@sokogear ...and I for one still believe you can....given some parameters which others may view as 'restraints'. The judicious application of a budget, savvy shopping, and perhaps perusal of used equipment can make for a modest dive into what can be seen as a bottomless pool.....
Anyway, mho:
-Set cables aside for awhile, until you've gotten The Big Ticket Items covered.
I've always viewed them as the frosting on the cake, which one has to first bake.
If I replaced All of mine with SOTA...I'd rather buy a car. Really. ;)
- Item #1 = Speakers. What does the mind between the ears like to apprehend?
To keep something aside for #2 and beyond, a pair of bookshelf or stand-mounted seems to be suggested....
What space do you need to fill with 'a glorious noise' of what sort?
One can later add a sub, so consider your room, what's needed to be in it as well...
...and, if applicable, the SAF. If you make that personage smile as well, you've won most of the skirmish... ;) 👍
- Item #2 = Integrated amp....if you can select such that can 'stream' as well...wonderful. I don't have a streamer, use switchers for what to where and how, and tone can be through various means of eq at hand.
Until relatively recently....no pre was involved...nor missed. I'll set it up as an 'option'....
I'd divide my budget into rough 'quarters'; 40~50% speakers, 50/50 integrated/streamer....
Imho.
You've not mentioned any other source (tt/arm/cart, or any other) beyond the intended streamer....personally, I've 2 'puters 'integrated' into my main, and one in my office...
Do I have any specific suggestions for speakers/integrateds/streamers?
No. Personally,an integrated with D amplification enough to drive the speakers and a third more, a sub output at least...if anything, but beyond that...
I stay out of 'you ought to go with ___'.
I kinda rank it with underwear, gloves, glasses, shoes.....too close to the skin....
Mine. ;)
Welcome to The Hunt.....and Good Luck....
Take a dongle with you. If they can't play it at the B&M shop....leave.
