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Need Help Starting from Scratch

Hi Everyone,
I've been reading as much as I can and thought I could use more input from people in which direction to head and less of this is better than that. I have no components at the moment other than my PC which outputs digital. I think I might need a DAC.

I have a small living room in my apartment which will be my primary listening area. It's about 12x12. I'm looking for a 2 channel setup. This will be just for music. My budget is 1000 to tops of 2000(if it really gets me that much more. Used/old is great). I don't know what route to go(integrated amp--> speakers vs pre-amp to amp to speakers). I'm by no means an audiophile but I really enjoy music and my current logitech 5.1 speakers aren't cutting it. I listen to mostly rock of sorts and do love finding a good female vocal.

I guess where i'm lost also is what components I really need. I.e. computer outputs digital so I hook that up to a DAC to pre-amp to amp to speakers? I also don't understand how I can make sure every component will work together. Would a receiver make it that much easier? I'm concerned about the sound of a receiver for music. Thoughts/comments are much appreciated. Thanks
stephenhdmrs
mceljo
1,357 posts
 
There is a great deal on the Pioneer website for a nice 2 channel receiver SX-A6-J for $280 instead of $500. The matching SACD players appear to not be available anymore. I have the SACD player and have been very impressed with the product. If I were in the market for a 2 channel receiver I'd strong consider this as an option. The main downside is that it doesn't have a subwoofer pre-out, it's intended for pure 2 channel listening.

I'm a big fan of Focal (very efficient) speakers and really enjoy listening to my father-in-laws 706v bookshelf speakers. I think they would be a great match for the Elite reciever. Paradigm (very efficient) and Monitor Audio also have some great products as many other companies that others will mention.

I think that a monitor/bookshelf speaker can sound great as long as your music choices are not bass heavy. If they are look for a floorstandig model or consider a subwoofer.

I know nothing about DACs beyond what their function is so I can't say anything about them one way or the other.

I'd recommend taking a day to visit a few local stores, if they exist, to listen to different speakers to see what you like. When I took my father-in-law shopping we visited three stores and listened to everything that was visually pleasing for the WAF and was in the budget.
loomisjohnson
1,943 posts
 
there are, of course, lots of ways to go, all of which have their virtues. however, if i were starting from scratch within your budget, i'd look to acquire a few high quality "keeper" pieces,as opposed to merely serviceable starter-level stuff; you can always augment later. thus, i might start with von schweikert vr1 monitors (genuinely great and often listed here around $500 used) and an integrated w/dac such as peachtree decco or music hall mambo (around $500 used); i'll assume that initially you'll use your pc as your source, though you can easily add an inexpensive cd transport. a few more bucks for digital cables and speaker wire (e.g. blue jean, monoprice) and you'll have a very fine system.
elevick
2,636 posts
 
Wow did Loomis hit it right on!
I'd be happy for a long time with that set-up. I think you'll end up spending a little more for the integrated though.
The only reason for a receiver is if you want radio-most good stations stream anyway.
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