Getting started · Ascot, Berkshire
Getting Started: your first Hi-Fi system
Building your first Hi-Fi system is simpler than it looks. Here is how the pieces fit together, what to spend, and how to hear it before you buy.
Step one
Start with how you listen
Most first systems begin with one question: do you stream, play records, or want everything in one box?
Streaming
Spotify, TIDAL, internet radio and your own music, played through proper speakers. A streamer connects to an amplifier, or comes with one built in.
Vinyl
A turntable, a phono stage, an amplifier and speakers. The E1 from Pro-Ject Audio Systems has its phono stage built in, so it connects to any amplifier or powered speakers.
All in one
Short of space? A smart speaker plays everything from one box. Start with the WiiM Sound, or step up to the Naim Audio Mu-so 2nd Generation or a Devialet Phantom.
Step two
How a Hi-Fi system fits together
Four parts, each with one job. Some products combine two or three of them.
1. Source
Where the music comes from: a streamer, a turntable or a CD player.
2. Phono stage
For vinyl only. It lifts the tiny signal from a record to a level the amplifier can use. Often built into the turntable or the amplifier.
3. Amplifier
Powers the speakers, switches between your sources and sets the volume.
4. Speakers
They make the biggest difference to the sound, and need to suit the size of your room.
Two or three jobs in one boxPro-Ject E1 turntable + phono stageWiiM Ultra streamer + phono stagePro-Ject Stereo Box E amplifier + phono stageNaim Audio Uniti Atom HDMI streamer + amplifierNaim Audio Mu-so 2nd Generation everything
Step three
Starting points for every budget
Prices include VAT. At a demonstration we match a system to your room, your music and the sound you love.
Under £500£500 to £1,500£1,500 to £3,000Ready for more
Under £500
Your first system
Everything you need to start: a turntable with the phono stage built in, a compact amplifier and speakers, or a streamer for the system you already have.
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Pro-Ject E1 turntable with Audio Technica AT3600 Moving Magnet Cartridge
£299 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Pro-Ject Stereo Box E integrated amplifier with Bluetooth, Phono Stage and DAC
£199 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Pro-Ject Speaker Box 5E – pair of bookshelf loudspeakers
Price range: £299 through £349 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
WiiM Ultra Streamer
£369 Add to basket -
WiiM Sound Smart Speaker
£299 Add to basket -
Ortofon 2M Red Moving Magnet Cartridge
£85 Add to basket
£500 to £1,500
A complete system
A full vinyl system in one box, a single speaker that does it all, or your first pair of proper loudspeakers.
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Pro-Ject Stereo Set E1 – includes turntable, amp and speakers
£699 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Naim Mu-so 2nd Generation
£899 Enquire -
Totem LOON
£1,395 Read more -
Devialet Phantom Ultimate 98dB
Price range: £1,450 through £1,750 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
£1,500 to £3,000
Step up
Bigger speakers and a streamer with the amplifier built in, plus HDMI for your TV. Sound that fills the room.
Ready for more
Linn Majik
Designed and built in Scotland, set up by hand in Ascot, and upgradeable for years to come.
Encore Store
Start with ex demonstration Hi-Fi
Our Encore Store has ex demonstration, ex display and pre-loved Hi-Fi for less. Stock changes often, so it is worth a look.
Good to know
Questions we are often asked
Does every turntable need a phono stage?
Yes. It can be built into the turntable, built into the amplifier or streamer (the WiiM Ultra has one), or be a separate box.
Can I play Spotify through a Hi-Fi system?
Yes. WiiM streamers work with Spotify Connect and TIDAL Connect, so you keep using the app you already know.
Can I add vinyl or streaming later?
Yes. Choose an amplifier with a spare input and add a source when you are ready.
What should I spend most on?
Speakers, and how well they suit your room, usually make the biggest difference. A home demonstration is the best way to find out.
Can I upgrade a little at a time?
Yes. Many of our customers start small and move up. The Linn LP12 in particular can be upgraded one part at a time: see our LP12 upgrades.
Where can I hear a system?
In our Ascot showroom by appointment, or at home anywhere in Berkshire and Surrey.
Ready to listen?
Book your demonstration
Visit our Ascot showroom or arrange a home demonstration anywhere in Berkshire and Surrey.