How to choose a hi-fi stereo system for your home. HI-FI - theory and practice Budget hi-fi for home

Is there a gradation of HI FI equipment in terms of sound quality? The world government is hiding this data, leaving audiophiles all over the world in bewilderment. Technique can be divided into price categories, but even there there is noticeable chaos and confusion. Equipment costing 2 - 6 thousand euros can sound at a similar level despite a two or even three-fold difference in price. Apparently, the price only reflects the costs of the manufacturer for the creation of equipment, plus the interest of the merchant, and the sound level issued by the equipment belongs to the area of ​​perception of an audiophile within his knowledge of the subject. So how do you determine which HI FI level technique you need to look for in order to find audiophile happiness? And where is written the belonging of technology to one or another level? Nowhere. Gradually climbing the audiophile steps, I developed my own understanding of the levels of HI FI. The picture is not complete. So far I've managed to get to the high HI FI level by touching the beginner and intermediate levels. Next comes the highest level and then the reference level. Considering the technique I listened to, I understand that my little blog is just a touch on the tip of the iceberg called High Confidence. Thousands of models of technique, dozens of sound philosophies and thousands of opinions. Where is the truth? Where are the borders? There are no borders. Truth is different for every audiophile. All the rest are wrong.

Entry level HI-FI.

Entry-level music has volume, a scene. Usually it is not very deep 50 - 70 centimeters and is located in an arc between the columns. Vocals are located in the center. In some cases, you can hear the localization in space of two or three musicians. When compared with the sound of a music center or computer speakers, one gets the impression of a blanket removed from the acoustics or cotton wool taken out of the ears. Everyone has different associations. The price of new entry-level components in the store is 150 - 350 or more euros per unit. To assemble a minimal system, you will need: a player, an amplifier, speakers, wires. Total approximately: 500 - 1100 and more euros. Just do not think that paying 1100 euros you will get a sound twice as good as for 500 euros from, for example, micro system components. The difference will be barely audible, but whether it is critical for you - decide for yourself.

Many entry-level components produce "air", a sort of fluffy noise at the top that mimics volume. Beware of such components, this is an artificial increase in frequency zones for more successful sales. This sound can be annoying.
An example of entry-level Haifai, used for cheap:
Music center as an amplifier, Grundig Cirflexx 4100 (20 eur);
Speakers Denon SC (70 eur) or Canton GLE (will cost about 100 - 150 euros);
As a source, an iPhone will do.

Average level of HI-FI.

The scene is getting bigger. It deepens to about one and a half meters. It is possible to hear the localization of the five musicians. The images sometimes appear three-dimensional. The sound can be silky, sweet, juicy, cold, or have some other color or taste. There are also neutral specimens. It becomes possible to divide music by ear into parts of individual instruments, but sometimes instruments are pushed into the background.

It is logical that the price starts from 350 euros per component, but the figure is closer to me from 500 to about 1500 euros. A mid-level kit will cost you between 1550 euros and around 5000 euros. But do not mistakenly assume that by spending 5000 you will get three times more quality than for 1550 euros. The difference is only in the head and it is vanishingly small. You will hear all of the above for 1550 and 5000 euros.
An example of an average Haifai, used for cheap:
Amplifier Sony TA-F530 - 590ES (150 - 250 eur)
Speakers Canton Ergo 80 - 702 (200 - 400 eur)
Source, new DAC Saber 9018 (200 eur on ebay) plus computer or android device.

High level of HI-FI.

