2. amps-preamps
  3. 1339782074

Please help a noob

First off, I'll try to Reader's Digest this as much as possible.

I'm looking to set up a simple 2 channel reference system. And by reference I mean something small-ish that will be used primarily in the near-field as a critical listening set-up in a relatively small room which I plan on doing some acoustic treatments in as well.

I work in the car audio industry (yeah, I know, never get as good in a car, etc. and I agree) What I am looking for is a system that I can both use as a reference tool for work related things (be able to have a good baseline for what things are supposed to sound like so I can use that knowledge for systems I build at work) and also recreational listening. Source will likely be 80% iPod (lossless or wav) and 20% CD.

I have been reading all over the place and am just overwhelmed with all the options. My current hangups are integrated vs. separate, and then options beyond that.

I don't have a tone of $ to work with. I'd like to keep the preamp/amp portion of this in the $700-$850 ish range.

Finally, I have the option to buy Parasound New Classic products new at a very good price. My main question I guess is Parasound New Classic 2100 pre + either New Classic 275 or 2125 or look at used in which I've been looking at Parasound HCA amps and P/LD 1100 pre. Also, the used option opens up things like NAD, Rotel, etc.

Like I said, looking for input on this front from people in the know because I feel somewhat lost. Sorry for the rambling, and thanks for any input!

-Adam
diamondjoequimby
diamondjoequimby OP
9 posts
 
Thanks for all the input guys. I'm eyeing the HRT istreamer or music streamer for the dac. I really like the price point on those too. Speakers are totally undecided. The only things I've had the chance to listen to in person are a set of Dynaudio bookshelfs (forget the model) and a pair of Vandersteen 2ce. Of the 2 I liked he vandersteens better, but like I said, I'm way up in the air on that front,

I thought about the studio monitor set up, but was initially looking at some Genelecs and kind of abandoned the idea when everything I saw had them pairs with a mixer of some sort for input. I'll look at the NHT setup and some other passive volume control options.

Thanks again, and I'll try to keep dumb questions to a minimum.
unsound
7,333 posts
 
Choose your speakers first, then your amplification. Not the other way around.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
If you want some advice check out Von Schweikert VR-1 monitor speakers and a Marantz PM8004 integrated amplifier. The VR-1s are lively easy to drive speakers with excellent bass and the Marantz is the best sounding 70 watt integrated amp for $1000. The VR-1s sell for around $500 used depending on condition.
diamondjoequimby OP
9 posts
 
Picking speakers first makes sense. I suggest the same thing to my customers and honestly feel like a bit of a dumbass for not thinking of this the same way. Oh well. Now off to find some places to listen to speakers...
arh
366 posts
 
Take a look at some powered Mackies if you were thinking Genelecs
Alan
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