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New audiophile? Start with something simple

August 9, 2013 at 9:03PM

An undated handout photo of the Traveler turntable by VPI ($1,500). From the renewed popularity of vinyl to the sales explosion of high-end headphones, many younger music fans are seeking a listening experience that goes beyond an MP3 and a pair of earbuds. (Handout via The New York Times) -- NO SALES; FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY WITH STORY SLUGGED HIGH-END-AUDIO BY STEVEN KURUTZ. ALL OTHER USE PROHIBITED. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

At Stereo Exchange, a bastion of audio geekery in Manhattan, Michael Toto has watched the upheavals in the audio industry firsthand. Toto recommended a few basic stereo components for entry-level audiophiles.

‚Decco65 by Peachtree Audio

Cost: Around $1,000.

What it does: An all-in-one amp, preamp and digital-to-analog converter, it can be used in conjunction with a Sonos Connect or any device with a digital output, like the Apple Airport Express. "It gives a warm sound to digital files," Toto said, calling it a kind of gateway into high-end home audio. (Price varies by outer-shell finish.)

ºConnect by Sonos

Price: Around $350.

What it does: Hook up this music streamer to a home stereo, and it will play audio from Spotify, Sirius XM Radio, iTunes and other sources. It is platform- and format-agnostic, and has an Apple-like cube design. Toto called the connect "the box of choice" and "a product for a modern music listener."

‚Traveler Turntable by VPI

Cost: Around $1,500 (without cartridge).

What it does: This first step into high-end performance turntables is made by a small New Jersey company that has been in business since vinyl was the default format. The traveler's platter is extremely stable, producing amazing sound. It can be "tweaky" to start, Toto said, but "when you set this up the right way, it's a damn beautiful piece of equipment."

SMB-02 Headphones by Phonon

Cost: Around $350.

What they do: These over-the-ears headphones are made by a Japanese company with an audio dream team that includes a veteran sound engineer, a music producer and a disc jockey. The results are known in the audiophile world as "the holy grail of headphones" for their comfort and clear, lush sound. "We get batches in 10 at a time from Japan," Toto said, "and sell them out immediately."

Steven kurutz

An undated handout photo of the Connect by Sonos ($350), which streams music to a home stereo. From the renewed popularity of vinyl to the sales explosion of high-end headphones, many younger music fans are seeking a listening experience that goes beyond an MP3 and a pair of earbuds. (Handout via The New York Times) -- NO SALES; FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY WITH STORY SLUGGED HIGH-END-AUDIO BY STEVEN KURUTZ. ALL OTHER USE PROHIBITED. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)