The depth of the stage is about two meters. Reproducible overtones and reflections create an impressive volume, transferring the listener to the performer or the performer to the listener. This is considered detail. The apparent depth of space can reach an impressive five meters. The division of instruments into parties is free. Complex bass parts are heard clearly without mixing with each other. The depth of the scene is zoned in depth, layers appear. Musicians are three-dimensional. The color can be different: soft, warm, light, dark, neutral and even academic (how to understand this? I don’t know). The sound does not tire, it draws you in like a whirlpool. This is where audiophilia begins with its characteristic symptoms: silver-plated wires, gold terminals, acoustic silicone, acoustic space-correcting stones, and other things that are unprovable but clearly audible and always very expensive.
Having reached the high level of Haifai, it makes sense to think about the acoustic treatment of the room. Some naively believe that by purchasing cheap Chinese "acoustic" foam rubber and sticking it on the walls, they closed the issue. With the same success, you can stick washcloths for washing dishes on the walls, and what will be beautiful ...

The price for high HI FI level components starts at about 1500 euros per component and can reach, well, I don’t even know, point your finger at the sky - 5000 euros per component. This is a very expensive technique. The minimum set will cost from 5,000 to 16,000 euros. What is the difference between expensive and cheap? Just go to the store and listen.

An example of high-level Haifai, used for cheap:
Amplifier Denon POA2200 - 2800 (300 - 800 eur)
Speakers Infinity Kappa 6.2i ~ (600 eur)
Source new player FiiO X7 (700 eur)

I repeat once again: there are no clear boundaries and criteria. Everything written is subjective and has exceptions.

About ten years ago it seemed that the era of conventional (non-professional) players was approaching its end. In a world where an advanced smartphone or tablet can easily replace a computer, people are willing to listen to music on phones or on a player with an operating system (ipod touch).

Alas, due to the design features, even in a smartphone it is impossible to install components that will allow you to get really good sound quality. The device will turn out to be too thick and very expensive, and simply will not be in demand.

Therefore, if you want to enjoy music, and not just listen, then these very outdated classic players will come to the rescue. Which can do little, only play music. But they play really well.

This article will review one really good player. There will also be a firmware so coveted by many RockBox.

So what is this budget Hi-Fi? Let's go to the review

First, let's look at the specifications

  • Housing: metal
  • Colour: black or gray
  • Screen: LCD IPS 167 million colors
  • Protective glass: tempered glass panel
  • DAC Chip: Wolfson WM8740
  • Filter: Ad823 (jfet Amplifier)
  • Amplifier: Max9722 Formats: 24Bit / 192KHz
  • Software support (balance / power / line output): Yes
  • Connector 3.5mm combined A Soft mode / line output
  • Connector 3.5mm B elegant pattern
  • microUSB
  • MicroSD up to 128GB
  • Reset button
  • Output power: 120mw+120mw/32ohm
  • Player output: 3.6v
  • Signal to noise ratio: ≥ 103 dB (A weighting)
  • Channel unbalance: ≤ 0.5dB (1KHz)
  • Channel separation: ≥ 92dB (1KHz)
  • Frequency response: 20Hz ~ 20KHz (+0/-2.5dB)
  • Total harmonic distortion plus noise: ≤ 0.006% (1KHz)
  • Working time: about 12-14 hours
  • Audio Format Support: WAV(8-192k) APE(8-48k) FLAC(8-48k)ALAC OGG MP3(8-320k) WMA(8-48k)
  • Memory: built-in 8GB + memory card up to 128GB
  • Battery: Li-ion
  • Dimensions: 108 x 59 x 12 mm.
  • Weight with packaging: 315 gr.

As you can see, it's pretty serious.


Box and equipment

The player comes in a rather unremarkable recycled cardboard box.
On it you can see the basic information about the device, which is located on the back of the box.



The kit includes


- Player
- Sync cable
- Leather case in the style of "pocket"
- Silicone case-bumper
- 16GB SanDisk memory card
- Two protective films
- Various kinds of papers

As you can see, the equipment is quite rich. For example, in the box with the Xduoo players that I had and have, the manufacturer put only the cable.

A little more about the kit

From a leather (most likely leatherette) and silicone case, I opted for silicone. He looks easier. But I found it more practical and convenient.

The complete cable gives a current of 1.75A

There are two identical protective films in the box. One of which I have already managed to spoil, due to hand-to-hand. So glued that on the screen stuck not a protective matte film, but a film that protects the protective film :) Yes, and she lay down with bubbles.





