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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
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
1,368 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.
mrmanisundaram
82 posts
 
Nuprime Ida8 used, kef ls50 or legacy studio hd used, wireworld oasis or analysis plus oval 12 speaker cables.  Run a digital coax or toslink from sonos connect to amp.  2.5k and u will have a system that u will like, and u can continuee streaming.  Good luck.
shoff
133 posts
 
I don't know where you live but you might try going to an audio show like RMAF in Denver where they have whole rooms set up featuring entire systems in your price range.  You can hear with your own ears and ask questions, too.  There are other shows around the country and thither may be near you.
bgpoppab
38 posts
 
A couple of thoughts/suggestions:
First, it sound like I'm similar to you. Though many find it very odd, I listen to everything from Chopin to Korn to Deadmau5.
When building the system I use in my living room and use  every day I researched the heck out of everything for about 5 months. 
Though many may disagree I believe the best route is to consider your speakers first and work backwards. My suggestion for these would be Tekton Design 'Lore Reference' at $750 or if possible the "Lore" at $1000. Both fantastic high sensitivity speakers so it doesn't take much power to drive them. I believe Eric has these on sale for possibly a bit less right now. Google "Tekton Lore review" to get a little insight as to what they are. I have had very large McIntosh and currently have 2 sets of PSB towers. They were removed from front channel duties when I received the Tekton Impacts I bought. You may even be able to forgo the subwoofer for music idea with the Lore model. Tekton claims they play down to 30 Hz and depending on the room I believe that could be accurate. I actually run my music with my SVS off with my Tekton Impacts. It's not needed.
For a receiver you may consider something like the Marantz 5012. It can be purchased from accessories4less at $449 refurbished right now. Good reputable company. 
The Marantz not only has things like Spotify connect (works perfectly on my 7012) but the whole Heos thing is pretty cool. Having High Res stations the TuneIn radio Internet radio is great and it would give you everything you would need to head the home theater direction as well. HDCP 2.2, Dolby Vision, HDR etc. I believe it uses the Akashi processor/DAC, DSD (2.8/5.6MHz), FLAC, ALAC and WAV. Marantzs MultEQ room calibration is fantastic. When I bought my 7012 and set it up it blew the pants off my Yamaha Aventage 2070. The Yamaha is now in a system in the basement.
Lastly, (I may catch **** for this one) I am FIRMLY in the camp of cables matter. For the time being I would recommend saving some money and buying a roll of Monoprices 12 AWG speaker cable and gold plated banana plugs to assemble yourself (SUPER easy to do), BUT considering you are a streamer like me, spend the money for a SupraCat8 ethernet cable. When I experimented between WiFi, a silver coated copper Audioquest and the SupraCat8, for sound quality, the Supra was a very clear winner. Google it.
If you went the route I suggested you would be under $1600. This could be a nice start and leave you some to put towards another purchase, possibly an amplifier. For those I would consider companies like Monoprices Monolith or Outlaw Audio, but that can be done latter. 
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