2. speakers
  3. 1369365504

Looking to get started. please help

Hi everyone. I am new here. I had a friend suggest I check this site out. I am really new to higher end audio and am looking for some help!

For years I have been listening to music on a crappy surround sound system and I feel it's time to move on.

I know I am at the VERY low end, but right now I would like to spend about $1500 on speakers and amp at the most to move on to something better. Over time, I'd invest more money, but that's my max at the moment.

My main sources for listening to music would be a record player, my iPod, computer and occasionally my TV. Because I am not really into movies or anything like that, I've definitely decided I don't need anything more than a 2-channel system.

I went to a local shop and this was what was recommended to me...

Receiver - Onkyo
http://us.onkyo.com/Products/model.php?m=TX-8050&class=Receiver&source=prodClass

Speakers - PSB
http://www.wwstereo.com/PSB/IMAGINEBBA

But, then someone told me to come to this site and ask for advice. I was also told that I really shouldn't get a receiver, but instead get an integrated amp.

I really need help! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
rootsrockreggae
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
OK. Now I feel like I am getting somewhere.

I could get the mini lores for $649

The NAD 326 integrated amp for $550

And the phono stage for $170 to run my turntable through and into the amp, right?

That is basically what I would need? That would put me at around $1,400. Getting more for my money with more ability to upgrade in the future than what I originally posted in the very beginning of this thread, right?
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
And this would also allow me to easily add a sub woofer down the line, right?
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
And I could also run iPod and TV, correct?
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
Rootsrockreggae, did you read this review on the NAD? Also, here is a review for the Integra version of the Onkyo. My understanding of the "Audiophiles Welcome?" section at the end of the Integra review is that the unit is a good choice for a simple one box solution, but a little extra effort and expense will result in better sound.

As I previously stated, to use the NAD, you will also need a DAC for digital inputs (TV & iPod), and you can connect a subwoofer to the NAD C316, just differently from the C326.
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
I did read the review. I'm really not able to tell the difference between the 316 and the 326. Is the 326 worth the extra cost?

Do you have a dac recommendation?
More to discover