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Need help selecting a system with Tidal streaming (Maybe MQA) and speakers for around $1k.

A’goners,

Need some help getting this temp system purchased. In about 2 weeks will be moving to a small home in SoCal, then in 6 months back to Pacific NW apartment most likely for 5 months. My room sizes will be small to medium, 10x12-14ft. This will be my system for these two moves then possibly relegated to a bedroom/listed on this site once I get to a permanent location.

My main goal is to limit my expenditure (as I will need to upgrade my old system once I have a permanent place) and spend around $1k for this system. I’m new to digital but streaming seems the way to go so I don’t have to drag around CDs or LPs and I don’t have any high rate digital files, nor do I plan on purchasing many during my traversing the West Coast. I plan on streaming Tidal and was hoping MQA if that fits in the budget and the system is able to perform well enough to discern the MQA difference. I know I could use a computer as a source for this but don’t currently own one and there goes the budget if I purchase a new laptop.

I understand the $1k can be quite limiting and could stretch it a bit but would really like to stay in that ballpark. I started looking at powered speakers, Vanatoo One, Paradigm Shift A2, Audioengine A2+, A5+, HD6 and passives like HDP6, Elac B6, QAcousics 3020, Kef Q150, Monitor Audio Bronze 2, Warfedale Diamond 220 and Focal Aria 905 all because of size, price and recommendation. I haven’t listened to any of these except the Elacs. Not having the time now to listen to some/all these I am asking for some experienced, sage advice on the speakers and whole system direction. I am aware that stand mounted/bookshelf speakers will be a sacrifice in the deep bass( not a bass head anyway) but would like to have some accuracy and a good wide soundstage if possible.

That brings me to the source and I understand it’s based on if I go the powered vs passive speaker route. I’m not sure if it’s possible to go the passive speaker route and still get Tidal streaming and integrated amp for the budget stated. This is where I get stuck, so please respond with your ideas even if it’s to say it can’t be done for the budget I have.

BTW, I listen to mostly rock, jazz, blues, and classical in that order if that helps. Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

Thanks greatly for your input. Please let me know if this is in the wrong category, since it was about speakers and source wasn’t sure where to post.

revreed
ethos123
83 posts
 
Maybe a PS Audio Sprout with Elac B6s? Well under budget ($799 for the whole setup including speaker cables) and should be extremely easy to transport. Both get rave reviews for the price. You can just bluetooth from your phone or add a chromecast audio and still be well under budget...or add a better streamer like the bluesound node 2 or auralic mini and be a bit over. From everything I've read the Sprout would be great for a bedroom or office system down the line too, but I admit I haven't heard one myself yet.

http://www.psaudio.com/products/sprout-elac-system-2/

If you go powered, I've had great luck with Audioengine and they have a 30 day return policy if you don't end up happy with how it sounds. If you go for the HD6, you have built in bluetooth or about the same money left for a separate streamer as the option above...no phono input for down the line setups if you're into vinyl but they'd probably also be great for a secondary system if you don't need that or have a separate phono amp.

Another difference that may or may not matter to you is the HD6s have a remote...the Sprout does not.

The Outlaw (plus a chromecast) or new Yamaha integrated amps/receivers (i.e. R-N803 or A-S701) would work great. More powerful and more connections available but not quite as portable...Go farther down the yamaha lineup and more can be spent on speakers but the sweet spot in that balance is up to you. Did you like the Elacs when you heard them?
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
iPad + Camera Connection Kit + Powered USB Hub + Meridian Explorer 2 and headphones
willemj
1,036 posts
 
See here for the  - sadly pretty terrible - measurements of the Sprout: https://www.stereophile.com/content/ps-audio-sprout-integrated-amplifier-measurements
willemj
1,036 posts
 
Sony STR DH 130 for a 2x100 watt rms budget receiver from a major brand for only $150. Add a $35 Chromecast audio and some basic cables and you have $800 left for pretty decent speakers. Not very transportable, of course.
ethos123
83 posts
 
The measurements may not be good, but that article was a glowing review and stereophile went on to include it on their list of recommended components.

In trying to build a complete and easily portable system for the OP’s price point, I think it is at least worthy of consideration. Regardless of the measurements, it’s gotten great reviews and several awards so it must sound pretty decent. I’m not saying it is THE solution, only that it is worth checking out...especially if the speaker the OP auditioned was well liked.

NAD D3020 would be a similar option.
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