2-channel separates for less than $2k?

[vantara]

Thanks, Seth=L. I doubt it, too.

 

[ATLAudio]

Peachtree Audio Nova 220, or perhaps one of the cheaper Peachtree models should work as a nice upgrade, and hit your budget.

 

[slipperybidness]

Peachtree Audio Nova 220, or perhaps one of the cheaper Peachtree models should work as a nice upgrade, and hit your budget.

I would steer clear of Peachtree Nova. There were some issues with that line. I can't recall off the top of my head. I'll try to look it up again when I get a chance.

 

[ATLAudio]

I would steer clear of Peachtree Nova. There were some issues with that line. I can't recall off the top of my head. I'll try to look it up again when I get a chance.

I did the obvious an googled "Peachtree Audio Nova220 quality issues" and got zilch, of course not to say that there is something I missed.

Remember, the Nova 220 is a brand new design that hasn't even been out a full year, if your quality criticism is more than a year old then it probably applies to the older Nova line.

That said, I've been following them for a while, and I'm not familiar with any frequent or specific quality issues outside the normal frequency of issues you'd expect to see in consumer electronic offering. Again, not to say I may have missed something.

 

[vantara]

I also looked at the Peachtree Nova in my search. But without tone controls, it was a deal-breaker. And I'm also happy with my decision to steer away from integrated amps and go with separates.

 

[ATLAudio]

I also looked at the Peachtree Nova in my search. But without tone controls, it was a deal-breaker. And I'm also happy with my decision to steer away from integrated amps and go with separates.

Check out the Emotiva DAC, XDA-2. Match up the rest of your budget with dual massive Emotiva monoblocks.

 

[TLS Guy]

I also looked at the Peachtree Nova in my search. But without tone controls, it was a deal-breaker. And I'm also happy with my decision to steer away from integrated amps and go with separates.

You do need to be aware that those P5 units use a motorized ALPS volume control that has a reputation for becoming noisy and after fairly low hours. This problem is not unique to Parasound, as other manufacturers using the same control have had the problem. We have a thread on this now, and there is a thread on AVS forum and others about this control.

So I would ask Parasound if they can be certain they now have a batch of controls free of this problem. Failing that, ask them if they have, or have plans, to modify the unit to take a control from another manufacturer, such as TKD. I did run into sites where owners had modified equipment to take this different control.

The noise only occurs on changing the volume and does not seem to bother a number of owners.

 

[3db]

Hi. I've been doing a lot of reading here and on other forums, as well as a lot of my own research. But, I think I might be hitting a bit of a wall.

I would like to upgrade my old Yamaha AVR. And I would like to go with a separate amp/preamp. Reason being, I am not into surround, not a gamer, and not a heavy movie guy. It's mainly for music-- from rock to blues to classical to jazz. The music's the thing.

But it seems most preamps lean heavily toward analog inputs (which I can understand), and that's fine, as long as I can find a setup in my price range that includes reasonable digital options (Optical, Coax, USB). I was looking at a promising integrated amp by NAD, with an add-on MDC module, but that thing only includes Optical and USB, PLUS makes you have to reach around back to manually switch from one to the other (Seriously? Who comes up with this stuff?).

Anyway, if anyone has advice on whether there are decent options for my requirements, I'd be most appreciative. Here is my wish list:

2.1 separates
Optical/Coax/USB
Sub out
Max $2,000.

As for speakers, I just ordered a couple NHT Absolute Towers, and will also be looking to upgrade my sub (an old Yamaha 2x7").

Thanks for your help!

Question, which Yamaha model are you using? The reason I ask is that if it gives you pre-outs, than you can use it as pre-amp and just buy an external amps.

 

[slipperybidness]

You do need to be aware that those P5 units use a motorized ALPS volume control that has a reputation for becoming noisy and after fairly low hours. This problem is not unique to Parasound, as other manufacturers using the same control have had the problem. We have a thread on this now, and there is a thread on AVS forum and others about this control.

