HiFi Starter Pack: The Best Ways to Spend Your Christmas Cash

January 23, 2024

Treat Yourself to a Starter Audiophile Setup

Did you receive a gift of cash (or a HiFi Buys gift card) from a loved one this Christmas? Are you wondering how you can make the most of it? After all, you don’t want to watch it go towards something boring like groceries. Don’t worry—we can help you avoid that.

If you’re a music enthusiast or aspiring audiophile, check out the great audio products we currently have in store at HiFi Buys in Atlanta, GA. They’re the perfect gifts for anyone looking to build their first audiophile setup to experience music to its fullest.

1. A New Turntable

Is it time to finally take the plunge into vinyl or upgrade that old turntable you’ve had for years? We think the best starter hi-fi turntable is the Rega Planar 1 ($595), a multi-award winner that’s been meticulously crafted to deliver clear sound performance.

If you want a more sophisticated sound, the Pro-Ject Debut Pro ($999) is Pro-Ject’s “best model yet” in the audio company’s 30-year history. The turntable features a nickel finish on aluminum components that create a hard, resistant surface for better audio quality, unlike plastics and cheaper materials that wear and degrade sound over time.

2. Hi-Fidelity Speakers

You need speakers to pair with your turntable! If you’re new to hi-fi audio and looking for something basic yet high quality, choose the Paradigm Premier 200B bookshelf speakers ($999 for a pair), perfect for anyone ready to upgrade from mass-market audio.

Leveling up, we have the KEF LS50 ($1,599/pair) bookshelf speakers in store. Named a What Hi-Fi Winner in 2023, the LS50 Meta “raised and set the performance standard” for stereo loudspeakers in its price range.

And if you have more space for larger speakers, we have Vandersteen’s 1Ci+ floorstanding loudspeakers ($2,020/pair with stands). Vandersteen has produced the 1C speaker since 1983, refining the technology over decades and culminating in the 1Ci+ model.

3. Wireless Streamer

An audiophile speaker system should provide multiple input options. While you may primarily use the setup for vinyl records, a wireless streamer can connect to your system, allowing you to stream Spotify, Apple Music, Qobuz, podcasts, and whatever audio streaming platform you prefer.

The Bluesound NODE streamer ($499) offers hi-resolution audio streaming to your hi-fi system and can even be expanded with other Bluesound products to create a wireless multi-room audio system, with access to cloud music services, internet radio, and your downloaded music library. NODE communicates over Wi-Fi, Ethernet, or Bluetooth aptX™ HD to ensure steady playback without interruptions.

4. Headphones

If you’ve never owned high-end headphones, it’s time to treat yourself. Our pick for starter hi-fi headphones is the Hifiman Sundara ($299). Its over-ear, open-back design allows you to remain aware of your surroundings while enjoying consistent music reproduction.

For something a little more high-end, we suggest the Focal Celestee ($999). These are closed-back headphones crafted with copper and semi-aniline leather for the ultimate comfort.

And our pick for the best professional headphones available would be the Audeze MM-500 ($1,699), delivering studio-quality audio. These headphones are used by countless musicians, producers, composers, and Grammy winners, including Kendrick Lamar, Dweezil Zappa, blues producer Rick Barnes, Butch Walker, and more.

5. Amplifier

There’s no hi-fi speaker system without a quality amplifier. Take your audio experience to the next level, starting with the NAD C368 BluOS amplifier (now $999, previously $1,599), available at HiFi Buys. This NAD amplifier has everything you need with BluOS streaming and a phono stage built-in.

A nice step up, Audiolab’s 7000A amplifier ($1,799) features a full-color graphic display, higher wattage, three analog inputs (compared to the former’s two inputs), and incredibly accurate sound with practically nonexistent harmonic distortion.

Hear These Audio Products at HiFi Buys in Atlanta

An audiophile setup shouldn’t be quickly ordered online. You need to hear the magic of each component to choose the perfect components. Visit HiFi Buys in Atlanta to experience everything mentioned in this blog!