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Need help selecting a system with Tidal streaming (Maybe MQA) and speakers for around $1k.

A’goners,

Need some help getting this temp system purchased. In about 2 weeks will be moving to a small home in SoCal, then in 6 months back to Pacific NW apartment most likely for 5 months. My room sizes will be small to medium, 10x12-14ft. This will be my system for these two moves then possibly relegated to a bedroom/listed on this site once I get to a permanent location.

My main goal is to limit my expenditure (as I will need to upgrade my old system once I have a permanent place) and spend around $1k for this system. I’m new to digital but streaming seems the way to go so I don’t have to drag around CDs or LPs and I don’t have any high rate digital files, nor do I plan on purchasing many during my traversing the West Coast. I plan on streaming Tidal and was hoping MQA if that fits in the budget and the system is able to perform well enough to discern the MQA difference. I know I could use a computer as a source for this but don’t currently own one and there goes the budget if I purchase a new laptop.

I understand the $1k can be quite limiting and could stretch it a bit but would really like to stay in that ballpark. I started looking at powered speakers, Vanatoo One, Paradigm Shift A2, Audioengine A2+, A5+, HD6 and passives like HDP6, Elac B6, QAcousics 3020, Kef Q150, Monitor Audio Bronze 2, Warfedale Diamond 220 and Focal Aria 905 all because of size, price and recommendation. I haven’t listened to any of these except the Elacs. Not having the time now to listen to some/all these I am asking for some experienced, sage advice on the speakers and whole system direction. I am aware that stand mounted/bookshelf speakers will be a sacrifice in the deep bass( not a bass head anyway) but would like to have some accuracy and a good wide soundstage if possible.

That brings me to the source and I understand it’s based on if I go the powered vs passive speaker route. I’m not sure if it’s possible to go the passive speaker route and still get Tidal streaming and integrated amp for the budget stated. This is where I get stuck, so please respond with your ideas even if it’s to say it can’t be done for the budget I have.

BTW, I listen to mostly rock, jazz, blues, and classical in that order if that helps. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks greatly for your input. Please let me know if this is in the wrong category, since it was about speakers and source wasn’t sure where to post.

revreed

Showing 4 responses by ethos123

ethos123
83 posts
 
The measurements may not be good, but that article was a glowing review and stereophile went on to include it on their list of recommended components.

In trying to build a complete and easily portable system for the OP’s price point, I think it is at least worthy of consideration. Regardless of the measurements, it’s gotten great reviews and several awards so it must sound pretty decent. I’m not saying it is THE solution, only that it is worth checking out...especially if the speaker the OP auditioned was well liked.

NAD D3020 would be a similar option.
ethos123
83 posts
 
Maybe a PS Audio Sprout with Elac B6s? Well under budget ($799 for the whole setup including speaker cables) and should be extremely easy to transport. Both get rave reviews for the price. You can just bluetooth from your phone or add a chromecast audio and still be well under budget...or add a better streamer like the bluesound node 2 or auralic mini and be a bit over. From everything I've read the Sprout would be great for a bedroom or office system down the line too, but I admit I haven't heard one myself yet.

http://www.psaudio.com/products/sprout-elac-system-2/

If you go powered, I've had great luck with Audioengine and they have a 30 day return policy if you don't end up happy with how it sounds. If you go for the HD6, you have built in bluetooth or about the same money left for a separate streamer as the option above...no phono input for down the line setups if you're into vinyl but they'd probably also be great for a secondary system if you don't need that or have a separate phono amp.

Another difference that may or may not matter to you is the HD6s have a remote...the Sprout does not.

The Outlaw (plus a chromecast) or new Yamaha integrated amps/receivers (i.e. R-N803 or A-S701) would work great. More powerful and more connections available but not quite as portable...Go farther down the yamaha lineup and more can be spent on speakers but the sweet spot in that balance is up to you. Did you like the Elacs when you heard them?
ethos123
83 posts
 
The outlaw is a receiver with a DAC but is not itself a streamer...at the price, a chromecast audio is the only one leaving any room in the budget for speakers

I think you’ve gotten lots of good advice but there seem to be a few divergent paths. To summarize:

1) super simple system: streamer + powered speakers —> the advantage here is portability and ease of placement in unknown rooms down the line.

—For this a Node 2 plus the best powered speakers you can get is probably a solid option and I doubt you’d ever have trouble finding a home somewhere in your home for both purchases down the road. A chromecast audio plus speakers lets you have more money for speakers and is even tinier for moving around but you’d lose MQA. 

2) simple “separates”: integrated amp + passive speakers + chromecast audio
    a) better amp with cheaper speakers
    b) cheaper amp with better speakers
    c) middle ground for both

— disadvantage here is no MQA, which you’ve expressed an interest in and there’s a better chance you’ll be unhappy with at least part of your system and just get rid of something later rather than keeping it. Also, some of the integrated amps are larger to move around than others but since you aren’t flying it’s probably not a dealbreaker. One advantage may be flexibility down the line and another is significantly better connectivity options down the line since most integrated amps have more inputs than most powered speakers and some integrated amps will have built in phono inputs. Depending on the components in the “old system” you want to upgrade after this year of moving around, it’s possible at least one component might stick around for the main rig...if that’s the case, perhaps you can stretch the budget farther but only you can decide if and how far. 
ethos123
83 posts
 
@revreed What's the "old system" you're comparing this to and considering upgrading down the line? If your old system's speakers aren't super resolving, then you might not miss lacking MQA anyway since this may sound just as good or better. If your old system is awesome but doesn't have streaming or has an outdated streamer, you can move the Bluesound to it and get a simple chromecast audio for the powered speakers when you're settled for good. You could also start with the chromecast audio and try it on the old system to see what it's capable of before getting anything else (just make sure to change it onto the higher-res setting because that does make a difference)...worst case scenario you're only out $35.

It's good that you're able to visit some shops but a shame they didn't really listen to what your goals were...that kind of advice never happens on this forum :P (I guess I'll forego telling you to forget everything I've said before and get a set of LS50W for $2200). Keep in mind that lots of online and brick & mortar stores have pretty decent return policies so be sure to know what it is for any place you buy...it is a hassle to return stuff but better than being stuck with something you aren't happy with. Should be lots of sales over the next few weeks so it's a good time to buy. Best of luck and hope you'll let us know your thoughts once you get everything set up.
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