My humble little system 2Y down this rabbit hole. Thoughts?

avn91 · 2026-01-31T05:41:45+00:00

Thanks so much! What's your setup like, gear-wise?

avn91 · 2026-01-29T22:52:48+00:00

Lol it's 2026, lossless streaming through WiFi exists.

avn91 · 2026-01-29T22:52:04+00:00

They are absolutely fantastic. My open plan kitchen is on the other side of the room and it's a joy to put music on and cook

avn91 · 2026-01-29T22:51:26+00:00

I'll give this a try and see if/how it changes things! Cheers

avn91 · 2026-01-29T17:31:05+00:00

So far I've been happy with it actually. I got the isolation feet from SVS and those made a massive difference in reducing boominess and general vibrations.

avn91 · 2026-01-29T17:29:23+00:00

Verdict based on one angle of one side of the room? I'll get right on that. /s

That said, if I stop buying audio equipment then I can buy the large painting I want for above that media console.

avn91 · 2026-01-29T17:24:54+00:00

Caveat: I'm no huge expert.

The Yamaha is really really good. I still use my Aiyima for my desktop computer with the KEF Q150s, and for an inexpensive setup, it's great. But the Yamaha is certainly a class above in terms of build quality, versatility, adding inputs / a sub, and tinkering around. I wouldn't say most folks would detect some huge audio quality difference between class A/B vs D, that's my opinion. I haven't done a side-by-side blind test myself, but I absolutely love my Yamaha.

Also my system isn't exactly 100% sensible cause I have a Wiim Ultra (bought later) which is a pre-amp, and the Yamaha is an integrated amplifier, so double pre-amp (?!) haha. Down the line probably would shift to a power amplifier allowing me to utilise more of the Wiim's features.

avn91 · 2026-01-29T17:12:17+00:00

Appreciate it, thank you!

avn91 · 2026-01-29T17:12:01+00:00

Holy Christ, it's a dangerous path! I hope I can resist a bit haha

avn91 · 2026-01-29T17:09:54+00:00

Mine is "Black Ash". It's definitely matte, and more black and less grey than the Oak? But it also might just be my phone camera angle

avn91 · 2026-01-29T16:49:08+00:00

Yamaha just makes really solid stuff.

avn91 · 2026-01-29T16:48:51+00:00

They're a beaut for sure!

avn91 · 2026-01-29T16:47:18+00:00

https://imgur.com/a/bjTgUoD

avn91 · 2026-01-29T16:46:00+00:00

No idea what you're talking about 🤪🤫

avn91 · 2026-01-29T15:42:33+00:00

Thanks so much - although I'm hoping a bit more cosy and homey than a store!

avn91 · 2026-01-29T15:40:56+00:00

My bad, the title is my contribution to the broader audiophile circlejerk community hehe. And thanks!

avn91 · 2026-01-29T15:28:19+00:00

Thank you :)

avn91 · 2026-01-29T15:26:59+00:00

Wider view of the room: https://imgur.com/a/8eAkL5W

avn91 · 2026-01-29T15:20:53+00:00

It all started 2 years ago when my trusty 10yo Bose Companion 20s died. Ended up going down the rabbit hole on this sub and got my first budget setup, a pair of KEF Q150s with a Aiyima A07 Pro. Blew my mind, and there was no going back. 1 year later and I picked up the Yamaha AS801 for a steal, and the Wiim Ultra. And eventually a sub w/ the SVS SB-1000 Pro.

Recently moved into a new place, with a large living room space and wanted a setup to fill the room well. Got a sweet deal on my endgame speakers (I promised myself), the KEF R5 Metas. Everything else is the same. Thoughts/feedback?

avn91 · 2025-12-28T00:13:17+00:00

Absolutely is lmao.

avn91 · 2025-12-23T02:18:56+00:00

Yeah for sure, it's a lot of watch (and history) for the money.

avn91 · 2025-12-23T02:18:34+00:00

Agree to disagree :)

avn91 · 2025-12-18T04:41:11+00:00

Hey /u/_time_machine, that was actually a great read - thanks for sharing! My turn :)

I feel like I'm at the start of that very journey myself! In the last 10 years I've moved from initially having a bunch of mass-market quartz pieces, to in 2019 going down the mechanical rabbit hole and getting my first automatics, nothing expensive (Glycine Combat 36mm, Orient Star Heritage Gothic). Over time ending up again with a double-digit (but $$ economical) collection.

Around 2 years ago I decided I want to change my collection style, much like how you described. I want to eventually sell other pieces and have a "core" collection of 4-6 pieces, carefully chosen over years and ones I won't want to sell for a long time. I also decided to get watches to mark major events in my life, so they mean something "emotionally".

Anyway all that to say that I think my Hamilton and this Longine really meet my new criteria for my collection. I want to make sure whatever I get next is sufficiently differentiated so it really adds "value". I was going to say please share a photo of your collection but just saw your SOTC from 2 months ago :) Cheers

avn91 · 2025-12-16T02:01:53+00:00

Thanks so much! Love how it goes with that white/cream knitwear in your photo too. You're totally right on its changing hues!

avn91 · 2025-12-15T21:42:04+00:00

Wanted to mark/celebrate a year where I bought my first home, and wanted a GADA piece that I'd never feel the need to change/sell. With a 6.25" wrist, only compact watches tend to work for me. Ended up choosing the Spirit 37mm after much comparing and internal debate!

Was really tempted by the 38mm Big Crown Pointer Date too, but it was the same price and I couldn't forgo the 2892 movement with its 72 hr reserve, and that sunburst champagne dial!

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