The Hi-Fi Project

I'm going to make a post at the beginning of every project that explains what it's all about. So here it is:

The Hi-Fi Project

This is my first serious diy project. My goal is to make an awesome entry-level audiophile stereo system using a CD player as a source. The basic system consists of an integrated amplifier, a CD player, and a pair of 2-way speakers. Other parts include an equipment stand for the CD player, the amp, and the CDs, wiring with banana plugs, and speaker stands.

I decided on a vintage amp, both because of the quality and my budget. I don't want to spend over $300 on the core system. With the help of a knowledgable friend, I chose a Dynaco SCA-80Q integrated amplifier on ebay. I snagged it in very good condition for about $100. This amp provides 40 watts per channel of quality power. It's actually a 4-channel amp, but I doubt I'll ever use more than two as this is just a basic audio system.

The other amp I was looking at was the Marantz 1060. I fell in love with the brushed aluminum face, polished wooden box (available on some models), and knob layout, but the SCA-80Q is apparently a better amp. Since this particular project is more focused on my own diy education and sound quality, I decided to go with the Dynaco (which still looks nice, but I prefer the look of the 1060). I will probably get a 1060 in the future, once I get the hang of building and finishing my own speakers.

I chose the shielded Dayton BR-1s, again with the help of my friend. The BR-1s run about $150 a kit and includes all the necessary parts for a pair of 2-way speakers, aside from a few basic tools. I originally didn't want a kit; I wanted to build everything from scratch. However, not having much experience with building electronics, crossover design, woodwork (cabinets, at least), speaker design, and so on, and having heard about the high quality of this kit, I decided to go with it. It's out of stock for the rest of the month, which I'm bummed about, but that gives me time to get my amp in, play with it, and maybe build or at least design a stand for the components and the speakers.

My goal is to have this project done by the second week of May. The project tasks include:

-test the amp and learn how to use it
-decide on a source - portable CD player or DVD deck with MP3 capability
-build or buy an equipment stand
-order and build the speakers
-build a pair of speaker stands