2nd system for office, all-in-one integrated suggestions


Hi everyone, I'm looking for recommendations on an all-in-one integrated for a second system at work. My overall all-in budget is $4000 (including cables). I'll be using the Elac debut 2.0 speakers to start. The goal of the system is mainly streaming but I'll need MM/MC capabilities. I could do a separate phono stage at some point, but prefer something built in for now to keep the system clean. I'm looking at the Rega P1 with an updated Hana cartridge (my home rig is a P10 outfitted with a Hana Umami Red). I'll be using AQ cabling. I feel like this price point is difficult because of the vast number of options. My rig at home is very transparent, dynamic, maybe just toward the warm side of neutral. I have all tubes at home but would like solid state just for convenience for this system, but nothing too analytical sounding. Thanks for the suggestions

njkrebs

Showing 1 response by tvrgeek

Considering the speakers, you are not in the esoteric price range. Not trashing them as I am really amazed at their price point.  ( I have D5.1's in my shop powered by a V3)  Really, don't know how they do it. 

So the amp is not that critical. Look for a solution with the best internal DAC  and streaming software. Unfortunately some very nice integrated amps have $5 DACs in them.   Even the Moon internal DAC I would not write home about.  To go external DAC and maybe IOTA integrated?  If going to better speakers, the Hegel, Atoll, AudioLabs integrated are all exceptional.  I put them a notch over Rega, Naim, Linn, Cambridge, Marantz etc.  Ones I have heard. I have not heard a PS since the first generation when I lived in Boulder.  PS does seem to make some very good electronics, but I just get a bade taste with the snake oil they also push. 

My desk is a PC as server and streamer.  I run JDS Atom+ DAC and  preamp/phones into a Schiit REKER driving my Vifa/Dayton 4 inch mains and an 8 inch sub. Once I tuned enough JRiver parameters, I have eliminated the vocal sibilance I am so sensitive too.  It plays more than loud enough with all of 2 Watts.  I tried my ELAC's on it and sorry, as good as they are, they were no match for the Vifa XT-25 tweeters. Electronics under $350!  I really want to hear an Aries II in the system.   Now, I only listen to headphones occasionally at night. That is not my primary listening, but the $109 JDS seems fine.  I also have an Asgard. Can't tell the difference. 

If I were buying a desktop from scratch, I might start with Sonas Faber Lumina IIs, go for the bigger 12W Schiit amp, Probably a JDS Element DAC, maybe WiiM streamer.  All that way less than the above mentioned prestige brands and I would match the sound any day. Maybe the RME DAC instead of the JDS. Not sure it is smoother sounding, but the feature set is worth the price.