Looking for an all in one streamer/amp for a den system


I'd like to build a very simple streaming system for my den, dedicated streaming, no CD, phono etc. Not sure about the speakers yet, likely passive. One box simplicity and intro to streaming. Budget $1500ish.

larseand

Speakers get real opinionated.  My opinion.  Used or new Kef LS 50 or Harbeth P3ESR.  My daughter and her partner have NAD paired with LS50. Base impressive. I like it. He would listen to it all the time if they did not have a baby.

Sonos is a good route. Powered speakers you can control on your phone. Place as many speakers in different rooms as you want and play different music in each space. Very simple. I helped my neighbor set this up in his house. His wife has stereo in her art room, he has a living room stereo and lastly a stereo on his covered outdoor patio. He also bought stands for the smallish speakers. He started with one pair, then two, finally three and told me he couldn’t be happier.

The only combo product that I had personal experience with was a Marantzstreamer DAC Amp many years ago and it was terrible, buggy on the streaming end, buggy and with non existent CS.

  I know the OP said one box, but given the size of the Wiim and the Bluesound Nodes, which are both just a tad bigger than wallet sized, I think the OP should be a little flexible here as either product will be barely visible sitting on an integrated amp.

  

Second the motion for the WiiM Amp Ultra which is due out third quarter this year.  I have the separate WiiM Ultra and Vibeamp units and think they are great -- fantastic buys for the money. The Amp Ultra will combine them into one unit.

I second the Sonos recommendation. This will give you good sound and greatly simplify placement. Aside from my main system, the rest of our house is all Sonos, and the sound is exceptional given the size and cost. I also have a Wiim amp with some Polk speakers, it is not even close to the Sonos setup.

I’d say KEF LS50 Wireless is a contender for streamline simplicity. Without speaker cables, makes it super easy to reposition..

Teacusa has very good deal on brand new or open box Teac NT-505-X. Excellent streamer.