So I would ask Parasound if they can be certain they now have a batch of controls free of this problem. Failing that, ask them if they have, or have plans, to modify the unit to take a control from another manufacturer, such as TKD. I did run into sites where owners had modified equipment to take this different control.

The noise only occurs on changing the volume and does not seem to bother a number of owners.

Could you post some links and/or the Alps part #?

 

[vantara]

I have the RX-V995 http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amps/rx/rx-v995_black__u/

But really, it's OK. I'm set on moving on to separates. I don't need all the surround sound/video stuff. I just want really clean music. I think the Parasound combo is going to work just perfectly for me. Gets me to my budget, and with the NHT Absolute Towers and SVS sub, I'm sure I'll be in nirvana compared to my current setup. I do admit... it's really hard not to geek-out on this stuff. Deep breath.

 

[ImcLoud]

I have been following this thread and haven't been sure what way I would go, but since you made up your mind I will put in my 2 cents {but be careful its probably only worth 1}.

Now as many know I am all about 2.x music systems, I have a 5.2 system for my ht, but I am not a surround sound guy...

Heres what I would do...
$2000, buy another sub, I am not sure what one you have but I would get another....
now with the money left over buy...
this pair of amps http://www.musicdirect.com/p-161175-outlaw-model-2200-mono-amp-pair-demo.aspx
then buy this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Emotiva-XSP-1-Gen-1-/231491037310?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35e5f0e87e
offer him $500, looks good to me...

Then for digital input just get this guy and tuck it in the back and you are done http://www.amazon.com/Signstek-Coaxial-Converter-Decoder-Analogue/dp/B00FEDHHKE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1424999414&sr=8-1&keywords=muse+dac

That will get you a great, clean, foundation... The outlaw mono blocks are awesome {look in the link in my sig, I have a pair of them powering a 2.2}, the xsp1 will give you great sub control and is a very nice unit also...

I will put that outlaw, xsp1, with another sub against ANY amp/pre/dac combo on the market with a single sub. Its not as easy as it looks to integrate a single sub into a music system, have 2 subs smooths the room response and makes them invisible. I have a bunch of 2.2 systems for a reason, a single sub is just not as nice..

So I hope this helps, if you get an xsp1 with a pair of mono blocks {no cross talk with mono blocks}, and another sub, you will be AMAZED at the music, I am sure a single sub and the parasound stuff will also make you happy, but dollar for dollar the gear I listed will get your more for your money...

One more not, I would have done bookshelfs vs towers, you are crossing to a sub so no need for the big cabs and that extra resonance {plus the cost}...

What sub do you have?

Good luck with what ever you choose, I love seeing people doing music only systems, and yours will be close enough, I have 7 music only systems in my home, lol...

 

[vantara]

Thanks, ImcLoud. Really appreciate the input. My sub is a very old Yamaha YST-SW120 http://www2.yamaha.co.jp/manual/pdf/av/english/sub/YST-SW120.pdf

Here's the thing: I'm limited for space, as you can see from the picture. That TV is going to get much bigger soon, those Klipsch will go away (I was looking for a way to MacGyver some floor stands for them, but it's not clean, and I wanted better stuff anyway!). The towers will go on each side of the unit. As for two subs, I hear you, but I still have those room size constraints (plus a wife with a very active "overkill" meter).

I've been working with two bookshelves and that one sub for +20 years. I know I am going to be way more than satisfied with the Parasound duo, the NHTs, and the SVS sub. Gotta take it and run! But I must admit, that nice little DAC is very cool. Maybe I buy one for my next system. ;-)

 

[PENG]

I really appreciate the input here, everyone. Sorry if my original reply didn't come through... this is my first post here, so just getting oriented.

