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Need Help Starting from Scratch

Hi Everyone,
I've been reading as much as I can and thought I could use more input from people in which direction to head and less of this is better than that. I have no components at the moment other than my PC which outputs digital. I think I might need a DAC.

I have a small living room in my apartment which will be my primary listening area. It's about 12x12. I'm looking for a 2 channel setup. This will be just for music. My budget is 1000 to tops of 2000(if it really gets me that much more. Used/old is great). I don't know what route to go(integrated amp--> speakers vs pre-amp to amp to speakers). I'm by no means an audiophile but I really enjoy music and my current logitech 5.1 speakers aren't cutting it. I listen to mostly rock of sorts and do love finding a good female vocal.

I guess where i'm lost also is what components I really need. I.e. computer outputs digital so I hook that up to a DAC to pre-amp to amp to speakers? I also don't understand how I can make sure every component will work together. Would a receiver make it that much easier? I'm concerned about the sound of a receiver for music. Thoughts/comments are much appreciated. Thanks
stephenhdmrs
zanon
114 posts
 
The Decco/Nova is more than OK if your alternative is receiver. It is big step up from that.

The DAC/Preamp section is very good and, if you hear some problem with your system and decide amplifier section is the solution, you have lots of opportunity to upgrade that. But do not start playing with this until you have identified what you like or do not like.
peter_s
1,335 posts
 
I would go the opposite direction, and try to somehow borrow a better amplifier and hear what the system can do with it in the chain. If insignicant, great. If significant, try to find a really good deal on an amp to add to the system (cosmetically challenged amp, why not - who looks at a black box!).

Anyhow - good luck. You're assembly some high quality components, and you should be pretty set with your PC source.
stephenhdmrs OP
4 posts
 
Thanks guys! Luckily, the same man who is giving me the Taylor's has a Theta amp that i'm sure he'll let me borrow to see if it is something to pursue myself. I have read a lot about the Decco2 and most point to needing an amp. I'll try it without and see how it goes. Luckily I'll have a good reference amp.

Thanks for everyone's input. I'm amazed at the amount of responses I got. Hopefully I didn't upset anyone by not following their input. This works with my budget though and i'd at least like to see where it gets me as again, this is the beginning to my journey and I have lots of years left to fiddle.
loomisjohnson
1,943 posts
 
stephen, please let us know your reactions when you have your gear set up
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