$1000 to complete my listening experience...

[whyrichard]

Hey guys,

I'm finally moving to a place where I can listen to music the way i like it (at a decent volume, in a dedicated room)... I have an old setup that I'd like to upgrade... budget: $1000. What do you guys suggest I do?

My Current Setup:
Paradigm Studio 60's from 2001
Infinity Powered Sub (forget which exactly but looks like a BS210)
Phillips cd player
Pioneer Integrated Amp (weakest component)
Technics turntable (only occasionally used)

Soundsources:
60% Compact Disk,
35% Itunes (lossless and 320kbps) through an airport express
5% vinyl

Music:
60% Classical (strings/symphonic)
25% Electronic/Pop
15% Vocals/Acoustic

I am thinking that a 2 channel integrated amp that can play phono and maybe has a digital in for the airport express, as well as whatever output is needed for the powered infiniti sub... but what do you guys think?

Also, this NAD amp seems to get fantastic reviews and is surprisingly affordable: NAD - C -326BEE


Thanks so much! Can't wait to get my music listening back into my life... (been living in noisy/ crowded places for the past few years)

r.

 

[whyrichard]

p.s. I've really been attracted to a golden rich sound... such as those associated with tube amps...

thanks,
r.

 

[whyrichard]

I just called Paradigm to get their opinion, they suggested the Anthem Integrated 225...
hmmmmm... any thoughts?
r.

 

[whyrichard]

or could get the following used:
anthem avm-20 preamp for around 500
anthem mca-2 preamp also for around 500...


r.

 

[Davemcc]

Anthem products tend to be quite good although I would shop around when you're in the MCA range. Anthem and Paradigm are owned by the same parent corporation, so it's no surprise that was their suggestion. Rotel also makes some fine products in that range that may suit your purpose that are at least equivalent, possibly better, than the MCA range.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

My humble 2c - Emotiva - USP-1 + UPA-2 = $700 + shipping.
Rest of money for room acoustic treatments....
Since your 60's pretty easy load - 125 real Watts from Emotiva should do the trick to drive them to very loud volumes if needed

p.s:
If I'm not mistaken Apple's airport express audio jack is digital optical/analog hybrid so you could just use the analog portion....

 

[jostenmeat]

I am thinking that a 2 channel integrated amp that can play phono and maybe has a digital in for the airport express, as well as whatever output is needed for the powered infiniti sub... but what do you guys think?

Check out the Outlaw, has phono, bass mgmt that is selectable (extremely rare with integrateds). Has USB input, but no S/PDIF . . . but why does it have to be digital? Completely unfamiliar with the airport express, it doesn't have red/white analog outs?

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.html

I like Cambridge too, but I vote that route only if you can land a good deal.

 

[whyrichard]

Anthem products tend to be quite good although I would shop around when you're in the MCA range. Anthem and Paradigm are owned by the same parent corporation, so it's no surprise that was their suggestion. Rotel also makes some fine products in that range that may suit your purpose that are at least equivalent, possibly better, than the MCA range.

why do you suggest i shop around if i'm looking at the MCA range?

is an mca-2 from 2000 or so a good deal for $500?

thanks very much,

r.

 

[whyrichard]

Check out the Outlaw, has phono, bass mgmt that is selectable (extremely rare with integrateds). Has USB input, but no S/PDIF . . . but why does it have to be digital? Completely unfamiliar with the airport express, it doesn't have red/white analog outs?

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.html

I like Cambridge too, but I vote that route only if you can land a good deal.

the express has analogue out as well as digital out. i am curious about the digital out as far as sound quality, and if i could find an amp that has the DA converter that can take advantage of it... (or if it's worth it with an airport express)

thanks!

r.

 

[whyrichard]

this is beginning to feel like one of those instances when too many choices leads to unhappiness!


hmmmmmmmm.....


r.

(am leaning to the anthem integrated for this reason...)