JBL is a brand that specializes in audio equipment and is known for its high-quality speakers and headphones.

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If you're looking to dip a toe into the world of higher-end speakers without breaking the bank, this guide is for you. We'll put together a solid streaming system for your living room that combines great sound quality with ease of use, all for under $600. Let's focus on the WiiM Amp with its built-in streaming and amplification capabilities, and explore some excellent speaker options to pair with it.

#### Recommended Setup: WiiM Amp + Sony SS-CS5

**1. [WiiM Amp](https://hifi.fan/wii-m-amp)**

-   **Price**: ~$299
-   **Features**: The WiiM Amp is an all-in-one streaming amplifier that supports a wide range of music services like Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, and more. It offers high-resolution audio playback up to 24-bit/192kHz and delivers 60W per channel at 8 ohms or 120W per channel at 4 ohms.
-   **Usability**: The WiiM Amp simplifies your audio setup by integrating streaming and amplification in one device. Control everything via the WiiM Home app, which connects you to multiple streaming services and allows you to adjust settings, volume, and more.

**2. [Sony SS-CS5 Bookshelf Speakers](https://hifi.fan/sony-ss-cs5)**

![Screenshot 2024-08-06 at 11.51.04.png](https://storage.googleapis.com/hifi-cdn/Screenshot_2024_08_06_at_11_51_04_6aa902039b/Screenshot_2024_08_06_at_11_51_04_6aa902039b.png)

-   **Price**: ~$150
-   **Sound Quality**: The Sony SS-CS5 speakers are known for their balanced and clear sound. They feature a three-driver system, including a 5.12-inch woofer, a 1-inch tweeter, and a 0.75-inch super tweeter, providing a wide frequency response and detailed audio.
-   **Design**: These speakers have a compact and stylish design that fits well in small to medium-sized rooms. Their size makes them easy to place on bookshelves or speaker stands without taking up too much space.

**Total Cost**: ~$449

This setup ensures great sound quality and hassle-free streaming. The WiiM Amp combines streaming and amplification, while the Sony SS-CS5 speakers deliver solid audio performance, making this combo ideal for any small to medium-sized living room.

### Alternative Speaker Options for WiiM Amp

If you want to explore other speakers to pair with the WiiM Amp, here are some great alternatives that also fit within the budget:

**1. Polk Audio T15**

-   **Price**: ~$100
-   **Sound Quality**: The Polk Audio T15 speakers offer a natural and balanced sound, ideal for music and home theater. They feature a 5.25-inch composite driver and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, providing good clarity and detail.
-   **Design**: These speakers have a classic design that blends well with most home décor. They are compact and versatile, suitable for both bookshelf and wall mounting.

**2. Pioneer SP-BS22-LR Andrew Jones Bookshelf Speakers**

-   **Price**: ~$160
-   **Sound Quality**: Designed by renowned speaker engineer Andrew Jones, these speakers provide excellent sound quality with a 4-inch structured surface woofer and a 1-inch soft dome tweeter. They are known for their detailed and accurate sound reproduction.
-   **Design**: The curved cabinet design not only looks sleek but also reduces internal standing waves, improving sound quality.

**3. Micca MB42X**

-   **Price**: ~$90
-   **Sound Quality**: The Micca MB42X speakers are well-regarded for their value and sound quality. They feature a 4-inch carbon fiber woofer and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, delivering a balanced and clear sound.
-   **Design**: These speakers have a simple and modern design, making them easy to integrate into any home setup. They are compact and lightweight, ideal for smaller spaces.

### Future Upgrades

If you're willing to stretch your budget further or plan for future upgrades, consider these high-end speakers for an even better audio experience:

**1. KEF Q150**

-   **Price**: ~$400
-   **Sound Quality**: The KEF Q150 speakers deliver exceptional clarity and precision, offering a truly immersive listening experience.
-   **Design**: Sleek and stylish, these speakers are perfect for audiophiles looking to enhance their home audio setup significantly.

**2. Polk Audio R100**

-   **Price**: ~$500
-   **Sound Quality**: Known for their balanced and detailed sound, these speakers are a great upgrade for serious music enthusiasts.
-   **Design**: Their elegant design makes them a beautiful addition to any room.

### Conclusion

For a budget-friendly, high-quality streaming setup, the WiiM Amp and Sony SS-CS5 speakers are a fantastic choice. If you want to consider other speaker options, the Polk Audio T15, Pioneer SP-BS22-LR, and Micca MB42X are all great alternatives that pair well with the WiiM Amp. Each offers unique benefits in sound quality and design, so you can find the perfect fit for your home audio needs. If you're looking to invest more in the future, high-end options like the KEF Q150 or Polk Audio R100 can take your audio experience to the next level. Enjoy your music streaming with top-notch sound without breaking the bank!

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Budget Streaming Setup for Under 500$

WiiM

Sony is a Japanese company that specializes in various electronics products, including HiFi audio equipment.

Sony

Polk Audio is a company known for manufacturing high-quality audio equipment.

Polk Audio

Pioneer is a Japanese company that designs and manufactures electronic products.

Pioneer

KEF is a brand that specializes in high-quality audio equipment, particularly loudspeakers and headphones.

the best budget streaming setup under $500! Explore our recommended WiiM Amp and Sony SS-CS5 speakers combo for top-notch sound quality, ease of use, and seamless streaming. Perfect for your living room

The WiiM Amp is a powerful all-in-one streaming amplifier designed to elevate your home audio experience. Encased in a sleek aluminum shell, this compact device combines high-resolution streaming and robust amplification, delivering up to 60W per channel at 8 ohms or 120W per channel at 4 ohms. With support for a wide range of music services like Spotify, Tidal, Amazon Music, and more, the WiiM Amp ensures you have access to all your favorite tunes in stunning 24-bit/192kHz quality.