The manufacturer was not too lazy to put a 16GB flash drive in the kit. A trifle, but nice.
The speed is not great. Works good. When playing stuttering or braking is not noticed.

Design and construction

The case is metal, entirely made of aluminum. The front panel is glass.
Build quality is excellent. There is not even a hint of backlash or scripts.
The design is great too. The subject looks stylish, just nice to hold in your hand.

The right and lower ends of the case are empty.

On the left side there is a micro SD card slot and a hidden RESET edge.

The top has a power button, a micro USB port, and two 3.5mm audio jacks.

Why do you need two connectors. Well, for example, you can connect a pair of headphones, and listen to music together.
But the main purpose of such a solution is that we can get a different sound.
The first 3.5 mm jack (zero resistance) produces a dark sound. It is also combined with a linear output. Line Out can be enabled in the player settings.
The second 3.5 mm jack (10 ohm impedance) produces a bright sound.
I really liked the idea of ​​having two headphone outputs with different sound. This is my first player with this feature. And this "feature" is really useful. The player is compatible with most headphones. If you have bright headphones, you can connect them to the DARK jack. And thereby avoid excessive harshness, while obtaining a pleasant sound. If the headphones are dark, they can be connected as DARK or BRIGHT if desired, depending on genre preferences.
There are also two screws on the top end. They must be unscrewed if you want to remove the cover.

I tried to take it off. But it didn't. It looks like someone is holding something from inside. There is either some kind of glue or double-sided tape.
Below you can see a photo (from the network) of the filling

The front of the case is covered with a glass panel.
At the top there is a colorful IPS screen with a diagonal of 6 cm
At the bottom are six touch buttons.

Buttons perform such functions (first column, second and third)
First: "play / pause", "confirmation", long press call up the "playback menu".
Second: "menu", "back", long press "lock".
Third: "before the song", "up".
Fourth: "trace song", "down".
Fifth: "increasing the volume."
Sixth: "Volume Down".


Player menu

Main menu

- Return to playback.
- All music (there you can select a folder with music on a flash drive or in internal memory

Playback menu

- Repeat mode
- Sound (random or in order)
- PlayFx (software sound enhancer)
- Equalizer (no manual settings)
- Wallpaper selection


Sound

Sound tested with headphones

- Dunu Titan 3
- Ostry kc06a
- DIY PK 1

Tracks from this collection were selected for listening.
http://forum.doctorhead.ru/index.php?showtopic=2944

The player's sound delivery is quite neutral.

The player was tested when headphones were connected to the first audio output. It gives out a sound more "correct", equal. On the second audio output, the sound is more flavorful. It is not very suitable for armatures or bright dynamic radiators.


LF

In the subject there is no such amplification of the bass as some hifiman. But you definitely won’t notice the lack of bass like the Fiio X1. Low frequencies exactly as much as it should be. Although if people who like hypertrophied bass. Then you have to choose the appropriate headphones.


MF

Probably the strongest side in the sound of ihifi 770c.
Nothing much to add.


HF

Well detailed. We hear every background instrument perfectly. There is no light "dirt" inherent in the Xduoo X3. In general, the sound is very pleasant and airy.


Not much more about management

For me, the only drawback of this player is the lack of mechanical buttons.
If there were such buttons on the right side of the IHIFI 770C as on the Fiio X1, it would be generally gorgeous.
Therefore, there is a desire to sew a leather case for the player. Cut holes in the case for the touch buttons. Yes, it will not completely replace mechanical buttons. But the main thing is that it will be possible to control the player without taking it out of your pocket every time.
In general, thick, non-elastic skin is needed. There will be time to get the material, and I will make a cover.


Rockbox Firmware

We will need a computer running Windows XP or Windows 7. You need to connect the player to USB 2.0.
You can pervert and try to flash on a computer with Windows 10 and USB 3.0. But I still don't recommend experimenting like that.

