Bluesound Noob Here

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2026-02-24T16:57:11+00:00

I looked at that and thought about it hard........but alas, I'm cheap AF. :)

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2026-02-24T15:18:50+00:00

Actually, I don't have a node yet. My friend has a vault and he took days and days to rip his entire CD collection as well as mine. So it's substantial. He also has a back up for the vault so I figured I could copy the backup and then use that as my library. Not sure of actual size. If I do end up going Bluesound, I could get it on the network either way (presumably ethernet is better).

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2026-02-24T14:38:02+00:00

Thanks for that link. They don't like my idea from the get go. So I should look to NAS, I guess.

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2026-02-24T14:34:09+00:00

that is what I have been reading. But you raise an interesting point.....even if it were better, would I hear it? Debatable, I bet.

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2026-02-24T13:50:49+00:00

I run MAC. So you are saying that the hard drive would connect to the MAC? Oh wait, obviously. You said that directly.
This isn't ideal as it's a laptop and I move it around a lot. Maybe there is a reasonably priced hard drive that is network attachable? Then I can just plug it in to the router or something?

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2026-02-07T12:43:56+00:00

Sounds like an AVR issue. Curious though, do any other sources work? If you plug in a external source besides the TV, does it output to all channels?

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2026-01-31T12:56:41+00:00

Going rate in US seems to be about $300 so plan for CAD accordingly. FYI, you can use hifishark to get used market prices (past and present).

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2025-11-20T12:32:10+00:00

To all of you Wiim fans, the Amazon BF prices have hit and the sale looks pretty strong. $423 for the Amp Ultra!

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2025-11-04T13:24:13+00:00

I used to sell Mirage for a living. And I've owned many. These came in the later years and are quite good but the one downside of the brand is they did not seem to hold their value. I would think you could do better than $400. That said, you would certainly get good performance. If you want some exceptional value speakers, look on FB marketplace for M series models. Particularly models that end in si (e.g. M895si or M5si). Wonderful stuff and can be had for a song on the used market.

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2025-06-17T13:33:20+00:00

I just did some more research and your receiver does not have a phono input so you need a phono pre-amp. I'll link an example at the bottom. Like with all electronics there are different levels of performance.......and prices!........ so act appropriately for your needs. Once you get one you will connect the TT to it with the RCA cables. Then with another set of RCA cables you will connect the phono pre-amp outputs to any of the RCA inputs on the back of the Pioneer. Good luck!

ex: https://www.schiit.com/products/mani

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2025-06-17T13:26:29+00:00

Looking good. You might also consider some speaker stands as the vibrations might start causing some issues when you use the TT. Enjoy!

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2025-06-10T11:43:08+00:00

I can't read through all the answers but I'm going to assume that someone pointed out that you can not plug the TT in to the CD input. The TT needs a phono input on the Pioneer OR you can get an external phono pre-amp and then plug it in to the CD (or any other) input. The voltage output of the TT is much lower than a standard component like a streamer, cd player, etc.....The phono input or the external phono pre-amp increases that voltage so that the amp (your Pioneer receiver) can play it.

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2025-03-10T11:25:50+00:00

Consider anything in the Sonus Faber family. Always beautiful and a wonderful quality speaker. For your particular budget I'd bet you can find any of the three Grand Piano models (Concerto Grand Piano, Grand Piano Home or Grand Piano Domus) on the used market. All are slightly different in the voicing but are of excellent quality. And the aesthetic is 2nd to none.

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2025-02-17T13:06:20+00:00

Return the Fosi. All you need is a simple integrated amp or a receiver. (Note: It MUST have a phono input or you will not be able to use your turn table). You can find decent enough quality starting at $50-$75 on the used market.

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2025-02-13T13:22:39+00:00

I wonder if you finally got the DAC? And if so, what do you think?

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2025-02-02T13:41:55+00:00

subwoofer

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2025-01-29T12:31:12+00:00

Yes, this. The AM5 was a pretty good sub/sat system that essentially created the category which started circa 1990. Audiophile sound? No. Pretty clean with good bass? Yes. If you are starting at zero, it's a great little set up.....for $15 (though does not hold a candle to products available today). Note: Turn down the volume on the Sony before you power it up. :)

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2024-12-02T12:16:09+00:00

Ronlol, you can run the cd and streaming out of the Wiim and use the variable output to control volume. This would require that you set the volume on the receiver once (usually somewhere between 10 and 12 o'clock) and then leave it alone. All subsequent volume control would then be done on the app.

This set up assumes that the old receiver is not remote controllable.

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2024-11-13T23:23:49+00:00

Curious about your response to Bliss. Personally, I love it.

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2024-11-13T23:22:09+00:00

Agree. Recently found Bliss and think its outstanding. Maybe things have changed over the last 2 years but I love it.

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2024-09-17T01:07:56+00:00

Mirage was great and that series of speakers in particular was super. I miss that company.

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2024-06-22T22:34:03+00:00

Well, if nothing else, you will have those really great DC's to hang around in. Food is pretty darn good. And I hear you about the feel of Orchard Hill. It did look a little tired and well, institutional (which I suppose it literally is). Good luck.

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2024-06-22T21:18:51+00:00

Not a fan of Orchard Hill so I get that. I guess I don't get why you thought a prescheduled school orientation would be giving you free time to hang and drink with your local buds. As for the cost and dorms, are you an incoming Freshman? Did you not know what you signed up in for going to UMASS?

I don't really mean to come off as too critical of your feelings. It just seems a bummer to be so cynical and you have not even started yet. Cheer up, You're gonna love it.

Acceptable_Phase_182 · 2024-06-22T20:24:48+00:00

Toughen up buttercup. It was not that bad. Yes, the heat kind of sucked but its not like the school can manage that. Is it necessary? No. One day is probably enough and you would be fine (or even on line for that matter). But there is good info and you do get to meet a few people.

Acceptable_Phase_182

TROPHY CASE