Need Help Starting from Scratch

OK - it looks like a computer is your preferred source. You'll definitely need a DAC. What type of digital out does your computer provide (coax SPDF, optical, USB, firewire)? You'll want to choose a DAC that makes optimal use of your computer out. The first two output formats are easier to get "right" than USB, but USB can be excellent when done right. To get good USB output, you want to choose an "asynchronous" DAC, which range in price from $350 (Music Streamer 2+) to thousands, or get an asynchronous USB/SPDF converter (e.g. Empirical Audio Offramp, likely outside of your budget). If your computer outputs either of the first two formats listed, you can choose from many standard non-USB DACs.

I think you should limit yourself to the following setup choices:

Computer -> DAC -> integrated amp -> speakers

Computer -> DAC -> powered speakers (with volume control)

Computer -> DAC/Preamp -> amp -> speakers

Computer -> DAC/Preamp -> powered speakers (V control not needed)

I personally wouldn't buy a receiver or integrated with an internal DAC, except for the Decco mentioned above, but that doesn't have a very good amplifier, so I wouldn't do that unless I wanted to add an external amp to that!

There are a few good DAC/Preamps out there. The Benchmark is one of them, but there are others. You want to choose one with a very good volume control.

I've heard good things about that Music Streamer 2+, and would be tempted to get that plus a conventional integrated and speakers, or the Benchmark plus a warm sounding amp and speakers (I think the Benchmark, especially in earlier version, could sound a bit analytical).

Thanks everyone. I will look into the suggested products. I was a bit apprehensive about active speakers. I would think that a separate piece of equipment would do it better and give me more upgrading room later down the line.

Loomis- those speakers look really nice and so does that integrated amp. I was actually looking at some DAC's by scott nixon.

I did look at a receiver but I didn't want the extra features. My computer handles radio and such so I really wanted to focus more of the amp/speakers.

Thanks for everyone's input. Helps with my searching. I really need to go to a local shop and listen to some speakers but I want to make sure i'm not missing out on anything else in that price range that may be better.

Definitely audition speakers yourself! That is the most important choice. Once you choose speakers that you like, you can seek advice on what amplifier mates best with those speakers, etc. Choose speakers that are appropriate to your room size (likely bookshelf size) and musical tastes (they should be able to rock, but have good midrange presentation). Then go from there. In my mind, there are some big bang/for/buck products, including the Odysey Stratos amplifier, maybe the Music Streamer, perhaps the Lightspeed Preamp (I've never heard it, but check out the agon thread), the ERA bookshelf speakers). Let us know what you come up with.

I think active speakers are a good option for you. It solves a huge problem, which is finding amplification that matches your speakers well. That can be tough. Active speakers have many advantages, and if you do some research, you might just go that way. For instance, the bass driver will use a class D amp, and the mid/tweeter will use class A/B, and they only get the signal they can play. Can't do that easily with passive speakers.

I think the iDecco is a great choice as it has a wonderful DAC, switchable tube preamp, and the digital iPod dock allows for pure digital to the DAC without the problems of noise and jitter from the PC. You can find them on here new for $800.

For active speakers, check out vanns dot com, and look at the Klipsch XF48. This is their $2,500 floor standing active speaker...and they are on sale for $800 a pair. Free shipping even. :-)

That's $1,600 for one hell of a system. You can always add a sub too if needed. Make your own Cat5 speaker cables, and get some decent power cables...lovely.

I'm going to use them for my winter system, running off a Roth MC4 tube iPod Dock. Get the warmth of tubes, and the integrated power of solid state. Last winter I used this with Mirage OMD-5 satellites and a Mirage Prestige S8 sub...sounded amazing.

Hope that helps some. :-)