~/the-ditty/gear ▍
This is the kit we listen on. No sponsored nonsense, no gear we've never touched. Two real setups, plus what we'd point you at if you were starting from nothing.
// heads up
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01
Ian's rig
7 pieces
Built over years, tuned by ear, and recently shaken up by a speaker swap he's still recovering from.
AmplifierMarantz PM6007The heart of it. One of the best budget amps going, punches well above its price.
Buy →StreamerWiiM Pro PlusStreams anything over WiFi, no Bluetooth drop-outs. Brilliant for the money.
Buy →Speakers · nowDali Kupid / black ashDiminutive in stature, enormous in sound. Replaced the Elacs and it wasn't close.
Buy →Speakers · beforeElac Debut B5.2A superb all-rounder that suits almost any system. Still an easy shout.
Buy →SubwooferWharfedale SW150Not for window-rattling bass, just body and fullness the bookshelves can't reach.
Buy →CD playerCambridge Audio CD4Older model, does everything he needs on the odd occasion a disc goes on.
Buy →TurntableSystemdek IIX / vintageFully manual, a bit of a chore, worth every second. No longer made, eBay's your best bet.
eBay →
02
Zara's rig
7 pieces
Upgraded piece by piece from a modest start, and every step earned its place.
Streaming ampWiiM AmpAmp and streamer in one box. The jump up from the Mini that made it all click.
Buy →SpeakersDali Kupid / caramel whiteThe same giant-killers Ian raves about. A night-and-day step up from the Edifiers.
Buy →TurntablePro-Ject E1The honest way into vinyl, no gimmicks, no faff.
Buy →Cans · deskBeyerdynamic DT 770 MClosed-back, serious isolation, for when it's just you and the track.
Buy →Cans · wirelessSony WH-1000XM4The do-everything pair for away from the good speakers.
Buy →Cans · everydayRode gaming headsetThe comfy desk default when the day's just background listening.
Buy →In-earsAirPods ProOut and about, on the move, doing the dishes.
Buy →
03
Starting from scratch
our picks
Building a setup from nothing? This is where we'd tell you to put your money. Most of it we run ourselves.
Best budget ampMarantz PM6007Start here. It'll outlast three rounds of speakers.
Buy →Keep it simpleWiiM AmpAmp and streamer in one. Great sound without a rack of separates.
Buy →First turntablePro-Ject E1The honest entry point into vinyl done properly.
Buy →First speakersElac Debut B5.2The safe, brilliant first-speaker choice. Room to grow into.
Buy →Everywhere elseSony WH-1000XM4When you can't be at the good speakers, these are the ones.
Buy →
// until next time — The Ditty