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**Ajax** · 01-18-2010, 04:20 PM

Hi John. :Welcome: to the forum and Tweak City Audio. I'm not a "tube" guy, but that Jolida is really nice looking.

You're to be commended for starting out slowly and taking the time to learn just what it is that YOU like.

**InfernoSTi** · 01-18-2010, 04:23 PM

OK, my first two questions, if I may:

1. Any recommendations on speaker wires for the above (albeit simple) system? Normally, I would just see what heavy gauge speaker wire I have left and use that. Somehow I think there MAY be a better way...or is that good enough given the system?

2. Any recommendations on speaker stands that would work well with the WAF-1s? Less (as in $$$) is more. I'm planning on having them on a desk for near field listening until I find the right speaker stands.

Thanks and I hope my questions are not too rudimentary for the forum!

**InfernoSTi** · 01-18-2010, 04:30 PM

Originally posted by Ajax

Hi John. :Welcome: to the forum and Tweak City Audio. I'm not a "tube" guy, but that Jolida is really nice looking.

You're to be commended for starting out slowly and taking the time to learn just what it is that YOU like.

Thanks, Jack! I'm pretty excited to get started with things.

Also, I appreciate your e-mail to my question when I placed my order. As an aside, one of the things I noticed right away about TCA is that it is a real community...that is definitely something that made a difference when I was choosing between some of the very nice speakers available on the market.

**Mike_TX** · 01-18-2010, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by InfernoSTi

OK, my first two questions, if I may:

1. Any recommendations on speaker wires for the above (albeit simple) system? Normally, I would just see what heavy gauge speaker wire I have left and use that. Somehow I think there MAY be a better way...or is that good enough given the system?

2. Any recommendations on speaker stands that would work well with the WAF-1s? Less (as in $$$) is more. I'm planning on having them on a desk for near field listening until I find the right speaker stands.

Thanks and I hope my questions are not too rudimentary for the forum!

Welcome to the forum.
I know nothing about the amp, but the WAF-1 mini monitors are a great value.

Speaker wire and other connectors -- I and many other people online use Monoprice.
Other options I see a lot are Blue Jean.
Actually (especially on sale) the Emotiva interconnects were relatively inexpensive.

Good luck and let us know your impressions of the setup.

Mike

**InfernoSTi** · 01-18-2010, 05:22 PM

Thank you, Mike. I'll take a look at the sites...and I'll post my thoughts on the setup once everything arrives.

**django1** · 01-18-2010, 09:24 PM

I haven't heard the Waf1s but I have a feeling that, paired with that amp, you are in for a treat. Also, what made quite a difference for me, as I'm using a dvd player as the source, was adding a inexpensive DAC.

**InfernoSTi** · 01-18-2010, 11:41 PM

Thanks Django. I have read that Jolida will be coming out with a matching DAC that is stackable with the FX-10 ($99). I will read up on DACs and keep my eye out for that model in particular. If it fails to come out anytime soon, I will be looking for a similarly priced DAC, perhaps.

Having read these forums a lot today, I'm pretty excited about the subwoofer options being discussed. The match between the 10.2 and the WAF-1s sounds like it will be terrific!

**PhenomeNhan** · 01-19-2010, 12:57 AM

Welcome to TCA, neighbor. 2-channel is always an exciting world to come into. I've heard great things about the WAF-1s, so I'm sure you'll enjoy them. That Jolida also looks awesome.

As stated in my signature, I'm an Onix dealer for the Texas area. I'm in Frisco if you ever want to drop by and demo any of the stuff I have or just shoot the bull about A/V stuff :)

**Jason** · 01-19-2010, 01:09 AM

Hello and another welcome.

That Jolida looks super cool. As fun as HT is, there's more 'magic' in 2 channel imo. Make sure to post your impressions with that setup, and pics too

**InfernoSTi** · 01-19-2010, 07:42 AM

Nice to see some locals on the forum! Looking forward to getting to know folks (and tap into a little of that expertise!)....

**Ray3** · 01-19-2010, 10:45 AM

Hi John and welcome!

Simple solution for your speaker wire. You can get 14ga speaker wire at Home Depot or Lowe's. They have pre-cut spools or you could have them cut a couple of pieces from their bulk wire rack. Good wire & good price. They also have banana plugs that work well.

For stands, take a look at racksandstands.com or Parts Express. I'd suggest that you look at something with adjustable height.

We'll be interested to hear your impressions of the WAF-1s.

**InfernoSTi** · 01-22-2010, 07:09 AM

Ray, thank you for the detailed suggestions...that is extremely helpful. I'm going to have to find the stands and the sites you referenced are excellent. John

**InfernoSTi** · 01-22-2010, 07:58 AM

OK, the WAF-1s arrived last night. Yea!!!

First off, let me say they arrived faster than the Jolida which was ordered earlier (not slamming them, just saying these got here fast), so compliments to TCA for their shipping speed! The box is heavier than expected and nicely double boxed to prevent shipping damage. Upon opening the inner box, you find a nice packaging with each speaker in a cloth bag that is very soft. Nice touch. The speakers feel rock solid in your hands.

