Looking to get started. please help
For the $1500 budget, Mini Lore - $649 NAD C316 - $380 Schiit DAC - $449 Also, researching a few other DAC's under $500. The turntable will work with its phono stage, and just add the NAD upgrade later. |
I was definitely thinking a pair of Tekton Mini Lore for speakers. No doubt the NAD will sound much better than the Onkyo, and the Onkyo does not have bass management, only a subwoofer pre out. You could step up to the NAD C326 to get a sub pre out, or choose a sub with high level input for the NAD C316. The Mini Lore may just satisfy you for bass, or just add a subwoofer later. The Onkyo has digital inputs because of its internal DAC, so using the NAD, you will need a DAC for the digital inputs. Newer TV's generally use an optical digital, but need more info for iPod, model, docking station (have one or want one)? I did check your turntable, and it has a built in phono stage, so it will work with any input on the NAD. |
But wouldn't the turntable sound better if I connected through a phono input?A phono input provides additional gain and RIAA equalization for records. Your turntable has this built in, but can be switched out to use a phono input, like on the Onkyo. I really dont think there would be much difference in quality between whats in your turntable compared to whats in the Onkyo. Now if you were to use this, sound would definitely improve. |
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. |
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.Sounds like a good idea, and get a pair of Mini Lore's. I was thinking about the DAC for better sound quality with the iPod and TV, but you could just get started without it as Sebrof said. This might be wise since I found out that Peachtree will be introducing a new version of the iDAC in the near future. Priorities may even change once you start using the system. |
