I am new to buying audio equipment >$500/component. I’m overwhelmed by the choices online that one cannot listen to without ordering and possibily returning, but the limited choices within a total budget of $4000 at a local audiophile shop, where listening or borrowing for home trial is possible. I will put this system in a room of 9.5 x 9.5 feet or maybe 12 x 14 feet. I listen to classical, jazz, rock at moderate volume--usually at a volume one could talk over. I tend to like a slightly warm, not too trebly or bassy, sound, but still fairly clear or 'transparent.'
I bought Sonus Faber Lumina II Amator speakers and will get some decent used stands.
Now I would like to decide on the amp and streamer, and preamp if necessary, ideally for about $2500 max.
Which Streamer?: wiim ultra ($329 +tax) or bluesound node ($549 + tax)? other?
The bluesound was recommended by the local audiophile shop and sounded good with Arcam and Sonus Faber speakers in the shop; but a friend/audio professional suggested staying away from bluesound.
Amplifier: Arcam Radia A25 ($1500 new, integrated amp) or a Parasound Halo A23 ($800 used; power amp)?
The local shop recommended the Arcam and the friend / audio professional recommended getting a used Halo instead of the Arcam.
If I get the Parasound Halo A23, will I need a preamp for streaming? or for occasionally playing CDs with a cheap DVD or blue ray player with digital output? Will I need a better external DAC (though I guess the Wiim and Bluesound have DACs in them)?
If I need a preamp and possibly external DAC with the Halo, what can I get for under $1200 combined that is/are good enough so that it/they do not undermine the quality of the rest of the system? In other words, what do I need to get to avoid putting a weak component in the system that makes all the other components sound significantly lower quality than what they are capable of.
thanks very much.
