2. amps-preamps
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Help? Stereo for art studio, under $1k

I'm converting an old workshop into my new painting studio and can use some advise or direction on a simple stereo system. The studio is 27' x 33' with a 9' ceiling. The floor is cement, furnishings will be minimal, I believe the walls will be insulated w/ sheetrock. Some windows w/ no blinds.

The challenge is my budget: definitely under $1,000. I'd like an integrated amp or receiver, two speakers, and a way to listen to my digital music collection. Right now I've got music on my iPhone, iPad, iMac. At home I listen to vinyl and cd's but here I need to press start and then not touch the system as my hands have paint on them and I can't change cd's. No internet there yet.

I mostly listen to current music - Monsters & Men, Black Keys, Rhiannon Giddens, Arcade Fire, etc. Very little classical. Volume will be a little high. This is a separate building on 14 acres.

Advise is really welcome: which amp or receiver do you recommend? Which speakers? Thoughts on music player or server?
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Showing 4 responses by mesch

mesch
3,530 posts
 
You can get a new Pioneer A-20 integrated amplifier for $270. It is the least expensive integrated I can recommend.

Look into a i phone/iPad dock, i believe these are available that will take the digital signal phone/pad and convert to analog.

What are your restrictions regarding speaker placement? There are many speakers that would mate with the Pioneer amp.
mesch
3,530 posts
 
There is an NAD 320BEE for sale here on AG.  I would consider that for a start. 

The Pioneer Andrew Jones Towers retail new for $129 each. Forgot model number.

I also enjoy NPR on Sunday mornings.

mesch
3,530 posts
 
Have you looked into a docking station for your iphone/ipad. I believe one could be found that would transmit SPDIF to the Yamaha DAC. I am not real familiar with what is available as I use a MACbook Pro for my 2nd system. 

mesch
3,530 posts
 
I would think the Yamaha 301 would work fine for your application. I have not heard the Pioneer floor standers (FS52) however own a pair of the bookshelf models (BS22) and find them great/$$$. I understand that the FS52s will go deeper and play louder. 

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