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


I have a 5K budget for a compact system. I have looked at three systems. The 4K setup is a Linn Classik w ProAc Tablette Signatures. The 6K one is Rotel receiver w/ B&W 805s w/a Mac Book as the CD player and a Benchmark digital to analog converter. The store is giving me a discount on demo stuff. I would be willing to spend the extra $$$ as that includes a notebook, on-line radio, etc. I like both of these. The third option is B&O at 5K. This is pretty but the the sound doesn't justify the $$$. I enjoy listening to international, classical, putamayo, jazz, latin. Which do you think is the better system?
j4tonks
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
Where can I find a Paradisea USB DAC? I've looked on Ebay and on-line. Help, JAne
Hi Jane,

I have heard the 1sc's, and I (personally) like them alot. I'm not sure you will get their full effect when you are working, far away down the long end of the room, but when you are sitting closer in, relaxing, their musicality and imaging should be wonderful. I'm not sure what matches them best - I think they like some power - so if the Classic isn't it, I might consider a Plinius integrated like the 9200 which has power and also beautiful midrange and just good all around. You'll need good solid stands for your Proacs.

I have owned both the Paradisea and the Benchmark DAC, and strongly preferred the Paradisea for its natural sound. I have compared it back to back with my (expensive) Electrocompaniet CD player, with no particular preference, both very good. I definitely like it more than the Benchmark, which I find a bit too detailed and cold. A friend of mine just bought the Benchmark on 30-day trial, I lent him my Paradisea, the rest is history.

One nice thing about buying the Paradisea is that you can use an external CD player for a transport. If you didn't buy the Linn and bought a Plinius integrated, you could buy an inexpensive CD player or DVD player as a transport (e.g. the Oppo which costs $200 and sounds quite good even on its own) and plug its digital out into the Paradisea as well. Both would use this exellent DAC.

Looking at system cost:

Proac 1sc $1200
Plinius $2200
Oppo $ 200
Paradise $ 650
Stands $ 250
Cables $ 250
Laptop $????
Hard Drive $ 130

The total is $4900 plus laptop. Maybe a cheaper integrated (though I'm sure the Plinius would be killer!).

In this system, the only things you'd need to buy used are the speakers, the stands, the integrated and maybe the cables. The CD player and DAC would be new. I think you run little risk by buying the speakers used, and if you choose your seller right, little risk with the amplifier. I do feel bad if I've steered you away from a dealer though - we need relationships with dealers, we need to support them, and people need the support that only dealers can provide. That being said, if you don't feel like you were getting to where you want with your dealers, that speaks for itself. You'll need to decide between working with the dealer and buying online. One option would be to buy the Proac 1sc's and a suitable amp from the dealer.

Best of luck, Peter