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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
tarkus1984's avatar
tarkus1984 OP
9 posts
 
@dougsat I'm absolutely with you there! I want to avoid the neverending money pit that the hifi hobby can turn into! My wife is ok with me making this "investment" now that we're only beginning to save for our future permanent house in a few years so better make it count! 

What you and @slaw mention is something I haven't really though much of. I've also done some research on room treatments but don't really know where to begin. Is there some way to have a general idea or a rule of thumb of what I would need? diffusors, bass traps, how many of them and where? 

Thanks!
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,754 posts
 
The LS3/5a was designed as a control room monitor and excells in small spaces. However run the triangles w Schitt and get a few acoustic panels. How big is the gaming screen aka reflector ?????
tomic601's avatar
tomic601
12,754 posts
 
GIK has a room analysis tool online that will make tiered recommendations, don’t go crazy... start with a few first reflection point absorbers and ceiling if you can.. and a screen treatment 
tarkus1984's avatar
tarkus1984 OP
9 posts
 
Thanks tomic! I have a 55 inch screen on the same wall where the speakers are located. I’ve read online that covering it with a thick piece of cloth could help. Would you recommend anything different?

I also need to buy volcanic sand from our local home depot to fill the new speakers stands I bought for the triangles. When I flick the switch to turn on my active speakers the stands ring like crazy.

I will definitely check GIKs site out, thanks for the suggestion!
zazouswing
138 posts
 
I also have (several) small rooms to contend with. Sounds like you’re on a good path. Room treatment, to the extent space allows, will be important. Also, avoid equal distances between speakers and boundaries where frequencies may start getting cancelled out. Consider getting a microphone to do some testing. That helped me quickly narrow down speaker location. Final location to be done by listening. Consider working the room at an angle. My systems are largely tube, low power - so I can’t comment on the electronics. I would say my issues have always been getting decent soundstage (not enough space behind the speakers) or pressure. Pressure is hard to generate at low volumes, which nearfield listening usually lives. I find large speakers are better to generate pressure at low volumes - so a sub may be a good add.  A loudness button would probably also do the trick, but that’s not as fun. I started with Audioengine, went through some Dali’s, and ended with  F-15 open baffle full range drivers - with another 15” woofer.
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