Review of the Paraoh
Requesting recommendations for simple and easy to use music streaming devices
An unusual question please:
I’m setting up my first and probably last audio system. I’ve used headphones before, but never speakers. I bought the Graham LS 6 speakers which I bought for their rich mid range. I was thinking of purchasing a streaming integrated amplifier because I thought an all in one would be simplest to use, and I was considering an Arcam SA 30 as it has both enough power and I’m told it would nicely preserve the rich mid range of the speakers. However, as I started to read about it I got scared off because as a senior I am, sorry to say, completely helpless when it comes to technology and the SA 30 has so many features there’s no way I could really use it. I would very much appreciate any recommendations for a streaming set-up, all in one or separates (integrated amplifier plus streamer?), that would be easy enough to use. I don’t need a lot of features because I will only be using it to stream directly from streaming services (Amazon HD, TIDAL and perhaps others in the future; I will have none of my own files; no CDs; no phono). Any suggestions for a system, integrated or otherwise, that would be able to properly drive the LS6 speakers (8 ohms; 87 dB’s; recommended amplifier power 50–150 watts) and preserve their rich midrange, but also as simple and easy to use as possible? Budget could be $2000-$3000, but, again, simplicity is critical. I know it’s a difficult question because I am asking for two probably inconsistent goals: good sound and simple to use. Thanks very much.
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- 23 posts total
i agree with earlier input to keep the integrated amplifier separate from streamer/dac as for the steamer/dac... the cambridge cxn v2 is an excellent one... simple, easy to use software and interface to stream tidal, qobuz etc... not complicated at all there is a wonderful tubed output stage mod that dan wright/modwright does which makes it sound top-notch, if you want to spring for that, and i believe it will do wonders for vocal reproduction on your graham speakers discussion about the modded unit
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@switzer145 can you define simplicity. -- something you can buy and sit in the corner and never worry about and upgrade as tech changes a simple one box controlled via an app ~$1000 Bluesound Power Node - ~$2500 - Marantz M40n ~$3500 NAD M10 v2 or Naim Uniti They are all one box systems that probably mean an upgrade in 10 years - i.e. a total replacement. The additional dollars will just give you better sound -- but thats all subjective. There's probably 20 options in that price range for a single box solution. Most people here would tend to separate their system into an AMP and Streamer / DAC separates which is a different ball game. If you want to do that route things are slightly more complicated as you will have two or more devices which have to work together but you can upgrade easier and ticker with the system more.
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@kiwiscott - thank you for your response. Simplicity for me is just what you said: sitting in the corner listening to beautiful music and not thinking about upgrades. (your warning about having to upgrade in 10 years is not something I worry about as I am 78 ((a young 78)). I am not, like most people on this forum, an audiophileI as I have neither the hearing nor the musical appreciation and understanding that most people here have. What I do love is sitting and listening to music such as scores from movies like Out of Africa, Cinema Paradiso, Gladiator, etc. Or vocals, mostly female, think Nina Simone singing Wild is the Wind. I could sit for hours listening to that kind of music. But what I mean by “simplicity of operation“ is more than just not having to consider upgrading, it’s even simpler than that: I am, as I mentioned in my original question, terrible at operating technology. I actually have bought a couple of headphone amplifiers which I have not yet used because of that. (Eventually I will find someone to show me how to use them). Again, thanks. |
- 23 posts total