Need help selecting a system with Tidal streaming (Maybe MQA) and speakers for around $1k.
For those who think MQA might go away here is a list of companies backing the technology by offering it in their audio equipment....https://forum.audiogon.com/discussions/dac-streamer-mqa-wireless-besides-bluesound BTW I would try to get a Node 2 and whatever power and speakers you choose. |
It is not complete junk. It is a bit on the expensive side for what it is, but it is stylish and convenient, and tests have shown that within its limitations it performs rather well. As for high end, well here is somebody asking a very sensible question about a budget system that ultimately may end up in a bedroom. So what would you recommend for a streaming based 1K system? |
@willemj Thanks for the link on MQA. I completely agree with your last comment on why not MQA if it also does everything else non-MQA component will do. @glennewedick I just spotted a pair of Monitor Audio Bronze 2 but have never heard them. Have you compared them against any other monitors? The Miesaudio looks affordable at $399! @mesch You have any suggestions MQA/non-MQA streamer for the budget? @2psyop Thanks for that link! So looks like I have the following suggestion/by inference equipment: Speakers: Elac B6, Monitor Audio Bronze 2, Wharfedale Diamond 9.0’s., Audioengine HD6, Kef Q150, Cambridge Audio Aero 2,..powered speaker(no brand specified) Dac/streamer: Bluesound Node2, Behringer UCA 202, OPPO Sonica, Outlawaudio RR2160 receiver /DAC, ChromeCast Audio, Auralic mini, Amps/receiver: Onkyo, Yamaha, Denon, Mies, Vincent Audio's SV-500, Sprout, Sonos Connect |
Ignoring the possible subsequent bedroom use I would suggest to try to spend as little as possible on electronics (let alone cables) and devote as much as possible to the speakers because they are what produces the difference in sound quality. The Chromecast Audio is the cheapest and most versatile streaming option and the analogue output is more than good enough for a system at this level. The Sony receiver that I mentioned is similarly good enough at this level, and a real bargain. There are similar amplifiers from the other major Japanese brands and these represent the best value for money. Speakers are a matter of taste - none will be perfect. Here, the US market is quite different from Europe with different brands and different relative prices, so it is hard for me to make a specific recommendation. Over here, I would have said the Wharfedale Diamond series is always very good value for speakers that have few weaknesses. I particularly like the Wharfedale 220, but there may be good alternatives in the US, I don’t know. A few years ago I bought some Tannoy DC6 standmounts for my daughter, and they sounded even beter (at a higher price). But it is a volatile market. If you audiotion, make sure to listen at equalized level: the human brain will interpret the loudest speaker as the best speaker. Another very simple and compact option would be the recently discontinued Quad 9AS active speakers. If you can still find a pair at a discount price, they would be worth it. They have three digital inputs, so if you add a Chromecast Audio via its optical digital output you are all set for maybe half your planned budget. Use the coax input for your tv and you will also have far better tv sound. See here, e.g.: https://www.musicdirect.com/speakers/quad-9as-active-desktop-speakers |
