ProAcs or B&W--Not hifi experienced, but luv music

Remember - Jane is talking about using a Benchmark DAC with the laptop. This means it is either a USB Dac, or there is a USB->SPDF converter involved. In either case, she should be able to get sound atleast as good as a CD player with that setup, as long as she uses a lossless digital format for storing music. The internet radio won't sound as good, but what the hay - if you like the musical selection, enjoy it as you can (I enjoy streaming recorded grateful dead concerts and the sound doesn't bother me). So Jane - don't worry about your source if you are using the Benchmark and a laptop. Also, Apple is a better choice than PC. So you're good on that. I would also say that there are other USB DACs that may even better the Benchmark for less money - such as the Paradisea available on Ebay ($650). The problem is, when asking for opinions on this site, you are going to get referred to gear your dealer doesn't sell, and it sounds like you are already committed to working with the dealer.

Why do you need a receiver? Can you get by with just digital sources? If so, find a good solid state amplifier that has a warm sound (to compliment the more analytical sound of the B&W and the Benchmark), and that has a good impedence match with the Benchmark. I don't have a suggestion - you might want to search for some threads on the B&W here on agon to get recommendations. But what if they are amps that your dealer doesn't sell?

In the above case, you are using the Benchmark's volume control as your preamp. Just digital input. No FM tuner. What do you think?

So, you are going to have to choose. Either give us a list of what your dealer sells, or be open to buying other stuff beyond what your dealer sells. If it were me, and I didn't need FM radio, I would go for the laptop, buy a Paradisea USB DAC on Ebay, get the B&W's, and get a complimentary integrated amplifier for the B&W's.

All the Best, Peter

PS - I probably would miss the bass!

PPS - Can you make your dealer still happy by buying some stuff from them, and go elsewhere for other???

Yes, you sound more like a Tablette person to me. Have you seen this review of the Classik?:
http://www.stereophile.com/digitalsourcereviews/307/
I think it would handle the B&Ws also very well.

I know that I'd prefer the Linn/ProAc system more.

Dave

Here is a thread for integrateds to go with the 805 signature. Similar amplifier manufacturers may apply to the 805:

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?aamps&1134250506&openfrom&1&4#1

You may also consider tube amplifiers. I haven't heard the Tablettes - but most importantly, go with the sound you like!

Yes -- I saw the Classik review. I had that delivered, but the dealer made a mistake in color (a girl thing -- plus Linn has stopped production of the black) so I may just look for demo/used equipment. I'm going to listen to both the ProAcs and B&W on the Rotel tomorrow and let you know what I think of sound. I'll ask the b&w-rotel dealer if he'll let me mix and match from other dealers. I just may back off and take my time. Thanks, J

I believe what I may do is purchase equipment that is used/on consignment/refurbished. I'll look for the Linn Classik, a pair of ProAc's 1sc, a Paradisea USB DAC, and a Mac Book w/seperate hard drive for internet radio and music storage. Tiger/anyone else -- why do you like the 1sc better than the signatures. And Peter -- is the Paradisea really better than the Benchmark and please explain. Dave -- what do you think about any of this? The reason I went w/the signitures is that I'm working in an area that is longer than one room and I wanted the speakers to 'throw the music' without me having to turn the volume up as I leave that one room. I know I'm being reduntant w/the CD players being in both the Classik and the Mac, but I wanted the flexibilty to allow my 17yr. to borrow the Mac. Do you think I can pick up good, slightly used product here? Is there anything else I'll need? Thanks for your input, Jane