Requesting recommendations for simple and easy to use music streaming devices
An unusual question please:
I’m setting up my first and probably last audio system. I’ve used headphones before, but never speakers. I bought the Graham LS 6 speakers which I bought for their rich mid range. I was thinking of purchasing a streaming integrated amplifier because I thought an all in one would be simplest to use, and I was considering an Arcam SA 30 as it has both enough power and I’m told it would nicely preserve the rich mid range of the speakers. However, as I started to read about it I got scared off because as a senior I am, sorry to say, completely helpless when it comes to technology and the SA 30 has so many features there’s no way I could really use it. I would very much appreciate any recommendations for a streaming set-up, all in one or separates (integrated amplifier plus streamer?), that would be easy enough to use. I don’t need a lot of features because I will only be using it to stream directly from streaming services (Amazon HD, TIDAL and perhaps others in the future; I will have none of my own files; no CDs; no phono). Any suggestions for a system, integrated or otherwise, that would be able to properly drive the LS6 speakers (8 ohms; 87 dB’s; recommended amplifier power 50–150 watts) and preserve their rich midrange, but also as simple and easy to use as possible? Budget could be $2000-$3000, but, again, simplicity is critical. I know it’s a difficult question because I am asking for two probably inconsistent goals: good sound and simple to use. Thanks very much.
Showing 3 responses by switzer145
Thanks all for your suggestions. I haven’t responded up to now simply because I’m still trying to digest the many suggestions ranging from the Node to the Naim Uniti models and in between. I would love to get the Naim Uniti Atom and put this all behind me but, again, I need to do some more research to make sure it’s operation is simple enough for me (I’m not concerned about the difficulty of set up because I will have someone else set it up for me, e.g., Total Tech at Best Buy). Another suggestion I’m considering is to simply buy the Node, pair it with a good integrated amplifier and see if the sound is good enough. The Node is cheap enough so if I had to replace it it would not be a problem, and by all reports the Bluos system is about as manageable as it gets. Again,, thanks all and I will report back. In the meantime, wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year. Michael |
@kiwiscott - thank you for your response. Simplicity for me is just what you said: sitting in the corner listening to beautiful music and not thinking about upgrades. (your warning about having to upgrade in 10 years is not something I worry about as I am 78 ((a young 78)). I am not, like most people on this forum, an audiophileI as I have neither the hearing nor the musical appreciation and understanding that most people here have. What I do love is sitting and listening to music such as scores from movies like Out of Africa, Cinema Paradiso, Gladiator, etc. Or vocals, mostly female, think Nina Simone singing Wild is the Wind. I could sit for hours listening to that kind of music. But what I mean by “simplicity of operation“ is more than just not having to consider upgrading, it’s even simpler than that: I am, as I mentioned in my original question, terrible at operating technology. I actually have bought a couple of headphone amplifiers which I have not yet used because of that. (Eventually I will find someone to show me how to use them). Again, thanks. |