Instruction

1: First, install the program for flashing by running the file RK27Image_Upgrade.exe
2: We connect the device to the computer using a USB cable, select the "File Exchange" mode
3: Run the flash driver program. The indicator in the program (1) will show that Mass Strage has found the device “RK27 MSC Device”.
4: Press the „Switch” button(2). If this happens for the first time, the computer will start searching for a driver, offer it a driver by specifying the path to the RK27Driver folder. If everything went well, the device “RK27 Loader Device” will be displayed inside the program
5: Select the path to the firmware image by pressing the button next to the Image Path window (3).
6: To the message »Found new boot. Do you want to replace?" we agree by pressing the OK button.
7: Click the “Upgrade” button (4), the process of flashing the device to the new software will begin.
The following messages will appear on the screen in turn:

NFO:Download Boot Start
INFO:Download Boot OK
INFO:Test Device Start
INFO:Test Device OK
INFO:Download IDB Start
INFO:Download IDB OK
INFO:Reset Device Start
INFO:Reset Device OK
INFO:Test Device Start
INFO:Test Device OK
INFO:Download Image Start
INFO:Write image to flash,Image Size:61440K,Written:61440K
INFO:Check image,Total:61440K,Checked:61440K
INFO:Download Image OK,Elapsed(22948MS)
INFO:Upgrade OK

A warning! Make sure your device's battery is fully charged. If an accidental shutdown occurs during the firmware, the consequences can be quite deplorable. Do not press other buttons in the RK27Image Upgrade program than those described above, the meaning of which you do not know or understand. You can accidentally completely erase the bootloader and turn your device into a normal piece of iron.
It is highly desirable to connect the device directly, and not through a hub.

The rockbox folder must be put in the root of the memory card.

If after the firmware you have everything on the drain in Chinese, you need to select the last menu item, then select the third item from the end, and languages ​​will appear there.

There are two ways to switch to stock firmware
First: Turn on the player, and as soon as the touch buttons light up, press and hold one of the buttons.
Second: Turn off the player to connect to the computer via USB.

Official site
http://i-hifi.com/index.php/en/class3.html

Download Rockbox and drivers here
http://xvtx.ru/rockbox/

Download themes for Rockbox here
http://themes.rockbox.org

Discussion ihifi 770/770c http://player.ru/showthread.php?t=136340



Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

- Great sound
- high-quality case
- Good equipment
- Small price
- Rockbox support

disadvantages

- No side volume buttons
- Stock firmware does not see cue


findings

A wonderful player for an acceptable amount, as for Hi-Fi. Of the significant disadvantages for myself, I found only that there are no side mechanical volume buttons. You have to get used to the sensor.

Hi-Fi - how much there is in this word ... When the first Japanese audio systems poured into the territory of the USSR in the late 80s, it became fashionable to assemble whole sets with good sound. Since then, a lot of time has passed, and Hi-Fi audio systems have been used not only for listening to music, but also for accompanying films and computer games. And most importantly, Hi-Fi is now available to almost anyone. The question is only in the needs and sound quality.

Many sooner or later face the need to improve the sound of their audio equipment. For the majority, at some point, simple computer speakers are not enough: there is not enough bass, and the middle is “liquid”. And some have outgrown their current audio system and want to delve even deeper into the wonderful world of sound. In any case, you will have to choose a new Hi-Fi audio system. But it's not that simple. One has only to start choosing the right model, as a truly grandiose waterfall of companies, characteristics, lines, models, and configurations falls on your head. On the one hand, this is good. But on the other hand, how do you choose?

Understanding the huge market for Hi-Fi audio systems is difficult, but possible. The most important thing is to understand what exactly you need, for what purposes you will use your system. Next - to understand a number of simple technical parameters. And that's it. Rather, the preparatory stage has ended. And the most difficult is ahead, and you can’t get rid of it.

