I recently had to sell my "last" system. The whole thing, due to financial reasons. I am starting over at a much more modest price point. My last speakers were B&W N802's, driven my a Mac 352. Now I'm looking to spend a $1,000 or so. Any suggestions would be would be great.
A pair of used Senns HD 650s, the headphone amp of your choice and budget and an iPod.
That is the route I went in a similar situation. I had to sell everything. I went right into a headphone set-ups for a couple of years. When done right, they are very satisfying to listen to....
On the other hand, try the NuForce iCon and upgrade the speakers. I am using the Silverline Minutes with the iCon streaming SIRUS (at 128k) in the office. Its pretty good.
We need a few details: Room size, how loud do you like, do you need cd or tuner. Are you looking for just an integrated and speakers? Do you want vintage or new? I've got a Mac 1700 that is awesome with a pair of definitive techs on here and you will still have cash left for a nice cd?
o Oppo DV-980H ($169) o Onkyo A-9555 Integrated amp ($400 for warranteed B-stock at accessories4less.com) o PS Audio Image 25 speakers ($479 available here)
You will be surprised:
The PSBs have a smooth linearity that many, many very expensive speakers can't (or won't) achieve.
The Oppo is smooth and musical and plays every imaginable audio format. If times get better, keep it and run it into a Benchmark DAC1.
The last component you will outgrow is the Onkyo. After 150 hrs of break-in its sound is reminiscent of a multi-thousand-dollar stack of boo-teek components.
Consider Shanling MC-30 all in one - tube integrated amp, radio, CD player, iPod dock. It can be had for around $700. The only problem is its power rating. Since it is only 3wpc class "A", it needs to be matched with very efficient speakers. Omega speakers come to mind ..... but if you are interested to put in some of your own sweat into DIY high efficiency speakers project, you might be very pleased with the outcome. If interested I will be happy to help.
The shanling is way too weak for anything but the most efficient speakers. Going with any of the Music Halls will get a lot more power and you can get a class A amp which will get you a lot of warmth. I've seen them used for $500-700. 50 watts will drive most speakers.
Headphones are the way to go, without a doubt. I like the Sennheiser HD600s ($350) or the HD650s ($450) and the Pro-Ject Headbox SEII ($300) amp. Then get yourself an iPod or a computer with a decent soundcard, anything that gives you a pure output, use lossless music files, and you will be stunned at how good it is.
I also have the N802 and those $350 headphones hold up really well against them.
One way to start over for less than $1000 is to go with the Fatman - iTube - Stereo Integrated Amp w/iPod dock. You get a tube hybrid integrated amp with 13 watts per channel and an iPod dock. Audio Advisor has these on sale for $400 w/o speakers, and $500 with speakers. Add an iPod, a pair of small monitors (if you don't go with the "with speakers" choice that Fatman offers) of your choosing and/or a set of headphones, and you should have a MUCH better than average sounding iPod based system. Down the road when you finances improve, then the Fatman system would make great second system in a bedroom or office enviroment.
I went the heaphone route when I had to get rid of the main rig due to twin boys arriving. Got the Senn 650's and a Mier Audio Corda Aria amp w/ the built in USB DAC. I have to say I have been pretty happy with the it so far. May try going with a tube amp and separate DAC at some point as the sound is a bit thin for my taste but, it does satisfy the craving.
Got the Senn's used for $250 in mint condition. Bought he Mier new for around retail
Hifisoundguy, given your previous long threads about putting plumber's tape on the body of a protection fuse for improved sound, and extolling the virtues of the Clever Little Clock (both extreme examples of far out subjective tweakery), punctuated by sporadic forays into Bose products (the epitome of mass marketing audio crap to an uninformed buying public, and the nemesis of the high end), I question your sincerity.
Like a plastic boom box with $2 Rat Shack quality drivers in it marketed at the audacious price of $1079 belongs in this discussion? Puh-leeeeze.
Hmmm, spend 1000 on a radio, tweak it and still only get a glorified boom box with tiny speakers. For the same money, I can get a pre-amp, amp and speakers on audiogon that simply are not in the same league...
I am just throwing ou my first thought so make nothing of it!
And I have zero interest or relationship, etc, etc
What abot a Peachtree Decco and a pair of small monitors like ERA D3 or something similar but less expensive, used? You'll need a source, but don't need to spend much there, it seems quite flexible, and you'd have a neat little system. And I mean little.
Or a used Linn classic and an inexpensive pari of speakers?
Either would be a bit eore than 1000, but not by much.
The shanling is way too weak for anything but the most efficient speakers. Going with any of the Music Halls will get a lot more power and you can get a class A amp which will get you a lot of warmth. I've seen them used for $500-700. 50 watts will drive most speakers.
Elevick you are right, highly efficient speakers will be needed. Isn't it what I suggested in my post?
I would recommend something like Fostex FE168E∑ 6.5" Full Range Sigma Series drivers - about 94.5 db ...which is pretty efficient. Mounted in the horn loaded enclosure ($100-$200 to build) and you have a winner. A very nice, tube- all in one system that will holds its own in the $1000 price range category. Bass will be dynamic, punchy with beautiful middle-range and transparency.
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