miguelito Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 A friend has asked me for a recommendation a set of DAC+amp+speakers for around $2k. My line of reasoning was a NAD D3020 with a decent set of bookshelf speakers and stands. Self-powered a-la Genelec with an ifi micro DSD might also be a good choice, but need to make sure he can control volume in a not-cumbersome way. Any pointers please? Thx! NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
REShaman Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 A friend has asked me for a recommendation a set of DAC+amp+speakers for around $2k. My line of reasoning was a NAD D3020 with a decent set of bookshelf speakers and stands. Self-powered a-la Genelec with an ifi micro DSD might also be a good choice, but need to make sure he can control volume in a not-cumbersome way. Any pointers please? Thx! One element: KEF X300A ($799 a pair) (KEFDirect.com) self powered speakers and proprietary Dacs (96/24). This is merely one choice of many, many. I use them in my office/study fed by my main system. They are also available in a wireless edition for $999.99 (both models) best on stands. Best, Richard Specifications: System type Two-way bass reflex Drive units Uni-Q driver array: HF: 25mm (1in.) vented aluminium dome LF/MF:130mm (5.25in.) magnesium/ aluminium alloy Frequency response (+/- 3dB) 58Hz - 28kHz Frequency range (- 6dB) 49Hz - 45kHz Max peak SPL 104dB Amplifier type Twin Class AB Amplifier power LF: 50W HF: 20W AC power input US/JP versions: 100-120VAC, 50/60Hz EU/UK versions: 220-240VAC, 50Hz China version: 220-230VAC, 50Hz Analogue input AUX: 3.5mm stereo jack Digital input Resolution Sampling rate USB 2.0: mini USB type B connector Up to 24-bit Up to 96kHz, depending on source resolution Controls Balance control System volume control Internal volume 4.7L Finish Gunmetal Dimensions (H x W x D) Without heatsink: 280 x 180 x 215mm (11.0 x 7.1 x 8.5 in.) With heatsink: 280 x 180 x 243mm (11.0 x 7.1 x 9.6 in.) Weight 7.5kg (16.5lbs) per speaker Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 25, 2015 Author Share Posted September 25, 2015 One element: KEF X300A ($799 a pair) (KEFDirect.com) self powered speakers and proprietary Dacs (96/24). This is merely one choice of many, many. I use them in my office/study fed by my main system. They are also available in a wireless edition for $999.99 (both models) best on stands. Nice. Thanks Richard. NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 25, 2015 Author Share Posted September 25, 2015 One element: KEF X300A ($799 a pair) (KEFDirect.com) self powered speakers and proprietary Dacs (96/24) Actually I think the KEF LS50 is what I will recommend. NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
jtwrace Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 My system for that would look like this: iFi Micro iDSD $500 Pair of JBL LSR308's $500 IsoAcoustic Stands for the JBL's $109 per pair **Could add true bookshelf stands if he/she wanted them setup like a regular 2ch system too. UpTone Audio REGEN $175 Still some money left over for a new laptop or whatever type of computer. This is a killer setup! W10 NUC i7 (Gen 10) > Roon (Audiolense FIR) > Motu UltraLite mk5 > (4) Hypex NCore NC502MP > JBL M2 Master Reference +4 subs Watch my Podcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXMw_bZWBMtRWNJQfTJ38kA/videos Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 25, 2015 Author Share Posted September 25, 2015 My system for that would look like this: iFi Micro iDSD $500 Pair of JBL LSR308's $500 IsoAcoustic Stands for the JBL's $109 per pair **Could add true bookshelf stands if he/she wanted them setup like a regular 2ch system too. UpTone Audio REGEN $175 Still some money left over for a new laptop or whatever type of computer. This is a killer setup! Looks good. NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
Audio_ELF Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 How about the PS Audio Sprout with your choice of speakers up to $1500. Just have to be able to live without a remote control. :-). Another option would be Naim UnitiQute and speakers though that's likely pushing over the budget, but depending in the situation also check out the Naim Muso - yes it's all in one but may beat traditional systems if used in the right environment. One question needed answering though, what kind of environment is this to be used in? And any other input or purely a computer based system? Eloise --- ...in my opinion / experience... While I agree "Everything may matter" working out what actually affects the sound is a trickier thing. And I agree "Trust your ears" but equally don't allow them to fool you - trust them with a bit of skepticism. keep your mind open... But mind your brain doesn't fall out. Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 25, 2015 Author Share Posted September 25, 2015 How about the PS Audio Sprout with your choice of speakers up to $1500. Just have to be able to live without a remote control. :-). Another option would be Naim UnitiQute and speakers though that's likely pushing over the budget, but depending in the situation also check out the Naim Muso - yes it's all in one but may beat traditional systems if used in the right environment. One question needed answering though, what kind of environment is this to be used in? And any other input or purely a computer based system? Good suggestions. I live with an Ongaku - lack of remote is a true bummer. Room is a smallish library (have not seen it myself). Music is classical, jazz, vocal. Purely computer input from a laptop with Roon on it. NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
livelistenlearn Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 know someone who uses these unbalanced with a hugo = surprisingly powerful sound: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-A7X-Powered-Studio-Monitor/dp/B003SYYU9C ^ please bear in mind price for a pair = x2 replacing hugo with this should fit the budget thereabouts: iFI Audio Micro iDAC2: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics Link to comment
crenca Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 Actually I think the KEF LS50 is what I will recommend. I was considering those for my sub $5k system (coming in at $2k would be nice, but I am going to end up closer to $3k), but they need alot of watts to get their potential and I am probably going for the more sensitive Tektons. Seems like you need a minimum of 100 quality watts with the LS50's, and any decent amp (NAD, Rogue, etc.) is going to cost another $1k minimum to get it (at least as far as I can tell). I was considering Emotiva (you can get 250w for less than $1k with them) but questions around the SQ, and a pretty consistent build quality complaint on various forums turned me off. There is always Peachtree Nova125SE... Hey MQA, if it is not all $voodoo$, show us the math! Link to comment
miguelito Posted September 25, 2015 Author Share Posted September 25, 2015 I was considering those for my sub $5k system (coming in at $2k would be nice, but I am going to end up closer to $3k), but they need alot of watts to get their potential and I am probably going for the more sensitive Tektons. Seems like you need a minimum of 100 quality watts with the LS50's, and any decent amp (NAD, Rogue, etc.) is going to cost another $1k minimum to get it (at least as far as I can tell). I was considering Emotiva (you can get 250w for less than $1k with them) but questions around the SQ, and a pretty consistent build quality complaint on various forums turned me off. There is always Peachtree Nova125SE... Ah crap... You're right, I thought the LS50 was self-powered. NUC10i7 + Roon ROCK > dCS Rossini APEX DAC + dCS Rossini Master Clock SME 20/3 + SME V + Dynavector XV-1s or ANUK IO Gold > vdH The Grail or Kondo KSL-SFz + ANK L3 Phono Audio Note Kondo Ongaku > Avantgarde Duo Mezzo Signal cables: Kondo Silver, Crystal Cable phono Power cables: Kondo, Shunyata, van den Hul system pics Link to comment
franz159 Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 With little less than 2K I would try to match a 100W Nuprime IDA-8 (995$) with a pair of Tekton Design Lore Reference (on sale now at 799$) or even a pair of smaller mini lore (650$) depending on the size of the room. Link to comment
DigiPete Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 Self-powered a-la Genelec with an ifi micro DSD might also be a good choice, but need to make sure he can control volume in a not-cumbersome way. Great way to control balanced analogue volume like the pro's. Level Pilot @ TC Electronic USD 107 @ Vintage King US EUR 79 @ Thomann EU Promise Pegasus2 R6 12TB -> Thunderbolt2 -> MacBook Pro M1 Pro -> Motu 8D -> AES/EBU -> Main: Genelec 5 x 8260A + 2 x 8250 + 2 x 8330 + 7271A sub Boat: Genelec 8010 + 5040 sub Hifiman Sundara, Sennheiser PXC 550 II Blog: “Confessions of a DigiPhile” Link to comment
REShaman Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 Ah crap... You're right, I thought the LS50 was self-powered. I tempered my recommendation to fit within the boundaries set. I would have recommended the LS50, but that would have made it more expensive to do the rest of what would be required much more expensive. The LS50 sound bettter with more power than the NAD you were considering as an element in your recommendation. In any case, my experience is that a budget set is a budget broken once engaged (smile) and the wedding usually makes for a happy marriage instead of a contested divorce. Enough with metaphors. Best, Richard Link to comment