The integrated WiiM Home app offers a user-friendly interface, allowing you to control your music, adjust settings, and sync speakers effortlessly. Whether you're streaming music, connecting your TV via HDMI ARC for a home theater experience, or optimizing sound with the 10-band graphic EQ, the WiiM Amp is your versatile solution for superior audio performance. Plus, with built-in voice control through Alexa, managing your audio system is just a command away. Transform your passive speakers into smart audio powerhouses with the WiiM Amp.

The Sony SS-CS5 bookshelf speakers are designed to deliver an exceptional audio experience at an affordable price. Featuring a three-driver system, these speakers include a 5.12-inch woofer, a 1-inch tweeter, and a 0.75-inch super tweeter, providing a wide frequency response of 53 Hz to 50 kHz. This design ensures rich, detailed sound with clear highs and powerful bass, perfect for a variety of music genres and home audio setups.

Compact and stylish, the Sony SS-CS5 speakers fit seamlessly into any living space. Their versatile design makes them ideal for use on bookshelves, stands, or even as part of a home theater system. Whether you're listening to music, watching movies, or gaming, the Sony SS-CS5 speakers deliver high-fidelity audio that enhances your entertainment experience. Enjoy immersive, room-filling sound with these high-quality, budget-friendly speakers.

SS-CS5

Today at the High End Munich event, DALI introduced their latest offering in high-fidelity audio, the RUBIKORE series loudspeakers. For enthusiasts and attendees, a firsthand experience of these speakers is available in room D108, Atrium 3.1.

The RUBIKORE series encompasses five distinct models: the RUBIKORE 8 and RUBIKORE 6 floorstanders, the compact RUBIKORE 2 bookshelf speaker, the RUBIKORE ON-WALL, and the RUBIKORE CINEMA designed specifically for home theater setups. Each model is crafted to provide a blend of sophisticated design and audio performance that seeks to set new benchmarks in the industry.

Leveraging over four decades of loudspeaker innovation and the heralded design cues of their flagship KORE, the RUBIKORE series incorporates several advanced audio technologies. Notably, the series features the Clarity Cone™ Technology SMC Drivers which are designed to enhance sound clarity through innovative material use and design. The SMC-KORE™ Inductors aim to minimize signal loss and improve audio purity.

Additionally, the series boasts Hybrid Tweeter Modules that integrate a new Low-Loss Dome Tweeter, promising improved high-frequency response with reduced distortion. The design is rounded off with Continuous Flare Bass Reflex Ports, engineered to deliver smoother, more dynamic bass response by optimizing airflow within the speaker cabinets.

Further details on the RUBIKORE series will be disclosed in the upcoming days, including technical specifications and availability. Meanwhile, images and preliminary information can be accessed through DALI's dedicated event link. This launch not only highlights DALI’s commitment to innovation but also marks a significant moment for audiophiles seeking the next level of sonic excellence.

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DALI Unveils RUBIKORE Series at High End Munich

DALI is a Danish company that specializes in the production of high-quality audio speakers and headphones.

DALI

DALI’s RUBIKORE Series debuts at High End Munich, featuring luxurious design and the latest audio technologies for an unparalleled listening experience. Learn more!


There's a new spot in town that's got audiophiles and music lovers talking: The Ibis HiFi Cocktail & Coffee Bar. Tucked away in the Soda Pop District, this place is doing something different – it's blending the vibes of a coffee shop with the buzz of a cocktail bar, and it's all about the sound.

**Coffee by Day, Cocktails by Night**: What's cool about The Ibis is how it switches gears. You can grab a coffee in the morning in a chill environment, and then come evening, it transforms into this laid-back bar with a great selection of drinks.

**A Nod to Japanese Listening Bars**: The Ibis has taken a page out of Japan’s book, focusing on top-notch sound quality. It's not just background music here; the sound is a major part of the experience, something any music enthusiast will appreciate.

**Sound System That Hits the Right Notes**: Partnering with Gravity Records, The Ibis has set up a sound system that’s a dream for audiophiles. We're talking tube amps, vintage speakers, and turntables that are a cut above what you'd find in a typical bar or café.

**Music That Matters**: The playlist at The Ibis isn’t just thrown together – it's a thoughtfully crafted mix, thanks to DJ RizzyBeats. Each night, the music takes you on a different journey, making it a fresh experience every time you drop by.

**Local at Heart**: The Ibis keeps it close to home. They’ve got their own coffee blend from Casa Blanca, and the snacks are from local spots. It’s a nice touch that adds to the whole local community vibe.

**Drinks with a Twist**: Sure, you can get a classic martini here, but there's more. The cocktails have a bit of creativity to them, and there are some solid non-alcoholic options too.

**Sit Back and Relax**: The place is set up for comfort. Whether you're booking a spot for your group or just walking in, they’ve made sure it’s a space where you can really settle in and enjoy the tunes.

So, for anyone in Wilmington who loves good music and a good drink, The Ibis HiFi is a spot worth checking out. It's more than just a bar or a café; it's a place where the sound is just as important as the taste and the atmosphere. In a city with plenty of spots to choose from, The Ibis stands out as a haven for audiophiles and anyone who wants to enjoy their drink with a side of quality sound.

[The Ibis HiFi](https://www.instagram.com/theibisbar/?hl=en)

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Japanese Inspired Ambiance at The Ibis HiFi in Wilmington

Experience the blend of coffee culture and cocktail artistry at The Ibis HiFi, inspired by Japanese listening bars

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by JBL

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