2. amps-preamps
  3. 165761-160169

Beginner Looking For Set Up Advice!

Hi all, 

I'm excited to have gotten my first pair of new speakers, the B&W 606 S2! My Dad and my Brother both have 603s and I love the sound, so I thought these would fit well in my apartment. I'm having trouble finding a stereo receiver or integrated amp to pair with the speakers. Although I understand some audiophile lingo, it can all be somewhat confusing and overwhelming so I thought I'd ask for some advice.

What would be a decent, under $1k piece to power the speakers? How much power do these need? I would want it to be able to stream music, whether through airplay or some other system (Spotify connect, etc), and also work with my TV setup including a 4k blu ray player and an Apple TV. I would consider adding a CD player or turntable later on. 

Currently I've looked at the Denon PMA 150h, Marantz PM7007, Marantz NR1200, Yamaha R-N303, and a few others. 

Thanks!
smosleh

Showing 5 responses by mesch

mesch
3,530 posts
 
I don't think you will have a problem with the TV or streaming needs if you are looking at a 2 channel system. A quality 2-channel system works well for movie viewing. 

Yes you can link the TV via HDMI and set TV output to PCM for digital optical output. The Outlaw is highly regarded at it's price point and has onboard DAC and phonostage. 

The Peachtree unit may also be a good choice though I am not familiar with it. Does it have onboard streaming capability? 
mesch
3,530 posts
 
Much depends on wether you want a all-in-one box solution or not.

If purchasing a streamer separately then there are several integrated options, many line level only, many with DACS, some with phonostage, some with both. Another choice is the Yamaha A-S701 or 801. They include a DAC and a phonostage (701 has optical and coax, 801 also includes USB). 

What electronics are your father and brother using?
mesch
3,530 posts
 
With the Yamaha A-S301, 501, 701 or 801 you can use the optical input with the TV, coax with a inexpensive CD player that has coax output and a TT. You would need a streaming device. I have used
the 701 with B&W 685s and CM5s in a secondary system. 

The Marantz 7007 I believe also has DAC and phonostage so would serve same as the Yamaha. You have heard your speakers with Marantz electronics. Many find Marantz house sound to be a bit warmer, softer than Yamaha. 

I am looking to purchase the Bluesound Node myself. It has it's own DAC so could be run into line level input.  I believe it to be a good buy at $550. There are other lessor (more inexpensive) options. Choice would depend on how you wish to use streaming. If you haven't any hard media it could become your primary source. In that case the BS would be a good choice. 

Do not view this endeavor as an gauntlet, but as a walk down a friendly trail.

  
mesch
3,530 posts
 
One thing I will add, I till use the B&W 685s, which are very similar to your speakers. I have used them with a NAD 326 at 50wpc which worked well however I like them better with the NAD 356 which at 85wpc made me more comfortable when playing loud. The Yamaha 701 I am now using is 100wpc and a good match with the 685s. Seems the 606s, like the 685s drop to slightly below 4 ohms in the bass region. I know you are in a apartment and may not need over 50wpc for your speakers however the extra grunt provided by a quality 100wpc amp might prove beneficial. What is room size? 
mesch
3,530 posts
 
I am a little concerned about the power requirement given your speakers and room size. I could be wrong depending on loudness levels desired. If going with the Yamaha line I would consider the 701 or 801(USB needs?). One can stream via iphone or computer via USB.

Do you currently have a CD or LP collection? How about the TT or CD player? It would be good to know more as to where you might go here.

One thing going for the Peachtree  unit is that it can be used as a stand alone or as a preamp (having preamp outputs)  allowing for the use of a separate amplifier if one find more power is needed. Seems like a good deal at the reduced price. I would look further into streaming devices that could work with it.  
More to discover