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October 19, 2021
This post is a sort of update to a post about a year ago regarding my audio setup and what's changed since then.
The other day I was re-reading that post and a few other random ones I wrote and wanted to do this update on what gear I've acquired since then.
Last year I was still using a set of Sony 3-way bookshelf speakers which are highly rated on Amazon. After falling further down the rabbit hole of audio gear, I've found that those Sony speakers I have were garbage by comparison to other stuff, however more expensive.
The upgrade from the Sony's were the JBL Studio 570's which I got on sale for 67% off which was an amazing deal. These speakers just blew away the litte Sony's like they were children's toys.
Then not too long after that upgrade I upgraded my home theater setup from a Roku soundbar to a Yamaha 5.1 setup. I ended up with an all JBL speaker setup. I have the Studio C530 for center channel, and the Studio 520's for L/R surround channels, the Studio 570's for the main L/R channels and I'm using the Polk subwoofer as the .1.
But before I moved into the home theater setup, I was using the Studio 570's in my 2 channel stereo setup. I used the Studio 520's as the main L/R in the HT setup and the Sony's for the rear L/R surround speakers.
I also had a desire for some Klipsch speakers for my 2-channel stereo setup. I decided to wait a while and watch the Klipsch website for a sale. When it finally arrived, I picked up the Klipsch R-620F's. Then I moved the JBL 570's back into the HT setup and pulled the Sony's out.
I've also added an external phono preamp to my TEAC turntable setup. I went with the Schiit Mani and I'm very happy with it. I think it makes my vinyl collection sound more lively compared to the built in preamp on the TEAC. Combined with the new Klipsch speakers and the Schiit Mani, my stereo listening experience has dramitically improved. I'm not done yet, and I have some future upgrades to the main preamp and amplifier(s), but they will have to keep waiting for now.
Also, I bought some small Klipsch R41M bookshelf speakers for my computer desktop setup. They're paired to an Emotiva BasX A-100 amplifier and a Geshelli Labs Jnog (J1) DAC. That's a really nice setup too. I got lucky and bought the Jnog when I did because they were a limited supply after the AKM factory in Japan burned down the other year.
This is just part 1 of the audio update. I'll come back later and talk about my personal audio setup, meaning headphones, amps and DACs.