The world of hi-fi can seem complex, but the most common mistakes often stem from misunderstanding the fundamentals or taking shortcuts when purchasing. This guide will help you avoid the most common pitfalls and help you build a system that will unlock the full magic of your music.
Basic beginner mistakes
The mistake of impulse buying
The first mistake a beginner makes is buying without clearly defining your needs. Before you start, ask yourself the right questions:
- Vinyl : Requires a turntablewith a cell (MM or MC)and a phono preamp
- CD : Request a quality CD playeror a Drive and a converter (DAC)
- Streaming : Requires anetwork driveand a stable network connection
- Listening with headphones : Implies agood helmetand dedicated headphone amplifier
Your usage will determine the equipment you need. An older turntable without a built-in phono preamp won’t work right away; you’ll need to add a phono stage like the Pro-Ject Phono Box S2 phono preamplifier, specially designed forall cellsand offering dynamic and transparent listening.
Underestimating the importance of the complete chain
A complete hi-fi system requires a holistic approach that includes several essential elements working together in synergy. This obvious technicality, however, hides the most common mistake: unbalancing your system by overinvesting in one element at the expense of others.The only element that can be superior to all others is the source. It is the source that prevails.
| Element | Function | Importance |
| Source | Signal reading (turntable)vinyl, CD player, streaming) | Fundamental, determines the initial qualityyou signal audio. |
| Phono preamp | Amplification du signal phono and RIAA correction | Mandatory for turntablesnot having an integrated phono preamp (95% of turntables) |
| Amplifier | Signal amplification to the speakers. | He determinesthe choice of speakers. |
| Speakers | Conversion of electrical signalin analog sound. | Final interface with the listener. They are determined, among other things, by the size of the listening room. |
The sound balance will be determined by these elements. It must result in a musical and faithful reproduction that must satisfy your requirements.
Neglecting the overall budget
Budget allocation is a fundamental pillar of a balanced system. For a budget of €2,000, a methodical approach would be to follow this recommended allocation:
| Component | Recommended budget | Percentage | Justification |
| Speakers | 600€ | 40% | The interface between the music, the room and your ears… |
| Amplifier | 700€ | 35% | The “Engine” of the system |
| Reader/Source | 600€ | 15% | Determines the quality of the system. What is lost or distorted by the source is lost forever. |
| Cables | 100€ | 5% | Link between components |
Material choice errors
Confusing Bluetooth and Hi-Fi system
Bluetooth speakers offer convenience and mobility…But these are not high-fidelity elements! Very often, they are also “mono”!
A true Hi-Fi system delivers unparalleled quality and spatialization. To get started with peace of mind, the turntable and amplifier package combines the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon 2M Red with the Audio AX A35 amplifier with integrated phono stage, saving you the need for an external preamp.
Choosing the wrong speakers
The choice of speakers should harmonize with your existing equipment. Your amplifieris the “engine” of the system, its power determines the choice of speakers. It will also be necessary to take into account the room: Its volume and its acoustics (matte, clear, etc.)
Bookshelf vs. floorstand : understanding the fundamental differences
Think of this decision like choosing between a compact car and an SUV. Each type of speaker has its advantages depending on your usage context, and understanding these differences will help you avoid costly mistakes.
| Criteria | Bookshelf speakers | Floorstanding speakers |
| Room size | Up to 25m² | 25m² and more |
| Placement | On supportsdedicatedor shelves | Directly on the ground |
| Clutter | Compact and discreet | More visually imposing |
| Graves | Limited, may require the addition of a box | Higher frequency response (if the amp allows it) |
| Entrance fee | Starts at 200 euros per pair | Starts at 600 euros per pair |
| Placement flexibility | Very flexible (placed 60cm from the ground and spaced 1.80m apart) | Less flexible (high ground spaced from water less than 2.5m) |
Technical selection criteria
Once you’ve determined your speaker type, several technical parameters will guide your choice. The required power is the first criterion: for bookshelf speakers in a room less than 25m², plan on at least 35 watts of amplifier power. The impedance must match your amplifier; check compatibility between 4, 8, or 16 ohms depending on your equipment’s specifications.
Sensitivity, expressed in dB/W/m, determines the speaker’s efficiency; a high sensitivity means it produces more volume with less power. Frequency response indicates the frequency range the speaker can reproduce, crucial information for assessing its ability to reproduce the entire musical spectrum.
Concrete examples of successful associations
The Rega Kyte speakers, with their phenolic resin construction and authentic “Rega” sound, are a perfect fit for the British brand’s ecosystem, illustrating the importance of consistency in a Hi-Fi system. For a more refined approach, the Sonus Faber Lumina I speakers, handcrafted in Italy, offer a minimalist design and sound in the pure Italian tradition. Their 120mm cellulose fiber driver and 29mm DAD tweeter deliver a balanced and natural reproduction.
To deepen your understanding and discover our complete selection with detailed tests, consult our guide to high-end HiFi speakers which details each category with in-depth comparisons and recommendations according to your budget.
