New to audiophile and need HELP.


I’m new to this audiophile “hobby” , relatively “poor” , and need some advice and direction. 

I am willing to spend around $2k US now and then maybe another 1 k or so over time but then that’s it. I just simply can’t afford to go chasing a perfect system from now on. 

I realize that I’m going to be looking at equipment that is WAY below what most of you are running but I can see that this forum is extremely knowledgeable and helpful and so I would greatly appreciate some guidance. 

Right now , I have two Sonos play 5’s (gen 1) and two Sonos play 5’s (gen 2) as well as Sonos SUB. I really thought that these were good until I bought a Naim Mu-so and now I’m having real difficulty listening to the Sonos equipment. 

I’ve just recently ordered a signature Sound Anchor stand for my Mu-so which should be to me in about two weeks and my intention is to keep the Mu-so in my bedroom and then supplement/replace my Sonos with better equipment in my living room. 

Over the last few months I’ve been researching Bluesound , Audio Pro Addon, Devialet Phantom, Kef LS50 Wireless, Buchardt, more Mu-so’s Etc. And I really think that I’ve just managed to confuse myself. I really feel that if the Mu-so could function in stereo with another unit and you could add a sub then it would be about perfect for me.

However, I haven’t listened to and really don’t have access to listen to any other audiophile equipment either. 

I’m really salivating over a Naim Uniti Atom but it’s a lot of money to spend (for me) and I would still need to add speakers and probably a sub. Would streaming to my Mu-so (s) from an Atom give me an appreciable sound quality upgrade? 
If not, then I would have to save up for the speakers and sub as well. I can get more Mu-so’s For about $850.

Streaming is a must for me and I don’t really want to add a turntable or anything like that. 

My listening is very eclectic as one minute I will be enjoying classical and the next I might be 
Thrashing to punk or metal - thus the need for a sub. 

I’m sorry for the rambling post but any and all help would be greatly appreciated!! 

Thanks



bacchus1234
I don't know where you live but you might try going to an audio show like RMAF in Denver where they have whole rooms set up featuring entire systems in your price range.  You can hear with your own ears and ask questions, too.  There are other shows around the country and thither may be near you.
A couple of thoughts/suggestions:
First, it sound like I'm similar to you. Though many find it very odd, I listen to everything from Chopin to Korn to Deadmau5.
When building the system I use in my living room and use  every day I researched the heck out of everything for about 5 months. 
Though many may disagree I believe the best route is to consider your speakers first and work backwards. My suggestion for these would be Tekton Design 'Lore Reference' at $750 or if possible the "Lore" at $1000. Both fantastic high sensitivity speakers so it doesn't take much power to drive them. I believe Eric has these on sale for possibly a bit less right now. Google "Tekton Lore review" to get a little insight as to what they are. I have had very large McIntosh and currently have 2 sets of PSB towers. They were removed from front channel duties when I received the Tekton Impacts I bought. You may even be able to forgo the subwoofer for music idea with the Lore model. Tekton claims they play down to 30 Hz and depending on the room I believe that could be accurate. I actually run my music with my SVS off with my Tekton Impacts. It's not needed.
For a receiver you may consider something like the Marantz 5012. It can be purchased from accessories4less at $449 refurbished right now. Good reputable company. 
The Marantz not only has things like Spotify connect (works perfectly on my 7012) but the whole Heos thing is pretty cool. Having High Res stations the TuneIn radio Internet radio is great and it would give you everything you would need to head the home theater direction as well. HDCP 2.2, Dolby Vision, HDR etc. I believe it uses the Akashi processor/DAC, DSD (2.8/5.6MHz), FLAC, ALAC and WAV. Marantzs MultEQ room calibration is fantastic. When I bought my 7012 and set it up it blew the pants off my Yamaha Aventage 2070. The Yamaha is now in a system in the basement.
Lastly, (I may catch **** for this one) I am FIRMLY in the camp of cables matter. For the time being I would recommend saving some money and buying a roll of Monoprices 12 AWG speaker cable and gold plated banana plugs to assemble yourself (SUPER easy to do), BUT considering you are a streamer like me, spend the money for a SupraCat8 ethernet cable. When I experimented between WiFi, a silver coated copper Audioquest and the SupraCat8, for sound quality, the Supra was a very clear winner. Google it.
If you went the route I suggested you would be under $1600. This could be a nice start and leave you some to put towards another purchase, possibly an amplifier. For those I would consider companies like Monoprices Monolith or Outlaw Audio, but that can be done latter. 
It is VERY VERY easy to get lost in this stuff.  Keep it going slow.  Look at your room size and the room sound.  Is the room bright or dead?  The size also really impacts what you may need.  You volume level needs are also an influence.  

I have been l working and playing in this for a lot of years and there is a lot of fun and enjoyment here.  IT is also easy to get G.A.S.   Sticking to a budget can be really hard.

If you do not want to experiment or play much there are some really nice systems that others have mentioned; such as the KEF powered speakers.  

Find a local store if you can.  Study reviewers to see if they work like you want to hear.   

It is VERY hard to describe how things sound and the effects that components have on system design..

Stick to that budget to start with...  You will be a lot happier.

So much to look at.  Be sure to keep listening to what you have.  Music is the goal here!

You can get a hell of a system for just 2 grand!

Here's what *I* would get if streaming was my priority.

Emotiva A-300 Stereo Power Amp  (150W/ch)                                $400
Emotiva PT-100 Stereo Pre-Amp/Tuner/DAC                                  $300
Monitor Audio Silver 100 Bookshelf Speakers (pair)                        $1050
Apple Airport Express Router (Attach to Pre-Amp DAC)                 $90
TuneBlade Software to stream from PC to Router via AirPlay         $10

Use the remaining $150 for streaming services like Tidal and cables.

Wow!

You guys have so many great and varied suggestions and I am so thankful for them all! It it will take me a little while to go through all of them - which may just be the best thing to happen to me (slows that trigger finger). 

Please, please keep the advice and suggestions coming! 

Thanks so much!