2. amps-preamps
  3. 178529-150450

Amp / Speaker setup for streaming and vinyl

I'm looking to build a system for music only. The tv is nearby but I don't particularly care about tv sound and like to keep setup and cables simple. Feel free to convince me otherwise.

I previously had a Peachtree Nova and Paradigm Studio Reference 20s and was very happy with the setup. Life happened and I'm now using a Technics receiver that I bought cheap when I was in high school in the 90s and a pair of B&W BM602s I got on CList. Thinking it's time to upgrade.

80% of my listening is streaming from Apple devices through Airplay. 20% is vinyl via an 90s Okyo turntable. Rock/Jazz/Americana. Open floor plan, so a large-ish room although volume is usually modest.

I was inclined to just rebuild the old system but get a Nova 150 to avoid needing a separate phono pre. But it occurs to me that all of my knowledge of available options is about 10 years old. Maybe there are betting options these days?

I would go Toslink from the Airport Express if I got another Nova. I like that it has a good DAC on-board.

So, anyone wiling to recommend a good amp/speaker setup that might trump my default option? Budget is modest. Let's say $1,200ish, all in.

* Wild card question: should I consider active speakers with a built-in phono pre? The simplicity is super tempting but seems too good to be true.*

Thanks!

 

jekay

Showing 3 responses by freediver

freediver
1,363 posts
 

Peachtree was WAYYY ahead of the times with the Nova & an all in one solution is,IMO,the ONLY way to go these days.The problem though is I never cared for the combination of Digital Class D amplification & the SABRE DAC's they use in the current production.They just don't have that lucid MOSFET/Tube tone of the original Nova.Too bad prices are WAYYY to high for a decent condition unit.
 In your budget range my $ would go for a Quad Audio UK "Vena 2"..Fully loaded,you can Stream via USB & Toslink or Bluetooth & it also has a Moving Magnate Phono Stage built in.It will be wonderfully musical with a natural tone & bring out the best the 602 speakers offer without highlighting the slightly brite/harsh tweeter...When you save again to upgrade speakers get yourself a pair of Heco "Aurora 700"3 way floorstanding speakers for about $1200.00 delivered.They would THRIVE on the Quad amp..

freediver
1,363 posts
 

Quad:Been around a LONG time & HIGHLY regarded.Several online AD's in the USA.
If you want a HUGE taste of the absolute best for about $1600.00 there is the iFi Audio "Retro Stereo 50"TUBE integrated amplifier/DAC/Headphone/Phono,also available online.Doesn't have huge power but speakers like the Heco are 93db.sensitive & don't need huge power.
 Another thing you could do now to the 602's that won't cost much is get a decent pair of speaker jumpers & get rid of those metal bars that join the 2 sections of the crossover..

freediver
1,363 posts
 

Listen,on USAUDIOMART.com RIGHT NOW there is a Cayin "CS55A" BRAND NEW IN BOX with KT88 tubes.It has built in DAC with USB(only)input,a Moving Magnate phono stage & a wonderful,tube driven headphone out.
Price is $1300.00 + shipping.BUY IT!!!
 NOTHING & I MEAN NOTHING can even come close to the performance of this amp for the $ & EASILY competes with all in one solutions that cost $3000.00+!
 You can even change the tubes from KT88(which I prefer)to EL34 with flip of a switch.Biasing new power tubes is EASY with built in bias meter & top plate mounted biasing pots.
 I owned this exact amp & it took a VERY expensive KT150 amp to upgrade.
YOU WILL NOT REGRET buying this amp.

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