Audio systems of different price levels differ, there are many variations in the selection of equipment, there are all kinds of technical characteristics. But only your ears can choose the right audio system for you. The fact is that each of us perceives sound differently. Not only do we hear different ranges of purities, but our habits and musical preferences play an important role. So you need to go to the shops and listen, listen and listen again. Otherwise, you run the risk of pointing your finger at the sky and buying a system that you will not be happy with. Another issue is that prices in stores are often higher. But no one bothers you to choose a system there, but to buy it on the Internet?

It is worth starting the analysis of Hi-Fi audio systems with the fact that they consist of three main parts: a player, an amplifier, and the speaker system itself. In this article, we will only talk about acoustic systems. At the same time, the choice of a subwoofer is a separate big topic, and we will cover it in another article.

How are speaker systems different?

Do you have a long history of love with Hi-Fi audio systems? Are you an audiophile who hears the most subtle frequencies? Can you afford the best?

If you didn't answer yes to any of these questions, then don't jump right into the best audio systems. Not even because you most likely won't feel the difference in sound between the budget and the most expensive systems that audiophiles hear. And because the cost of the best systems starts at about $ 7,500. Are you ready to spend that amount? If not, it is better to start with a budget option. For a beginner in the world of Hi-Fi, a basic and mid-range system will be enough. And over time, you may understand the difference and decide to upgrade to a higher-class system.

Kit contents

This is a key parameter, since it is the composition of the speaker set that determines whether the system suits your needs.

Why do you need an audio system?

If you are an avid music lover, collecting rare discs or vinyl with the Beatles and Michael Jackson, then a traditional stereo pair (or a triphonic set - two front speakers and a subwoofer) will suit you. Also, this option is yours if you like to "drive battles" or CS and want to completely immerse yourself in the game world. If you love movies, plan to install a large screen or projector (or maybe you already have one) and want to enjoy deep immersion while watching a movie, then it is better to opt for a 5.1 speaker set (6.1, 7.1, etc.). ) The same advice can be given to the most sophisticated music lovers, audiophiles, lovers of classical music and electronics.

If you need a universal option, then you can choose any of the two options: both a good stereo pair and a 5.1 system will cope with the necessary load. But keep in mind that a good 5.1 set will be much more expensive than a good stereo pair.

Floor and shelf

One of the most important differences between speakers is their dimensions. Small speakers, bookshelf, can be put on the table (but still better on a special stand), large, floor standing, stand on the floor.

If you know the basics of physics, then most often (primarily in the low-frequency range) the statement is true that the larger the speaker, the better the sound. Of course, it all depends on the tasks and your premises. But do not rush to draw conclusions. First, floorstanding speakers are much more expensive. Secondly, if you plan to install the speaker system in a standard "odnushka", then the size of the room is simply not enough to fully reveal the potential of floorstanding speakers - they need more space.

Therefore, for a small room we take "shelf speakers" (it would be better if you put them on special racks), and for a large room - "floor speakers". But still, you should not buy too small front speakers.

Speaker sensitivity

This characteristic is the sound pressure level that the system will create when a signal from the amplifier arrives at it, measured in dB / W * m. With the same power, the higher the sensitivity of the speaker system, the louder the sound it can produce. Speakers with high sensitivity will sound louder with a less powerful amplifier. But a speaker system with a low power paired with a powerful amplifier will produce a louder sound than an acoustic system with a high level of sensitivity. Also be aware that a powerful amplifier can damage sensitive speakers.

Frequency range

Sound is a phenomenon that is a propagation in the form of elastic waves of mechanical vibrations. The human ear is able to hear sound vibrations in the range from 16 Hz to 20 kHz. If we talk about this range, then it is conditionally divided into bass, mids and high frequencies. Bass - 10 - 200 Hz; medium - 200 Hz - 5 kHz; high - 5 kHz - 20 kHz.

The frequency range is one of the most important parameters. The closer the speaker system's frequency range is to 16 - 20,000 Hz (perceived by humans), the better. For comparison - the average shelf acoustics - 60 - 20,000 Hz, and outdoor - 40 - 20,000 Hz. But there are exceptions, so it is better to pay special attention to this characteristic.

