2. amps-preamps
  3. 1339782074

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
diamondjoequimby
facten
2,878 posts
 
The istreamer is suprising good, use one in my second system when I want to use my ipod
sbrownnw
693 posts
 
I recently submitted this system in Positive Feedback's $1000 system that must include vinyl playback and a DAC with USB input:

$395, pro-ject essential USB belt drive turntable with built-in analog phono preamp, order from Amazon

$30, mogami 2549 3 foot RCA interconnects with neutrik connectors, fully assembled from Pro Audio La

$115, topping tp30 integrated 15 watt per channel amp with headphone and DAC, USB digital in and analog in, order from Amazon

$60, mogami 2921 speaker cable, 8 foot pair, order from your pro audio store

$60, 3 sets of 4 AudioQuest BFAs to setup for biwire on speaker end, I order these from my local hi fi shop

$15, speaker cable termination labor if you do not do it yourself

$249, mordaunt short carnival monitors (90 db), order from Amazon

$65, pangea audio LS02 28" metal speaker stands, order from Amazon

$989, subtotal

You could drop the turntable and go with a better integrated amp with USB DAC. Thoughts?
diamondjoequimby OP
9 posts
 
I took some of your guys' advice and went back on the trail locally for speakers. I got a chance to listen to some Dynaudio X12s that I was really impressed with. I'm going to go listen to the Vandersteens again. There is also a Paradigm dealer in town I want to check out. I'd say the Dyns are in the final group though.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 
If you can get a real good deal on Parasound Classic series, I'd say go for it. I've heard *very* good things about this series. For nearfield, the 75 wpc amp would probably be enough, though there's a part of me that thinks you can never have too much power. You're definitely onto something with the Dynaudio X12s, too.

You really couldn't lose with that combo if it fits your budget. We A-goners could argue the finer points of the merits of this integrated vs. that stack of separates, or which of a myriad of mini-monitors would work well. But really, if you combine Parasound Classics with Dynaudio, you are going to get one of the very best implementations of what you're looking for at your budget.

Best of all, they will last long and their sonic signatures are easy to live with over time, and that's very important.
phaelon
1,049 posts
 
"I'd like to keep the preamp/amp portion of this in the $700-$850 ish range.”

Bang for the buck performance, in that price range, will be dominated by integrated amplifiers. Glancing at the classifieds, I saw an Edge Premier Series 13, and a PS Audio C-100 integrated that might be of interest.
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