Thank you all for the responses.
Based on what I am reading (correct me if I am wrong), a better quality AVR will make a more significant impact on my "system" than adding a dedicated CDP. If that is the case, then I have a net budget of $1k to spend on the AVR (and write off the CDP?).
Oh, for Todd, my AVR connectors are (sigh) admitedly Rat-Shack connectors. Not the classic ultra cheap $2.99 red/white connectors that I thought so highly of as a child, but the "better" gold class ones that they offer. I think the gold ones were a whopping $15 per connector.
Features really aren't that important to me. I honestly could care less that the Yamaha AVR that I have has 7 or 8 suround modes: I (no joke) have never used them. To my ears, all they do is change the way the music sounds, not necessarily improve them. Heck, I don't even bother adjusting bass/treble controls as I don't really feel a need to.
Simple is good. 5.1 suround is more than enough for my needs - quite frankly my listening room simply won't support 7 speaker surround.
As to buying new vs. used, I have no problems at all buying used. Fact is, I am not about to ever be "cutting edge". What I want is something that works for my ears. I am very open to suggestions here.
I did notice several B&K 5.1 AVR's (202) on the classifieds. Can anyone comment on how well B&K works with PSB speakers? Final note here, the PSB's are 4ohm speakers. Will the B&K be able to drive them effectively?
and, perhaps more importantly, can someone explain to me the importance of a DAC (Digital-analog-converter) as it pertains to the CD player? I am not well versed on this. Is it that the DAC resides in the AVR or the CDP/DVD? Or both? And, why is this important? I have seen notes about 24/96 DAC's. What does that mean?
Yes, noob questions, but one has to start somewhere! I am finally in a financial position to actually begin creating a high(er) quality sound in my home. As always, there are a LOT of questions.
Thank you most kindly for your responses.
Based on what I am reading (correct me if I am wrong), a better quality AVR will make a more significant impact on my "system" than adding a dedicated CDP. If that is the case, then I have a net budget of $1k to spend on the AVR (and write off the CDP?).
Oh, for Todd, my AVR connectors are (sigh) admitedly Rat-Shack connectors. Not the classic ultra cheap $2.99 red/white connectors that I thought so highly of as a child, but the "better" gold class ones that they offer. I think the gold ones were a whopping $15 per connector.
Features really aren't that important to me. I honestly could care less that the Yamaha AVR that I have has 7 or 8 suround modes: I (no joke) have never used them. To my ears, all they do is change the way the music sounds, not necessarily improve them. Heck, I don't even bother adjusting bass/treble controls as I don't really feel a need to.
Simple is good. 5.1 suround is more than enough for my needs - quite frankly my listening room simply won't support 7 speaker surround.
As to buying new vs. used, I have no problems at all buying used. Fact is, I am not about to ever be "cutting edge". What I want is something that works for my ears. I am very open to suggestions here.
I did notice several B&K 5.1 AVR's (202) on the classifieds. Can anyone comment on how well B&K works with PSB speakers? Final note here, the PSB's are 4ohm speakers. Will the B&K be able to drive them effectively?
and, perhaps more importantly, can someone explain to me the importance of a DAC (Digital-analog-converter) as it pertains to the CD player? I am not well versed on this. Is it that the DAC resides in the AVR or the CDP/DVD? Or both? And, why is this important? I have seen notes about 24/96 DAC's. What does that mean?
Yes, noob questions, but one has to start somewhere! I am finally in a financial position to actually begin creating a high(er) quality sound in my home. As always, there are a LOT of questions.
Thank you most kindly for your responses.