen to jazz, and jazz-related genres, classic prog rock. No electronic music / heavier rock music
- I’m currently not considering using headphones as part of my current system, but could get into the idea

I hope you can help me with your opinions and direct experience either with this type of gear and space constraints. I’m trying to find the best balance between the pricetag and the performance I’ll be able to squeeze out of the equipment.

Thank you all very much in advance.

Best regards,
128x128tarkus1984

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

Get a RAAL SR1a headphones with the RAAL HSA-1b headphone amp and then the room is no longer an obstacle to good sound. You get 2 inputs RCA and XLR with the HSA-1b. I have the SR1a and I like it as much as my Thiel CS3.7 floor standers (which I will never get rid of). I do not use the HSA-1b but have had it in the house for a few weeks so I know it is great with the RAAL. I use 2 channel amps for the SR1a.

The RAAL do not sound like headphones but 2 channel speakers. 
True Ribbon Headphones & Amplifiers | RAAL-requisite

BTW - my room is small and I have the Thiel in there but that required a lot of acoustic work and outside expertise to make it sound great. If you are listening alone the RAAL is an incredible choice for your 10 x 10 room.

Stereophile will have a review of the RAAL SR1a and HSA-1b soon. I am sure saying how great it is, like I am saying.