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New to audiophile and need HELP.

I’m new to this audiophile “hobby” , relatively “poor” , and need some advice and direction. 

I am willing to spend around $2k US now and then maybe another 1 k or so over time but then that’s it. I just simply can’t afford to go chasing a perfect system from now on. 

I realize that I’m going to be looking at equipment that is WAY below what most of you are running but I can see that this forum is extremely knowledgeable and helpful and so I would greatly appreciate some guidance. 

Right now , I have two Sonos play 5’s (gen 1) and two Sonos play 5’s (gen 2) as well as Sonos SUB. I really thought that these were good until I bought a Naim Mu-so and now I’m having real difficulty listening to the Sonos equipment. 

I’ve just recently ordered a signature Sound Anchor stand for my Mu-so which should be to me in about two weeks and my intention is to keep the Mu-so in my bedroom and then supplement/replace my Sonos with better equipment in my living room. 

Over the last few months I’ve been researching Bluesound , Audio Pro Addon, Devialet Phantom, Kef LS50 Wireless, Buchardt, more Mu-so’s Etc. And I really think that I’ve just managed to confuse myself. I really feel that if the Mu-so could function in stereo with another unit and you could add a sub then it would be about perfect for me.

However, I haven’t listened to and really don’t have access to listen to any other audiophile equipment either. 

I’m really salivating over a Naim Uniti Atom but it’s a lot of money to spend (for me) and I would still need to add speakers and probably a sub. Would streaming to my Mu-so (s) from an Atom give me an appreciable sound quality upgrade? 
If not, then I would have to save up for the speakers and sub as well. I can get more Mu-so’s For about $850.

Streaming is a must for me and I don’t really want to add a turntable or anything like that. 

My listening is very eclectic as one minute I will be enjoying classical and the next I might be 
Thrashing to punk or metal - thus the need for a sub. 

I’m sorry for the rambling post but any and all help would be greatly appreciated!! 

Thanks



bacchus1234
obormot
2 posts
 
I’m not a pro, but I had a similar dilemma.
The biggest impact to the sound of your system would be a choice of speakers. With your limited budget I’d go all in for a good pair of floor standing loudspeakers. Don't do shelf+sub for music. Your regular cheap surround sub won't get you a bass tight enough for music.

My choice is Audio Physic Classic 30. Crips highs, very tight and deep bass. Unfortunately, they are outside of your budget, but maybe a pair of used ones or floor samples can be within your reach. They are being decommissioned, so it might be a good time to buy.

As far as amps and stuff, I might shock some here, but I think a cheap old receiver can do a pretty good job as long as it can drive your speakers and have enough power for your needs. You can probably find a used one on craigslist for $50.

If you want all recent bells and whistles like ability to switch between 4k UHD sources, Dolby Atmos, etc. you can find something like Denon AVR-X2300W for ~$300. It has no problem driving 4ohm Classic 30.

You can later upgrade to amps/pre-amps for more power, but the sound difference will be subtle comparing to the speakers upgrade.
mitchagain
450 posts
 
1) Buy "used." It's great buying quality gear for 30 - 40 cents on the dollar!

2) First, decide on the speakers that you can't live without. Once you know what your remaining budget and power requirements are, selecting an integrated amp should be easier.

3) I'd recommend getting an integrated amp that has a built-in DAC. A good DAC makes a huge difference in any audio system. For example, there's Hegel H70 listed on Audiogon right now for $799, with lots of good reviews and positive comments about Hegel gear in these forums.

Best of luck in your search; have fun and expect to learn a lot!


twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
Something like this: https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lis981a5-proac-response-dt8-full-range or this https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649477535-proac-studio-140-mk-ii/ would open up a whole new world.
plga
184 posts
 
Most of your budget should go to speakers.
Q Acoustics is a brand that ALL of their products compete with others twice as expensive.
The 3050i floorstanders cost USD 799 with QED cables and sound better than speakers much more expensive. 
A big dealer in Spain who sells a lot of brands (ELAC, B&W, Monitor Audio, Kef, Tannoy, Klipsch, etc) recomended me this model. I didn't buy it, because I was looking for something more high-end, but I have today their flagship model (Concept 500) and they are monster speakers.
https://www.amazon.com/Acoustics-Floorstanding-Speakers-Speaker-Arctic/dp/B07KFPW2CX/ref=sr_1_1_sspa...
That will leave you about 1.2K to spend on a nice integrated amp as I understand the Bluesound Node is a streamer and a DAC. 
With that system you will rock! 
goofyfoot's avatar
goofyfoot
1,380 posts
 
If you need to make a new purchase, then I'd ask for a 20% discount from the dealer. Or instead, go directly to the distributer and see what sort of discount you can get from them. I did this when I bought my amplifier and I got a brand new ASR with upgrades and warranty, for what people wanted for the same amp used. I've also gotten discounts from brick and mortar dealers and folks on eBay.
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