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$800 to spend on speakers, $1500 on whole system

I am new to community and am seeking advice on my first good sound system. I am looking to spend $500-800 on a used set of two speakers for my living room, which is not very large. I cannot decide between bookshelf speakers or a floor speaker. I will be listening mostly to digital music, and I could use recommendations on a DAC and receiver. I would like the receiver to be bluetooth if high quality receivers come with this feature, but that's not a deal breaker for me.

My Ideal system would have two speakers at $500-800 and with receiver, DAC, cables, and anything else I would need totaling around $1200, but $1500 maximum. I figured I would start with speakers and go from there.

I like to listen to most music, except rap. Heavy metal, funk, jazz. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks

pawadalla
kjweisner's avatar
kjweisner
293 posts
 
213 running makes some good suggestions.  I would add that you look at some of the other gear in the NAD line up, and also check out Cambridge Audio's options.  Marantz also makes a two-channel integrated with an onboard DAC that you can probably source at a discount.  For speakers, I think you're gonna want floor standers to get the bass reinforcement you're looking for at that price range (full range monitors are very spendy).    There are a couple pair of Vienna Acoustic Bach's for sale on Agon right now (one on the east coast and the other on the west).  I'd take a good look at the Vandersteen 1s or 2s as well.
mesch
3,476 posts
 
I own the NAD 326BEE and think it to be an excellent option given your budget ($550 new retail). I believe there is a used C325BEE for sale here on AG. Buy a used DAC that will accommodate your digital sources (what are they?). Buy used interconnect cables off Ebay or here on AG. Check out Markertek or Blue Jean Cable for speaker cables.  I am hesitant to recommend speakers as what is best is subjective, however would suggest buying a used pair of bookshelves at ~$500 Those with 87dB or better sensitivity and 8ohm impedance. 

jl35
3,977 posts
 
Agree on the Vienna Bach, but at your price I would wait for a Bach Grand
pawadalla OP
10 posts
 
Thanks for the responses. I certainly appreciate them. 

My digital sources will be mostly live recordings of bands such as Umphreys Mcgee - they play everything from jazz to metal. It will be an iPhone or a computer. I know many of these are poor quality, which will be accentuated with good speakers.  

Mainly, I want to mention that I do not plan to build a large vinyl collection. Maybe I will want to down the road, perhaps I will be ready to buy a new system by then. 

But for this system, I'd like recommendations based on no vinyl. After some thought, floor standing speakers will probably be best for me as I would prefer not to havea separate  Sub. I would be willing to spend my limit, $800, on those.

thanks again for the recommendations, and please keep them coming. I would love as much info as possible to research. 

--Patrick




kennythekey
593 posts
 

You need to consider your listening space as a big part of your decision. So, size, shape, layout, and construction, if you are planning to stay put for some time. For example, reach out to the community, dealers, and even manufacturers, about recommending a speaker in your budget based on your room. Different speakers do not all work in the same space. And, supporting equipment must best match the speakers.

Don't rush in, and research instead. And, because you don't have a lot to spend right now, consider the types of music that you enjoy the most. If you have the chance to listen to any of the gear you're considering, bring that music along. There may also be an Audio Show that you can go to and listen.

Kenny

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