Ignoring the importance of the amplifier
The amplifier deserves special attention, as it largely determines the performance of your system. The Musical Fidelity A1 amplifier perfectly illustratesthis philosophy: Its pure Class A operation of 25 watts per channel offers aremarkable musicality with surprising dynamics. Its discrete component phono stage allowsassociation with MM cells as well as low-level MC.
The error of placement and installation
Neglecting room acoustics
Even the most expensive equipment can disappoint if improperly installed. The room drastically influences the sound of your speakers, acting as an acoustic filter that can enhance or detract from your investment.
Essential investment rules
- Distance to walls : Maintain a minimum of 25 cm for booksh
- Height : Position the tweeters at ear height (when you are seated) for bookshelf speakers
- Angle : Focusslightly tilt the speakers inwards to optimize convergence
- Symmetry : Respect a symmetrical installation to preserve stereophonic balance
Ignore the listening triangle
Pour un bon respect de la stéréo, respectez le triangle isocèle : si vos enceintes se trouvent à 2,80 mètresFor good stereo respect, respect the isosceles triangle: if your speakers are located2.80 meters apart, also place yourself approximately 2.80 meters apart. Of course, this distance, depending on the focus, could vary between 3 and 3.5m.
PourTo find out more, take a look at our article on speaker positioning: The guide to high-end HiFi speakers
Setting your turntable incorrectly
Improper adjustment can irreversibly damage your records and equipment (diamond, cartridge). The turntable must be perfectly horizontal; use a spirit level to check this fundamental requirement.
| Setting | Recommended value | Adjustment method |
| Support force | The one given by the cell manufacturer. | Use the counterweight to adjust the correct value |
| Support force | 1.5 to 2.5 grams | According to cell specifications |
| Antiskating | Same (max) as the downforce | Depending on the system offered by the arm (wheel, counterweight, etc.) |
Source and quality errors
Underestimating the importance of the source
The quality of your recordings determines the final experience. For high-resolution streaming, Qobuz stands out with its true lossless FLAC format, unlike Tidal, whose encryption algorithm is not entirely lossless. The Stream G2 network streamy by Octavio and its app make it easy to add 24-bit/192 kHz Wi-Fi streaming to your system.
Neglecting the cables
Cables play a fundamental and often underestimated role in the reproduction chain. A quality cable like those from the Real Cable or Audioquest range can unlock the hidden potential of your system by minimizing losses and interference.
Cable selection principles
- Consistency with the system: Avoid a very transparent cable with an already overly analytical system
- Appropriate length: Neither too short (installation constraints), nor too long (losses)
- Quality of connectorsHP : Choose quality banana or spade connectors (no bare cable) that provide perfect contact.
- Shieldingmodulation, phono and mains cables : Essential in electromagnetically polluted environments
Forget the DAC
For digital music, an external DAC significantly improves the sound quality. The DAC Merason Audio Frerot , with its analog-oriented sound, enhances timbre and texture, transforming your digital listening experience into a more musical one.
The mistake of neglect and maintenance
Neglecting vinyl maintenance
Dirty records dramatically degrade listening and accelerate premature wear of your stylus.Using “clean” records of course improves listening and the life of the diamond.
Recommended maintenance program
- Cleaning before each listening: Anti-static brush
- Monthly deep cleaning: Specialized cleaning solution
- Annual deep cleaning: Record washing machine(suction or ultrasonic)for important collections
Ignore signs of wear and tear
A worn stylus (replace every 400-700 hours of listening for an MM and more than 1000 hours for an MC) or a defective belt (changed annually) can ruin your experience. Keep an eye on these elements to maintain the quality of your system.
Evolution and optimization errors
Poorly planning your developments
The mistake is to upgrade without a strategy. Start from the source: a better diamond like the stylus Ortofon 2M Blue on your Debut Carbon can transform your listening experience. Then optimize the amplification before changing speakers.
Ignore hearing fatigue
If you feel the need to regularly turn down the volume, your system is not perfectly balanced. This auditory fatigue often reveals an overly prominent midrange or aggressive treble. The goal: listening that becomes a true auditory pleasure.
Practical solutions for getting started
Ready-to-listen packs
To avoid pairing errors, opt for a ready-to-play package. These carefully designed sets ensure compatibility between all components. The turntable and amplifier package for example, offers an excellent starting point with proven components.
Realistic entry-level budget
For a first entry-level Hi-Fi system,expect to spend between €900 and €1500.budget allows access to speakersbetween €300 and €600 are perfectly consistent with a system in this range.
The importance of expert advice
Seeking specialist advice avoidsmany mistakes and disappointments. At the house of maPlatine.com, we are at your disposal (email or telephone) to help you in your choices.
Hi-fidelity is about balance and consistency, not just budget. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll build a system that brings out the full emotion of your music and supports your growing passion for quality sound. Remember: the best hi-fi system is the one that delivers the most listening pleasure, while respecting your budget and expectations.