2. amps-preamps
  3. 1339782074

Please help a noob

First off, I'll try to Reader's Digest this as much as possible.

I'm looking to set up a simple 2 channel reference system. And by reference I mean something small-ish that will be used primarily in the near-field as a critical listening set-up in a relatively small room which I plan on doing some acoustic treatments in as well.

I work in the car audio industry (yeah, I know, never get as good in a car, etc. and I agree) What I am looking for is a system that I can both use as a reference tool for work related things (be able to have a good baseline for what things are supposed to sound like so I can use that knowledge for systems I build at work) and also recreational listening. Source will likely be 80% iPod (lossless or wav) and 20% CD.

I have been reading all over the place and am just overwhelmed with all the options. My current hangups are integrated vs. separate, and then options beyond that.

I don't have a tone of $ to work with. I'd like to keep the preamp/amp portion of this in the $700-$850 ish range.

Finally, I have the option to buy Parasound New Classic products new at a very good price. My main question I guess is Parasound New Classic 2100 pre + either New Classic 275 or 2125 or look at used in which I've been looking at Parasound HCA amps and P/LD 1100 pre. Also, the used option opens up things like NAD, Rotel, etc.

Like I said, looking for input on this front from people in the know because I feel somewhat lost. Sorry for the rambling, and thanks for any input!

-Adam
diamondjoequimby
phaelon
1,054 posts
 
"I'd like to keep the preamp/amp portion of this in the $700-$850 ish range.”

Bang for the buck performance, in that price range, will be dominated by integrated amplifiers. Glancing at the classifieds, I saw an Edge Premier Series 13, and a PS Audio C-100 integrated that might be of interest.
sbrownnw
717 posts
 
I have the Tekton 6.5t bookshelf monitors that I really like and look to be similar to the monitors you are considering, but are only $600. The Tektons and a good int amp with a DAC would go a long way.
johnnyb53
3,510 posts
 

06-21-12: Phaelon
"I'd like to keep the preamp/amp portion of this in the $700-$850 ish range.”

Bang for the buck performance, in that price range, will be dominated by integrated amplifiers.
Under typical circumstances, I agree. I love integrateds. But he says he can get a special deal on Parasound New Classic separates, so I'm assuming he can get them together in his price range. If he can get a Parasound New Classic Pre 2100 and 275 power amp for $850-ish, that will definitely take care of business and be hard to surpass at that price. The 2100 even has a line/MM/MC selectable input, HT pass-through, remote control, front panel mini-plug input for iPod/computer, and subwoofer output with bass management. That's a lot of flexibility plus room for future growth.
diamondjoequimby OP
9 posts
 
It's more like the 2100 Pre and 2125 amp for $850 ish. I can do it with the 275 for around $725 ish. :) That is the primary reason I 'm leaning that way.
phaelon
1,054 posts
 
Hi Johnnyb53, I haven’t heard the Parasound separates; by all accounts they’re terrific. But it’s when you factor in power cords, interconnect, shelving and isolation that an integrated, particularly at that price point, makes sense to me.
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