crenca Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 With little less than 2K I would try to match a 100W Nuprime IDA-8 (995$) with a pair of Tekton Design Lore Reference (on sale now at 799$) or even a pair of smaller mini lore (650$) depending on the size of the room. I would like to hear that combo! I suspect it would be in the top 5% of sound you can get in this price range. I am going to go with (probably) a Rogue Sphinx ($1300), but I be the Nuprime sounds good also... Hey MQA, if it is not all $voodoo$, show us the math! Link to comment
AnotherSpin Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 Match between speakers and amp is a question to answer. Would be difficult even for a budget sets. If one go for entry level Dynaudio powered speakers, this simple device would be used for volume control: Link to comment
realhifi Posted September 25, 2015 Share Posted September 25, 2015 A pair of Kef R100,s in gloss black, a Marantz NR1506, set of good speaker cables and stands. It has it all, AirPlay, digital inputs, HDMI, networked, Spotifi Connect, etc. A perfect beginning modern system for a music lover to sample ALL that's now available in the digital world. David Link to comment
davidl10 Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 I have not had the pleasure of hearing them but the Dynaudio Xeo 3 wireless system looks amazing and has received great reviews. It retails for $2300 and is an entire wireless system. It has a wireless transmitter that can stream your network or music service, 50 watt per driver active wireless speakers and a remote. Review: SoundStage! Xperience | SoundStageXperience.com - Dynaudio Xeo 3 Powered Wireless Loudspeakers Thought this might be of interest Dave L Main: CAPS 3 Carbon > Roon > HQ Player > ARC DAC 8 > ARC VSi60 > Vandersteen 3A Signatures Cables: AQ Rocket 88 Bi Wired, AQ Columbia RCA, and AQ Diamond USB Office: Macbook Pro > Roon > HQ Player > Burson Audio Conductor SL w/DAC Output > Adam F5 or HiFiman HE-500 Cables: AQ Carbon USB and Oyide RCA Storage: Synology NAS 213+ Basement: in progress - Building a RPI 3 > Peachtree IDAC > Halide Bridge > amp? > Wharfdale 10.2's Link to comment
mordante Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 KEF LS50 Peachtree Nova 125SE (1500) or 65SE(900) [br] Link to comment
1markr Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 +1!! This is my secondary system in my office, and it sounds WAY better than it should for $$. Huge bang for the buck, and a lot of fun, musicality! Surprising bass too. My system for that would look like this: iFi Micro iDSD $500 Pair of JBL LSR308's $500 IsoAcoustic Stands for the JBL's $109 per pair **Could add true bookshelf stands if he/she wanted them setup like a regular 2ch system too. UpTone Audio REGEN $175 Still some money left over for a new laptop or whatever type of computer. This is a killer setup! Metrum Onyx DAC, Matrix X-SPDIF2 DDC, Snake River Boomslang Digital cable, Verastarr Nemesis USB cable; Backert Rhumba 1.2 Preamp; Coincident M300B Frankenstein mkII SET monoblocks Omega Super Alnico HO Monitors (Cherry finish) / Martin Logan Depth i Subwoofer Macbook Pro (mid-2012, 2.3GHz i7, 16Gb RAM, 512Gb SSD), HQPlayer, Tidal, Roon; Cabling by Cerious Tech (Graphene SC, Blue PCs), Verastarr (IC and PC) and Teo Audio (GC IC) Link to comment
Norton Posted October 19, 2015 Share Posted October 19, 2015 A suggestion to explore, rather than personal recommendation: Aries Mini or Chord Mojo* ( or even Aries mini and Chord mojo...) ELAC B5 speakers Suitable budget power amp *presuming Mojo works ok connected3.5 to RCA line out and controlling volume. Link to comment
Francis Hemeter Posted October 23, 2015 Share Posted October 23, 2015 I have the NAD D3020 DAC/Amp along with Quad L11. Link to comment
SpurrierSucks Posted October 24, 2015 Share Posted October 24, 2015 I have not had the pleasure of hearing them but the Dynaudio Xeo 3 wireless system looks amazing and has received great reviews. It retails for $2300 and is an entire wireless system. It has a wireless transmitter that can stream your network or music service, 50 watt per driver active wireless speakers and a remote. Review: SoundStage! Xperience | SoundStageXperience.com - Dynaudio Xeo 3 Powered Wireless Loudspeakers Thought this might be of interest This is it. Plus you can find them for around $1000 now too. Mac Mini w/4TB external HD(minimserver)>NaimUniti 2b w/Naim Power-line>Scansonic MB 2.5>w/Naim NACA5 Speaker Cable Auralic Aries Mini>Dynaudio XEO 3 Link to comment
semente Posted October 24, 2015 Share Posted October 24, 2015 If you don't mind a bit more low frequency extension and dynamic headroom, $1300 can get him a pair of PSB Imagine X2T: SoundStage! Hi-Fi | SoundStageHiFi.com - PSB Imagine X2T Loudspeakers SoundStageNetwork.com | SoundStage.com | NRC Measurements: PSB Imagine X2T Loudspeakers R "Science draws the wave, poetry fills it with water" Teixeira de Pascoaes HQPlayer Desktop / Mac mini → Intona 7054 → RME ADI-2 DAC FS (DSD256) Link to comment
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