The Parasound P5/A23 combo really does look like it's going to hit the mark. But I am interested to know how this setup would be out of balance with the NHTs and an SVS SB2000, for instance? Sounds like the sentiment is that this is too much input for those speakers? If that's so, then I really don't mind. Part of my goal is also to achieve, as TLS guy puts it, "pride of ownership." Budget constraints withstanding.

I would definitley proudly display these components. Gotta believe it would be better than my old Yamaha AVR, Klipsch RSX-5s, and Yamaha YST-120.

And finally, as for the suggestion of a separate DAC... why would I need one with the Parasound setup?

Thanks again for the feedback.

I think the A23 is a great choice, just not sure about the P5 but I guess you have made up your mind..

 

[vantara]

I think the A23 is a great choice, just not sure about the P5 but I guess you have made up your mind..

I know I could do better (plus a whole lot worse), but I like the fact that they match. :-} It's also partially about looks. Will be proud to display these two brothers.

 

[PENG]

I know I could do better (plus a whole lot worse), but I like the fact that they match. :-} It's also partially about looks. Will be proud to display these two brothers.

True, look and pride are important. Enjoy the pair!

 

[slipperybidness]

I did the obvious an googled "Peachtree Audio Nova220 quality issues" and got zilch, of course not to say that there is something I missed.

Remember, the Nova 220 is a brand new design that hasn't even been out a full year, if your quality criticism is more than a year old then it probably applies to the older Nova line.

That said, I've been following them for a while, and I'm not familiar with any frequent or specific quality issues outside the normal frequency of issues you'd expect to see in consumer electronic offering. Again, not to say I may have missed something.

Yeah, I was definitely seeing the info before the 220 came out.

To be clear, I don't think it was a quality or reliability problem. I think it was a poor design problem.

 

[3db]

I have the RX-V995 http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/av-receivers-amps/rx/rx-v995_black__u/

But really, it's OK. I'm set on moving on to separates. I don't need all the surround sound/video stuff. I just want really clean music. I think the Parasound combo is going to work just perfectly for me. Gets me to my budget, and with the NHT Absolute Towers and SVS sub, I'm sure I'll be in nirvana compared to my current setup. I do admit... it's really hard not to geek-out on this stuff. Deep breath.

Can you buy the Parasound items seperately for the same price as a pair? I'm trying to save you a few bucks here and try to use the Yammy as a prepro. The pre-amp sections on upper line Yamaha AVRs such as your unit are of a very high calibre that may equal the performance of the Parasound PrePro. The preamp sections are that good.

I do understand wanting things to look the same from aesthetics though if that's a deciding factor.

 

[slipperybidness]

Can you buy the Parasound items seperately for the same price as a pair? I'm trying to save you a few bucks here and try to use the Yammy as a prepro. The pre-amp sections on upper line Yamaha AVRs such as your unit are of a very high calibre that may equal the performance of the Parasound PrePro. The preamp sections are that good.

I do understand wanting things to look the same from aesthetics though if that's a deciding factor.

The old Yammy may even exceed the P5.

Personally, I would not purchase a P5 until Parasound could assure me that the scratchy Alps pot will not be a problem on my unit.

 

[PENG]

Can you buy the Parasound items seperately for the same price as a pair? I'm trying to save you a few bucks here and try to use the Yammy as a prepro. The pre-amp sections on upper line Yamaha AVRs such as your unit are of a very high calibre that may equal the performance of the Parasound PrePro. The preamp sections are that good.

I do understand wanting things to look the same from aesthetics though if that's a deciding factor.

I feel the same but the OP like the look of the matching pair plus the pride of owning a separate pair vs an AVR turned prepro. It is obvious by now that's a deciding factor for him.

 

[vantara]

Aughhhh, you guys are making me crazy! ;-)

So, use the Yamaha as a pre-pro? And maybe spend a few more on the power amp? And I did see the stuff on the noisy volume control on the p5. What would make you all say that the Yamaha as a prepro would be as good as (or better than) the Parasound?