Getting Started

Hi Bad, and welcome! Lot's of good advice above. If you are going to use a computer as a source, why not think about an integrated with a DAC (digital to analog converter)? This might improve your sound; Peachtree audio makes well regarded units that would be at your pricepoint (esp. demo or used), Bel Canto also makes such a unit, though it is dearer. If I were you, I'd think about calling Walter at Underwood HiFi; he handles Peachtree, Bel Canto, and many others, and often has good used/demo specials. I bet a beginner could do a lot worse than going to Walter and saying, "What's the best I can do for a 2k speaker-amp combo?" I'd suspect you'd come pretty close to, or do better than, the best you could do on the Gon, without a lot of time and luck. Certainly worth a call, I'd think. John

I agree with the Peachtree comments above. Very nice for the money especially for computer-based audio. Don't forget about the Peachtree Decco. It has 50 wpc but, depending on the speakers you select, that might be enough and at about half the price of the Nova would give you more flexibility elsewhere.

Again, I'm really thankful for all the responses. I'm really swimming in info here. Question about amps and power: That PSB Image T65 has to be a serious contender at $799. If I went with that speaker, would a 50wpc amp such as the Peachtree Decco or NAD C326BEE be sufficient? Or should I stick with something more stout (such as the C355BEE mentioned earlier)?

That PSB Image T65 has to be a serious contender at $799. If I went with that speaker, would a 50wpc amp such as the Peachtree Decco or NAD C326BEE be sufficient? Or should I stick with something more stout (such as the C355BEE mentioned earlier)?

The Peachtree stuff have a great DAC going for them (Sabre), but their amps are not the best, IMO. This from my own impressions at RMAF, as well as from a good Audiophile friend's impressions of the more powerful version in the Nova while trying to help another friend buy a modest system (he did not feel it was living up to its rated power nor doing very well overall). I would look elsewhere for an amp, especially if you are depending on it for classic rock. I would push for something with more cojones than those choices myself, the NAD being a better choice, though my experience is very limited with that amp. A used Portal Panache would be great if you don't mind the lack of a remote.

Jax2

PT Nova amps not too good?

That's curious, though I don't doubt your aprasal. One review did say it wasn't the strongest point of the Nova or Decco, as Nu Force amps were used predominately for testing all the other aspects of the PT int (s)... which, BTW are considerable for an int, IMO.

I figured though in terms of bang for the buck, the overall feature story outweighed the usual suspects in the int. category. HP amp, DAC, iPod dock (with lower powered Decco), sub out, pre & amp flexibility... etc.

I have been considering something along this line as another option for myself, due in part to the notes on the HP side of the Decco & Nova, and for another rooms outfit... but I'd wait for a used model personally as I certainly have no need for one immediately.

Adding to that, many here are predisposed to adding onto ints. and receivers shortly after getting them, I didn't see a decent, though not incredible, onboard amp as a big issue... New $1000 ints all have shortcomings, somewhere.

Good point, though.