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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

Showing 13 responses by rootsrockreggae

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?
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
Thanks for the response. I could definitely handle larger speakers.

I think he sources I would use the most are turntable and iPod. But I'd also like to run my tv through the system if possible.

Here is the turntable. Will most likely upgrade after I recover from whatever I spend on the new set up.
http://www.audio-technica.com/cms/turntables/9a7f42b88ee1e14b/
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
Sorry. Forgot to address the other question. We listen to a lot of different things. Everything from bluegrass to jazz to hip hop to live grateful dead.
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
You know... maybe I would be interested in doing 2.1 over time. If I was to do 2.1, I wouldn't want an integrated amp like this, right...
http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C-316BEE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier

This one is highly rated.
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
OK thanks everyone. You're all making me think about this hard, which is great.

Again, the budget I am looking at is roughly around $1500. I have a turntable so I am set there until I decide to upgrade. Here is what I KNOW I want...

I want to start with a two speaker system with the possibility of adding in a sub woofer at a later date when I am able to spend more money.

I want a receiver/amp that will allow me to utilize my turntable, ipod, computer and television through my new speakers.

Now... I am going to look through everyone's suggestions!

Thanks everyone!
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
TLS49... But wouldn't the turntable sound better if I connected through a phono input? The NAD units do not appear to have that.
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
Yeah. I am looking into the m-lore and like the reviews so far. And they are less than I was actually thinking of spending on speakers.

Can you elaborate more on the phono input? The turntable will work on via "phono" or "line". I have been told it will sound much better via phono. Is that correct? Or not so correct?
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?
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
I can't thank everyone enough for all the advice.

I have found a NAD 326 integrated amp, used for $350 that I am looking to possibly pull the trigger on. The big difference between the 326 and 316 seems to be the power. So, I figure why not buy the one with more power used for a better price.

I've also e-mailed Tekton about the mini lore. I like the 30-day return policy and I'd love to try them out. I don't think I have found one negative review on those. I am wondering what Erik at Tekton thinks about those going with the NAD 326.
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
Thanks, BIll. I actually pulled the trigger on the NAD 326 yesterday so I am set on an integrated amp.

Now on to speakers! As I mentioned, I e-mailed Tekton but Eric has not gotten back to me. I am wondering if those will match up nicely with the 326.
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
The room would be a family den type of situation. Not solely a listening room.

Mesch and Tonyangel, I am really zeroing in on the Tekton m-lores... to at least try them. Would you guys recommend other speakers that may be cheaper or better in that price range?
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