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Beginner Looking For Set Up Advice!

Hi all, 

I'm excited to have gotten my first pair of new speakers, the B&W 606 S2! My Dad and my Brother both have 603s and I love the sound, so I thought these would fit well in my apartment. I'm having trouble finding a stereo receiver or integrated amp to pair with the speakers. Although I understand some audiophile lingo, it can all be somewhat confusing and overwhelming so I thought I'd ask for some advice.

What would be a decent, under $1k piece to power the speakers? How much power do these need? I would want it to be able to stream music, whether through airplay or some other system (Spotify connect, etc), and also work with my TV setup including a 4k blu ray player and an Apple TV. I would consider adding a CD player or turntable later on. 

Currently I've looked at the Denon PMA 150h, Marantz PM7007, Marantz NR1200, Yamaha R-N303, and a few others. 

Thanks!
smosleh
mesch
3,412 posts
 
With the Yamaha A-S301, 501, 701 or 801 you can use the optical input with the TV, coax with a inexpensive CD player that has coax output and a TT. You would need a streaming device. I have used
the 701 with B&W 685s and CM5s in a secondary system. 

The Marantz 7007 I believe also has DAC and phonostage so would serve same as the Yamaha. You have heard your speakers with Marantz electronics. Many find Marantz house sound to be a bit warmer, softer than Yamaha. 

I am looking to purchase the Bluesound Node myself. It has it's own DAC so could be run into line level input.  I believe it to be a good buy at $550. There are other lessor (more inexpensive) options. Choice would depend on how you wish to use streaming. If you haven't any hard media it could become your primary source. In that case the BS would be a good choice. 

Do not view this endeavor as an gauntlet, but as a walk down a friendly trail.

  
mesch
3,412 posts
 
One thing I will add, I till use the B&W 685s, which are very similar to your speakers. I have used them with a NAD 326 at 50wpc which worked well however I like them better with the NAD 356 which at 85wpc made me more comfortable when playing loud. The Yamaha 701 I am now using is 100wpc and a good match with the 685s. Seems the 606s, like the 685s drop to slightly below 4 ohms in the bass region. I know you are in a apartment and may not need over 50wpc for your speakers however the extra grunt provided by a quality 100wpc amp might prove beneficial. What is room size? 
allenf1963
275 posts
 
PS Audio has a bundle that you may want to look at.  A PS Audio Sprout100, a pair of ELAC B6.2 speakers, and Emotiva cables, all for $999.00. 

https://www.psaudio.com/products/sprout-speakers/   
smosleh OP
9 posts
 
Hi Everyone, thanks again for the help! This has been fun and informative.  

I've narrowed down to these options, in no particular order: 
Peachtree 125 SKY $600
Yamaha S301/S501 + Bluesound Node $1k - $1,250
Marantz PM7007 $1k 

I like the idea of separates, but couple questions:
1. With the Yamaha/Node setup, the sound when playing movies/tv etc won't be as good as the other two setups as they won't be taking advantage of the Bluesound DAC, correct?
2. Would there be any major difference between the S301 & S501 for me? Apartment living room is roughly 400sqft
rfnoise
153 posts
 
Personally, I can’t recommend the Yamaha. It was my dissatisfaction with my Yamaha integrated that led to my latest foray into hi fi gear. Can’t imagine their entry level stuff is any better. As far as an external streaming solution goes, have you looked into the RPi stuff? Reviews are good and very budget friendly.

https://www.superbestaudiofriends.org/index.php?threads/dummies-guide-to-pi2aes-throw-away-your-pc-or-laptop.8878/

btw... not trying to be THAT guy, but...“separates” refers to separate preamplifier/power amplifier.
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