By the way, many models of medium and high price categories have the upper limit of the frequency range above 28,000 Hz. Do not hesitate to rush at such speakers: do not forget about the range perceived by the human ear.

Number of lanes

Ideally, the audio system should consist of a single full-range speaker with a full frequency range of 20 - 20,000 Hz. But in practice, this is very difficult to implement, so the speaker systems are divided into bands, most often two or three.

Acoustic systems of the middle price range usually have two bands: low-frequency (simultaneously responsible for mids) and high-frequency. In more expensive acoustic systems, another mid-frequency band is added.

If you listen mainly to vocal music, then two-way systems will be enough for you. The same applies to those who are looking for speakers for games and work on the computer.

For listening to electronic or classical music and watching movies in a home theater, it is better to purchase a three-way system.

Resistance (impedance)

This characteristic means the total electrical resistance of the system. The most common values ​​are 4, 6 and 8 ohms. This parameter is most important for selecting an amplifier: its impedance parameter must be the same. An impedance mismatch between speaker and amplifier can cause serious problems. If, with the same power of both devices, the impedance of the speakers is higher than the nominal impedance of the amplifier, then the speakers will sound quieter. If the speaker impedance is lower, then the amplifier may burn out. So, if you already have an amplifier, then this will simplify the choice of a speaker system: we choose from those that are suitable for impedance.

Max power

This is the maximum possible input electrical power at a certain normalized coefficient of non-linear distortion. Many people think that this parameter means how loud the speakers will sound. But this is not entirely true. The power indicator indicates that when a signal of the specified power is applied, the dynamic head or speaker system will not fail. Therefore, it is very important that the power of the acoustics match or exceed the power of the amplifier.

When choosing an amplifier and loudspeaker, it is desirable that the actual maximum power of the loudspeaker exceed the power of the amplifier by 30 percent or more. In this case, you will be insured against the failure of the acoustics due to the supply of an unacceptably high level signal to it. If you choose the option for the home, then 100 watts is more than enough. At the same time, it is unlikely that you will ever listen to something at maximum volume. For larger rooms, it is worth paying attention to higher power ratings - depending on the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.

System as a whole

By purchasing very expensive acoustics and connecting it to a weak sound card, you should not expect fantastic sound, but distortion is quite likely. And vice versa, buying the best amplifier on the market for cheap speakers, you will simply throw money away.

It is very important that all links in the chain (amplifier - speaker system - subwoofer - switching) are correctly combined with each other.

Firstly, all equipment must match each other in terms of technical characteristics (for example, resistance).

Secondly, the equipment must be of the same class (an example with a built-in audio card and expensive acoustics).

Thirdly, everything should be combined with each other for a harmonious sound. If you are a beginner and do not know much about the audio system market, it is better to purchase a complete set from one manufacturer. So you definitely won't go wrong.

Criterias of choice

So, we have considered all the main characteristics. There are many, but they need to be sorted out. After all, you are not buying just another smartphone or video card: the speaker system will delight your ears for many years. And most importantly, even after 10 years it will not become morally obsolete. Also, high prices for acoustic systems encourage careful choice.

Remember that you are not buying a thing for practicality and convenience. The acoustic system is pleasure, enjoyment, relaxation. Therefore, before choosing it, turn on your ears to the fullest.

Now let's sum up and distribute the audio systems into groups based on the needs of users.

If you are buying a speaker system to work on a computer it is better to purchase a shelf stereo pair from the budget price category.

If you need a system for computer games and listening to music. For small apartment it is worth considering a shelf two-band triphonic set from the middle or high price categories. If space allows, you should pay attention to floor-standing one- and two-way stereo pairs and 5.1 systems.


For home theater and classical music listening We advise you to choose from 5.1 floorstanding 3-way systems, 5.1 systems with shelf satellites and stereo pairs from the middle and high price categories.

