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Help? Stereo for art studio, under $1k

I'm converting an old workshop into my new painting studio and can use some advise or direction on a simple stereo system. The studio is 27' x 33' with a 9' ceiling. The floor is cement, furnishings will be minimal, I believe the walls will be insulated w/ sheetrock. Some windows w/ no blinds.

The challenge is my budget: definitely under $1,000. I'd like an integrated amp or receiver, two speakers, and a way to listen to my digital music collection. Right now I've got music on my iPhone, iPad, iMac. At home I listen to vinyl and cd's but here I need to press start and then not touch the system as my hands have paint on them and I can't change cd's. No internet there yet.

I mostly listen to current music - Monsters & Men, Black Keys, Rhiannon Giddens, Arcade Fire, etc. Very little classical. Volume will be a little high. This is a separate building on 14 acres.

Advise is really welcome: which amp or receiver do you recommend? Which speakers? Thoughts on music player or server?
rose_2
mesch
3,529 posts
 
You can get a new Pioneer A-20 integrated amplifier for $270. It is the least expensive integrated I can recommend.

Look into a i phone/iPad dock, i believe these are available that will take the digital signal phone/pad and convert to analog.

What are your restrictions regarding speaker placement? There are many speakers that would mate with the Pioneer amp.
czarivey
5,946 posts
 
My workshop system may help:
Sansui 1500 speakers ($60)
Alesis RA100 amp 75wpc $80
MTX 3000 analogue DJ mixer $20
I use RCA-TRS(1/4") wires between mixer and amp $11 generic ones available at nearest Guitar Center
All purchased on flea market and thrift stores.
The main and the best sounding component in my system I believe is the little Alesis amp that impressed me far more than most of current high-end amps below $1000 I also believe that it can also be modified to handle lower than 4Ohms loads continuously. Other than that, it's dual-mono design with discrete low-noise circuitry and low negative feedback.  It's perfect for studio-mastering applications with transparent and open sound with speed and control. I get pretty large volumes as my work-shop is part of large art-studio area.


timrhu
2,779 posts
 
Audioengine A5+ powered speakers for $399 are all you need to listen to you Apple sources. Hit play and start painting.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,500 posts
 
Yes, active pro monitors like the Audioengine or similar would be a very practical way to go.
elevick
2,638 posts
 
Having owned large clubs, I would suggest something with a mono switch.  Unless you plan to paint only in 1 specific spot nothing will ever sound right, especially with all of the room reflections.  Bass is going to be boomy and highs will probably sound bright at higher levels.  Also, your canvas is going to act like a sound shield right in front of you.
I'd start with something like the Sherwood mentioned above (it should have a mono switch).  For speakers, consider 4, not 2 if you are going to go mono.  Sound will be much more even.  Most older receivers will happily drive 2 pair of speakers.  I'd lean towards smaller monitors since bass should be a problem.  
Finally, store your canvasses in the corners to act as bass traps?
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