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Beginner audiophile pre-amp/receiver recommendations

Hello all trying to piece together a system that will cover dedicated listening as well as a 2nd zone for in ceiling during parties. 

I'm looking for something to replace my AV receiver with a stereo receiver that will do the following, I'd like to keep things in as few components as possible to not upset the W.A.F..
2 Zone output (xlr)
Phono stage
DAC (for an eventual Bluesound node to replace the chromecast)
FM tuner

Would like to be under 1500.  I'm not opposed to a pre-owned unit. can be an integrated as long as I can also drive the external amp w/XLR:

Currently have:
Krell KAV 2500 power amp
Anthem AVM 20
Chromecast HIFI
Thorens TD120
Hales Concept 2 loudspeakers
Inceliing speakers (4)
escoffee
big_greg
6,621 posts
 
What kind of cartridge do you have?  If it's a LOMC that might limit your choices. 

I'd forget about getting something with an FM tuner in it, you can stream FM stations.  If you really care about FM, get a separate tuner. 

The Peachtree Nova 300 is a nice piece and you should be able to find one used around your budget.  It has a very good DAC and includes a phono stage, but I believe it's limited to MM cartridges.  It does not have any balanced connections.
lukaszwk
56 posts
 
+1 for Peachtree but Nova 150 is more along his budget. The 300 is now at 2000$
jimmywho
20 posts
 
Sounds like you just need a separate mid-fi system for anything related to ceiling speakers or background music.  Toss a wifi receiver in the closet to run the ceiling speakers and stream whatever you want to it.  Then you don't have to worry about multiple zones coming out of your hifi setup.
sbayne's avatar
sbayne
493 posts
 

Have to disagree on using a receiver. There is really no difference from an integrated amp as compared to a stereo receiver. The Yamaha R-N803 receiver has excellent sound quality, built-in streamer (Tidal, Pandora, etc), phono input, second room capability, IPad controllable. Sells for about $800. Gotten good reviews.






lukaszwk
56 posts
 
The difference is built in radio tuner in every receiver. As far as differences go that's a pretty big one. RFI is a pretty big factor in deteriorating the sound quality so having radio tuner basically shoved inside your amp is not ideal. Having said that, there are some receivers that sound quite good.
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