Beginner Looking For Set Up Advice!


Hi all, 

I'm excited to have gotten my first pair of new speakers, the B&W 606 S2! My Dad and my Brother both have 603s and I love the sound, so I thought these would fit well in my apartment. I'm having trouble finding a stereo receiver or integrated amp to pair with the speakers. Although I understand some audiophile lingo, it can all be somewhat confusing and overwhelming so I thought I'd ask for some advice.

What would be a decent, under $1k piece to power the speakers? How much power do these need? I would want it to be able to stream music, whether through airplay or some other system (Spotify connect, etc), and also work with my TV setup including a 4k blu ray player and an Apple TV. I would consider adding a CD player or turntable later on. 

Currently I've looked at the Denon PMA 150h, Marantz PM7007, Marantz NR1200, Yamaha R-N303, and a few others. 

Thanks!
smosleh

Showing 1 response by elliottbnewcombjr

I would look for an Integrated Amp: combo of preamp and amp (no radio, that would be a receiver). Let us know if radio is important for you, that changes the choices.

With remote volume. With balance (manual most common, remote balance from listening position is awesome), with tone controls, with tone control bypass. Manual input selection on the unit is easy, you are up front activating the source, remote input selection is kind of silly IMO.

Phono: LP’s now? Future? Most people prefer separate phono stages of their choosing, then into ’AUX’ or any line level input of the Integrated Amp. That broadens the options now for which Integrated Amp, and gives a lot of choice when selecting a phono stage later.