Briefly about the article: What is Hi-Fi and Hi-End, why you should not buy cables for 60 thousand rubles per meter and how to choose the right stereo system without getting confused in the maelstrom of beautiful but meaningless definitions - read about all this on the pages of the "World of Fantasy" .

Music of the Spheres

HI-FI - theory and practice

Ah, music! Dumbledore exclaimed softly, dabbing at his eyes. - That's magic stronger than our skills!

Joan Rowling, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

Times change. Not so long ago, high-quality sound was only available to the bored rich and self-denying audiophiles, but today it can be obtained at the price of a good camera, camcorder or computer. The vast majority of Russians still deal with music centers, built-in sound cards and multimedia speakers. Few spend their entire paychecks on vinyl, tube amps, gold cables, and wall vibration isolation. However, between these two extremes there is a niche of affordable high-end sound, where there is an easy place for you and me.

Is it possible to join the high sound club at minimal cost? How to build a home theater, so that later it would not be excruciatingly painful? Today we will certainly answer these and many other questions.

Where to begin

Formally, something like hi-fi (high fidelity, high fidelity), does not exist. For her, there is simply no single standard. It is understood that the technique of this level should reproduce the sound with maximum accuracy in relation to the original.

Hi-fi is synonymous with the perfect balance between price and sound quality. The best that you can buy for a reasonable price. Parallel to it, there is the concept of hi-end. This name can be translated as "the end justifies any means." The struggle between quality and price here is obviously unequal. Simply put, a 10% improvement in sound quality will result in a 200% increase in price.

First you need to decide for what purpose you want to assemble a hi-fi system. The simplest, most affordable and popular option is a home theater. The components of "musical" acoustics will cost much more, as they are subject to higher requirements. The budget level implies a bias in "theatricality": a set of good speakers, an inexpensive AV receiver, interconnect and speaker cables. The total cost of such a set will fluctuate around 30,000 rubles. At first, the source of the signal can be a computer or commensurate with the total price of the system DVD player (in both cases it is desirable to have digital outputs DVI, HDMI or optical toslink).

Rules of the game

A lot of copies have been broken about the issue of selecting and connecting hi-fi equipment to each other. There are two general rules. First, your system will play like the worst of its components. It makes no sense to connect an expensive receiver to cheap speakers, and vice versa. The second rule: you need to listen to expensive acoustics! If the seller in the store refuses to connect your chosen receiver to the speakers you like and put on your favorite disc (listen only to familiar recordings) - turn around and leave. Hi-fi is always individual. You may like the sound of a system for 60,000 rubles much less than the work of acoustics for 20,000.

Ask yourself the question - how many people in the world have a musical education? A paradoxical situation has arisen: citizens who have received, at best, a radio engineering diploma, express a “qualified” opinion about the quality of hi-fi sound. An aerodynamic engineer might as well be trying to fly a Boeing he built. Many seek to record themselves as audiophiles, but there are few true experts in this field.

You don't have bat hearing, didn't go to music school, and don't know how to tune pianos? This will not prevent you from distinguishing a truly high-quality sound from a mediocre one. Similarly, we are always able to distinguish a good book from a bad one, without being able to write novels at all. Everyone perceives sound differently - in the same way that artists' paintings are unequally evaluated. Someone likes Aivazovsky, someone likes Chagall. However, unlike painting, hi-fi music is literally surrounded by consumer myths.

If an unprepared person buys a glossy hi-fi magazine or visits the corresponding forum, he may decide that he has come to a symposium of drug addicts. "Professional" descriptions of acoustics are at best like tabloid fiction, and at worst like text generated by a computer program from a small dictionary of nonsensical phrases.

Real examples: "air between the instruments", "midrange clarity", "muscular sound", "elastic transparency", "a lot of gag", "not enough pressure, attack". Try to extract useful information from here and get an idea about the consumer properties of a particular set of acoustics. Have you ever bought an iron that irons "categorically but sublimely" or a TV with a "captivating, bulging" picture? Audiophiles find such descriptions exhaustive, and ordinary music lovers simply call them "glitches".

