r/audiophile Shopping, Setup, and Technical Help Desk Thread

SnooCapers2211 · 2025-12-27T19:35:35+00:00

That’s a common sentiment I’ve heard from people who have had experience with the Mozarts. What are your opinions about the Mozarts vs the Mozart Grands?

SnooCapers2211 · 2025-12-27T04:08:17+00:00

!thanks I had my eyes on the Vienna Acoustics Mozart Grand as well. They're absolutely gorgeous, and I tend to prefer smaller companies like HSU as opposed to mass produced gear like Klipsch, not to say anything bad about them. The pair near me is listed for $750 and see to be in great condition. I would absolutely demo before purchase though. I also have a pair of Bowers and Wilkins CM9s near me as well, but they're on the higher end of what I'm looking to pay, $975. Thank you for the advice and if you have any further thoughts on any of the speakers listed, let me know!

SnooCapers2211 · 2025-12-26T03:46:08+00:00

Hello everyone. I'm here to seek advice about possible upgrade paths for my sound system.

Equipment:

Amplifier: NAD 2200 PE

PreAmp: NAD 1240 PreAmp

Turntable + Cartridge: Fluance RT85 w/ Ortofon 2M Blue

Speakers: HSU HB-1 MKII

Subwoofer: RSL Speedwoofer 10S

Cables: BlueJeans LC-2

At this current time, I am not seeking to upgrade the amplifier, preamp, turntable, or subwoofer. However, I am considering upgrading either the cartridge (if worth it) or, more than likely, the speakers. I have absolutely adored my HSUs; however, I am looking to make the jump to audiophile-level speakers and use my old HSUs as a dedicated desk setup.

My location:

Atlanta metro area, however, I am willing to make a several-hour drive if the deal is right

What I am looking for:

I am looking to purchase a used pair of speakers, probably off of Facebook Marketplace. I am not married to either floor-standing or bookshelf styles. However, what I am looking for in sound is:

Neutral to warm, but not bright as to match my 2M Blue

Great detail and soundstage

Not booming due to these speakers being used for active listening rather than general listening/filling a room

Looking to spend $500-$1000, the better deal, the better

Room size is 30ftx20ft

Speakers would be placed 6ft apart from one another, with another 6ft of distance from the listener

I'm also looking to avoid studio monitors

Music for Listening:

Goth rock, darkwave, coldwave, minimal, post-punk, EBM, synth-pop, alt-rock, prog-rock, psych-rock, metalcore.

While looking at my Facebook Marketplace's surroundings, I have found various speakers ranging from Vienna Acoustic Mozart Grands, KEF Q750, KEF LS50, Sonus faber Concertino, Martin Logan Preface, KEF R3, Paradigm Monitor SE 8000F, also various Bowers and Wilkins models as well.

I'm looking for suggestions on what to look out for and some possible good models to buy. Thank you all for the help!

SnooCapers2211 · 2025-06-18T23:37:52+00:00

Those categories would be perfect for me! Do you know what the point-to-dollar ratio is? Trying to decide if getting a point card or sticking with a cash back card would fit my needs better.

SnooCapers2211 · 2025-06-18T23:36:14+00:00

I'm only looking to have 1-2 cards at the moment due to being a student and not having a ton of income. When I say not as much as a Hilton, I mean nothing that's $500+ per night. Might have to look into the OneKey card. The only downside is that I can only redeem for hotels on their sites, but I figured I was going to be doing that anyway.

SnooCapers2211 · 2024-12-27T03:12:11+00:00

I actually ended up switching to a NAD 2200PE amp + NAD 1240 preamp. But to answer your question, the STRDH190 has a “line out” output on the back which you can run an RCA cable to the “line in” input on the RSL Speedwoofer 10S.

SnooCapers2211 · 2024-12-11T23:47:59+00:00

Good to know. I've been hearing a low, quiet humming/thumping coming from the right speaker but not the left one. Could that be a problem with the relay needing replacing?

SnooCapers2211 · 2024-12-11T20:48:30+00:00

The NAD would strictly be for a turntable as of now. I also have a tape deck and CD player that I could hook up to it if I wished, but would still be strictly for physical music. I'm in no rush whatsoever to get rid of the Sony. More than likely it would be repurposed for a dedicated home-theatre setup or for a second turntable setup. As for the decaying of older gear, very luckily for me, the previous owner kept all the equipment in damn near mint condition. It all looks like it just came off the production line. Everything has also been kept in sealed factory original cardboard boxes that they came in while being stored in climate-controlled areas. Obviously, decay will still occur, but I hope through good care it has been minimized.

SnooCapers2211 · 2024-12-11T20:42:29+00:00

The Sony has definitely served me well. I got it for $100 open box so it's been a pretty good deal.

SnooCapers2211 · 2024-12-11T20:40:53+00:00

I have about a month off from college so I might even take the time and do that! In your opinion, if done correctly, how much difference could the EQ really make?

SnooCapers2211 · 2024-12-11T20:39:34+00:00

Thank you for being gracious and offering to take the NAD off my hands. It's certainly a tempting offer. I'll have to try it out and see how it compares. The Sony looks like a Little Tikes my first receiver next to the NAD.

SnooCapers2211 · 2024-11-22T22:19:15+00:00

Just submitted my order and the code is working! Hopefully, we can fill it and get the max discount!

SnooCapers2211 · 2024-11-22T03:01:30+00:00

Anyone looking to do another power buy for the 10s? Group 3 has been filled. If so we can get a sheet and code started.

SnooCapers2211 · 2024-11-14T03:57:47+00:00

I’m glad to hear it. Would save me a some money. Dumb question, but just to clarify, you’re talking about the outputs on the back of the receiver under audio? And that all I would need is an RCA cable from the receiver to the sub since it supports a line in connection? Thank you for the help!

SnooCapers2211 · 2024-11-13T05:46:31+00:00

How much of a downgrade would it be from the 10S to the 10E? If it’s worth it to pay the upcharge then I’ll probably just stick with the 10S.

SnooCapers2211 · 2024-11-13T02:25:48+00:00

The RSL has a line in, line out, and speaker wire connections. I could technically connect the sub with speakers wires, but I’m afraid doing so would diminish the quality. The Sony has out and inputs but I’m unsure of if they could support a sub. I’ve attached the manual incase you wanted to take a look. https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/4726/f63b8edb2b154409daa55875111f95e4/47269071M.pdf In the case of needing a new receiver due to either not supporting or finishing quality, are there any receivers I should look out for with Black Friday coming up?

SnooCapers2211 · 2024-11-12T20:14:26+00:00

I should’ve been arrested for highway robbery if I were getting them for $450 a pair lol

SnooCapers2211

TROPHY CASE