Of course I had to hook them up to my HT amp (as previously mentioned is not of the greatest quality or very new even: H/K AVR110). I left the Paradigm PS1000 sub hooked up as I wasn't going to do more than just enjoy them. Mind you, I'm no audiophile...but I do enjoy music.

I started out with some Beatles (Magical Mystery Tour remastered CD), then some iTunes 256K sample songs (Jay Farrar, Elliot Smith, Gary Jules, and Vic Chesnutt), and then a jazz CD (Bill Evans Trio Sunday at the Village Vanguard).

I have to say the WAF-1s have exceeded my expectations. To me, they sound tight and clean. I played with them a little and on Vic Chesnutt Panic Pure, found the sweet spot where the speakers disappeared and the music and vocals were there instead. My favorites of the evening included the Bill Evans CD and Penny Lane off MMT.

On the Bill Evans CD, the piano, bass, and drums are truly a joy to listen to on these speakers. The highs subtle, the key strokes clear, and I think I heard a glass clink in the audience at one point...but it may have been my imagination! In fact, I have that CD on this morning just to enjoy the music while getting ready to head into the office.

On Penny Lane, the evenness across the range was lovely with the accents standing out. I think the remastering maybe helped a bit, as well. Vocals were clear, the cymbals not harsh, and the effect was a fresh listen to a song I have heard all my live. Very enjoyable.

In fact, these speakers pretty much have me wanting to listen to another song by another artist...one song makes we think of another to pop in the CD tray...kind of that, "gee, I wonder what such and such would sound like" affect. That is the real compliment to the enjoyment of the speakers.

In summary, I can't wait to hook these up to the Jolida when it arrives, but for now, to my untrained ear, these sound wonderful. They have me wanting to listen to music I know well because it sounds new again, if that makes sense. I should temper this with the comment that when you step up from very average mainstream to this, it is quite a contrast. If I was replacing very nice speakers, I would probably have to spend a lot more time with the A/B kind of listening to see what I liked better about each. I also have the subwoofer hooked up, I can't yet comment on their sound standing alone. For now, though, these have me simply enjoying them for the music's sake, if you will.

As I said earlier, my expectations have already been exceeded! Nicely done and thank you, TCA!

John

**Mike_TX** · 01-22-2010, 11:31 AM

Originally posted by InfernoSTi

OK, the WAF-1s arrived last night. Yea!!!

First off, let me say they arrived faster than the Jolida which was ordered earlier (not slamming them, just saying these got here fast), so compliments to TCA for their shipping speed! The box is heavier than expected and nicely double boxed to prevent shipping damage. Upon opening the inner box, you find a nice packaging with each speaker in a cloth bag that is very soft. Nice touch. The speakers feel rock solid in your hands.

Of course I had to hook them up to my HT amp (as previously mentioned is not of the greatest quality or very new even: H/K AVR110). I left the Paradigm PS1000 sub hooked up as I wasn't going to do more than just enjoy them. Mind you, I'm no audiophile...but I do enjoy music.

I started out with some Beatles (Magical Mystery Tour remastered CD), then some iTunes 256K sample songs (Jay Farrar, Elliot Smith, Gary Jules, and Vic Chesnutt), and then a jazz CD (Bill Evans Trio Sunday at the Village Vanguard).

I have to say the WAF-1s have exceeded my expectations. To me, they sound tight and clean. I played with them a little and on Vic Chesnutt Panic Pure, found the sweet spot where the speakers disappeared and the music and vocals were there instead. My favorites of the evening included the Bill Evans CD and Penny Lane off MMT.

On the Bill Evans CD, the piano, bass, and drums are truly a joy to listen to on these speakers. The highs subtle, the key strokes clear, and I think I heard a glass clink in the audience at one point...but it may have been my imagination! In fact, I have that CD on this morning just to enjoy the music while getting ready to head into the office.

On Penny Lane, the evenness across the range was lovely with the accents standing out. I think the remastering maybe helped a bit, as well. Vocals were clear, the cymbals not harsh, and the effect was a fresh listen to a song I have heard all my live. Very enjoyable.

In fact, these speakers pretty much have me wanting to listen to another song by another artist...one song makes we think of another to pop in the CD tray...kind of that, "gee, I wonder what such and such would sound like" affect. That is the real compliment to the enjoyment of the speakers.

In summary, I can't wait to hook these up to the Jolida when it arrives, but for now, to my untrained ear, these sound wonderful. They have me wanting to listen to music I know well because it sounds new again, if that makes sense. I should temper this with the comment that when you step up from very average mainstream to this, it is quite a contrast. If I was replacing very nice speakers, I would probably have to spend a lot more time with the A/B kind of listening to see what I liked better about each. I also have the subwoofer hooked up, I can't yet comment on their sound standing alone. For now, though, these have me simply enjoying them for the music's sake, if you will.

As I said earlier, my expectations have already been exceeded! Nicely done and thank you, TCA!

John

Congrats!

Glad you are enjoying them.
Any pics of your setup?

Mike

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