Hi-fi systems are still perceived not as a necessary phenomenon, but as a status accessory. If you're buying a Bentley, you're unlikely to put old newspapers under your feet - no, you'll have to get branded floor mats at downright cannibalistic prices. Similarly, hi-fi manufacturers sell expensive audio enhancement accessories to audiophiles that are, to put it mildly, not worth the money. Sometimes it comes to outright quackery - for example, PWB Electronics sells special pebbles, putting them anywhere in the room, you can improve its acoustics.

Nouveaux riches who bought speakers for one and a half million rubles will feel subconscious discomfort when using a cable at 60 rubles per linear meter. You should not deceive yourself about the fact that a cable for 6000 rubles will provide a 100-fold increase in sound quality. Forget that wires should cost at least 10% of the price of the entire system. It is a myth.

Some citizens seriously discuss the impact of stands, surge protectors and electrical outlets on sound quality. This is called "psychoacoustics" - self-deception, in which a person convinces himself that he hears non-existent. Why hasn't anyone thought of charging audiophiles money for placing speakers according to Feng Shui? It is also strange that people listening to the sockets do not pay attention to interference from the gravitational field of the Moon or from subtle ethereal interactions within the Crab Nebula.

The best of the best

From theory to practice. Microlab V3650- the flagship of the family of acoustic systems of a well-known American-Chinese company. Before us is an inexpensive "hodgepodge" of solid technical solutions (in the development took part Peter Larsen who worked as chief engineer Dynaudio , vifa and JBL ).

The V3650 speakers seem to be made for home theater. Their forte is clean mids (the frequency response graph can be used as a ruler) and powerful bass. The latter is explained by the presence of large low-frequency speakers in the floor pair. You do not have to spend money on a subwoofer, but this is also a minus. With the standard arrangement of components, the bass is localized at the edges of the stage, and weakens in the center, where the viewer is sitting. Price - 22,000 rubles for a set of five speakers.

Wharfedale Diamond 8- an entry-level classic. British firm Wharfedale has been present on the hi-fi market for 75 years, of which 20 have been selling speakers of the family Diamond. A standard set of five components of the younger 8-series will cost the buyer 27 thousand rubles. For the money, you get a music-oriented system with superbly balanced performance. Without a subwoofer, low frequencies are rather weak, but in most cases this is not noticeable. The speakers are valuable because they sound like a solid five, regardless of the genre of music.

Monitor Audio Bronze R- one of the best options in its price range. An absolute all-rounder, flawlessly fulfilling both high-precision musical and dynamic theatrical tasks. There are two minuses - the speakers are demanding in terms of placement (the sound becomes lax near the walls) and, due to the softness of the sound, they are unlikely to suit lovers of harsh electronic music. The price of "shelf" components is high, so it's better to buy "floor speakers" and a central satellite (the approximate price is 21,000 rubles for everything), and it's easier to choose rears. When watching a movie, the main load falls on the front line of acoustics, and for music, a good stereo pair is enough.

Kef IQ5- the most elegant and harmonious speakers of today's test. Compatriots Wharfedale demonstrate a sound that is hard to find fault with. There are no problems with localization in space. They look stylish. Placed anywhere in the room. The only “but” is that IQ5 will not play at full strength immediately, but only after a few weeks of operation (requires “warm-up”). And now about the sad - the cost of a set of two outdoor speakers, a center and rear satellites goes off scale for 46,000 rubles. The advice is the same as in the case of Monitor Audio - try to save on the rear.

KEF IQ5. Two Stradivari violins among native drums.

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Pablo Picasso said: "There are artists who depict the Sun as a yellow spot, and there are those who are able to turn a yellow spot into the Sun." This is true for music as well. Ordinary acoustics can turn a melody into a set of sounds, and only hi-fi will make a melody out of a set of sounds.