a simple 2 channel reference system. And by reference I mean something small-ish that will be used primarily in the near-field as a critical listening set-up in a relatively small room which I plan on doing some acoustic treatments in as well.I'm going to suggest a different route. Given that you are using a digital source primarily (lossless and .wav files) and are looking for a very transparent system for a small room you way want try a the NHT M00 monitors ($550-600 new) their passive volume control ($120 new) or even a higher quality passive pre-amp. You're gonna want to bypass the ipod dac (unless you have a DAC/dock (hey, did I just invent a new buzzword???) and take digital files from a server or laptop via an HRT MusicStreamer II+ or other asynch USB DAC. Total cost for the M00s, DAC & passive volume controller new would be about $1K. They have pretty good bass output by themselves or you can add a powered sub. NHT no longer makes the matching S00 sub but you're not tied to that one or you can probably find one on fleabay. The speakers are compact and designed to be used in the near or mid-field. Very neutral, can play VERY LOUD w/o distortion and IMO, non-fatiguing.
Please help a noob
First off, I'll try to Reader's Digest this as much as possible.
I'm looking to set up a simple 2 channel reference system. And by reference I mean something small-ish that will be used primarily in the near-field as a critical listening set-up in a relatively small room which I plan on doing some acoustic treatments in as well.
I work in the car audio industry (yeah, I know, never get as good in a car, etc. and I agree) What I am looking for is a system that I can both use as a reference tool for work related things (be able to have a good baseline for what things are supposed to sound like so I can use that knowledge for systems I build at work) and also recreational listening. Source will likely be 80% iPod (lossless or wav) and 20% CD.
I have been reading all over the place and am just overwhelmed with all the options. My current hangups are integrated vs. separate, and then options beyond that.
I don't have a tone of $ to work with. I'd like to keep the preamp/amp portion of this in the $700-$850 ish range.
Finally, I have the option to buy Parasound New Classic products new at a very good price. My main question I guess is Parasound New Classic 2100 pre + either New Classic 275 or 2125 or look at used in which I've been looking at Parasound HCA amps and P/LD 1100 pre. Also, the used option opens up things like NAD, Rotel, etc.
Like I said, looking for input on this front from people in the know because I feel somewhat lost. Sorry for the rambling, and thanks for any input!
-Adam
I'm looking to set up a simple 2 channel reference system. And by reference I mean something small-ish that will be used primarily in the near-field as a critical listening set-up in a relatively small room which I plan on doing some acoustic treatments in as well.
I work in the car audio industry (yeah, I know, never get as good in a car, etc. and I agree) What I am looking for is a system that I can both use as a reference tool for work related things (be able to have a good baseline for what things are supposed to sound like so I can use that knowledge for systems I build at work) and also recreational listening. Source will likely be 80% iPod (lossless or wav) and 20% CD.
I have been reading all over the place and am just overwhelmed with all the options. My current hangups are integrated vs. separate, and then options beyond that.
I don't have a tone of $ to work with. I'd like to keep the preamp/amp portion of this in the $700-$850 ish range.
Finally, I have the option to buy Parasound New Classic products new at a very good price. My main question I guess is Parasound New Classic 2100 pre + either New Classic 275 or 2125 or look at used in which I've been looking at Parasound HCA amps and P/LD 1100 pre. Also, the used option opens up things like NAD, Rotel, etc.
Like I said, looking for input on this front from people in the know because I feel somewhat lost. Sorry for the rambling, and thanks for any input!
-Adam
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- 24 posts total
- 24 posts total