If you only have $1000 left for "everything else" I suggest looking at NAD solid state integrateds (used here on Audiogon), a lower end Marantz CD player (new), and Blue Jeans Cable (new) for all cables. |
I think a Peachtree iDecco would be a great match for you. It should have plenty of power for the Microwalsh's and it has USB input as well as an iPod dock. You'd have an extra optical, coax, and analogue input for additional sources in the future. Peachtree completely revamped their product line, so the iDecco isn't being produced any more, but they're still available from Amazon for just a bit over $800. I'd eventually get a better power amp, but the iDecco is great as a preamp, headphone amp, and DAC. I've used mine with Decware omni-directional speakers, and it sounds great. I'm now using it as a preamp and source going into a tube power amp.
NAD has some integrated amps that would sound great for your budget, but certainly don't have the DAC inputs for you sources. Same for the Jolida integrated tube amps. There's the Outlaw Audio RR2150 receiver that does have a USB input; it's another good option.
There are plenty of great options out there, good luck. |
OK, so we have a 12 x 16 room w streaming digital as the only source, so you have a $1K budget for pre-amp/amp or integrated amp, is that correct? If you tell us a little about your musical tastes (rock, jazz, classical, folk, etc.) and what your sound character priorities (fast attack, wide soundstage, detail, lushness, bass extension, bass quantity, etc.), we can be more helpful. |
I would opt for the Peachtree iDecco. It has rec'd great reviews and has a DAC for your computer audio files. NAD is also a good choice but the Peachtree gives you a good sounding DAC. |
The one thing I can tell you for sure is that your friends are not giving you good advice when they tell you to spend the most money on speakers. I know they mean well but spending money is a lot different than matching components. Your system is only as good as its weakest link. All the components have to work together as a system. Quite often you will be surprised at how much more you like a less expensive component over over something more. That said, I am not that familiar with your speakers so I can't make any specific recommendations but from what I see from Jazzerdave and Gz3827's posts, you are definitely going in the right direction. Another brand I would look at is Cambridge audio. I have had good luck with some of their components and should fit in with some of the other brands mentioned. |
Swampwalker
Thanks for the response. I listen to mostly rock, some metal and dabble in electronic music from time to time. Im not sure how to relate a lot of these terms to experience, but I do like my bass, will be getting a sub-woofer to compliment the ohms sometime.
Jazzerdave
I had looked at the peachtree products and am very pleased you have good things to say about them! The option of just turning it into a source with later upgrades is extremely attractive.
Gz
Im on the Blue Jeans site right now, thanks for the reference! |
Peach tree Decco or Nova if you can squeeze it used would be an easy and nice fit.
You could upgrade to an outboard amp later and use the Peachtree as a DAC and pre-amp only later if you ever feel the need.
NAd integrated is a good path also. Probably a beefier amp there for the $$s if you like louder rock/pop type music. Squeezebox Touch might be had also for the budget to stream music off the computer and internet via a Wifi or wired network and includes a decent DAC as well. |
Thanks mapman
If going the NAD route there seems to be a lot of options used and new. Which ones should I be considering?
So what im looking at now is either peachtree and call it good or NAD(X) + Squeezebox |
Daseiler,
What music server program do you use and what file format for music files? Is teh server an Apple or PC? |
I stream off my iTunes library using either TVersity or PLEX depending on if im using laptop or PC, both windows 7. Does iTunes use compression that has loss? Is there a way around that?
Also I notice there is a NAD C375BEE for 1k on here used, if I could "squeeze" that and the squeezebox together would I see much higher gains over the Nova? I still lean to the Peachtree however because its presentation is in another league but im in it for the end result too, the sound. The choices! |
nice situation to be in....congratulations. at one time peachtree had the origonal decco refurbished for 500 bucks. i have one and use it with mb quart towers and enjoy it. if i had the choice of a idecco with average cables or a decco with much better cables i would go with the latter. just me tho. i would love to hear those speakers you have on order.... |
Keep in mind sb touch requires logitech media server program but it does integrate with itunes. |
Thanks for all the help, I think I made my decision with the peachtree. Once everything arrives I will chime back in with my first timer POV on the system (probably smiling ear to ear). |
I think that will be a very nice sounding rig for very reasonable cost.
Keep us posted! |
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Welcome to our fraternity!
For $1000....try the McIntosh 2105 with a Dynaco PAS-3x preamp. Buy real cheap used cables on E-Bay, or check out Morrow Cables.
Use your computer for your music source, and Google "J-River"
All of this for $1000, out the door.
Welcome aboard!!!! |
Well guys, its all on order. Im expecting the Microwalsh's to arrive next week, my Squeezebox Touch by friday, and I picked up a like new Peachtree Nova off craigslist 300 less than retail and hooked up my new Bluejeans cables, waiting for the speakers! Call be giddy but the shipping wait is killing me! |
Let us know how you like everything |
