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Need Help Starting from Scratch

Hi Everyone,
I've been reading as much as I can and thought I could use more input from people in which direction to head and less of this is better than that. I have no components at the moment other than my PC which outputs digital. I think I might need a DAC.

I have a small living room in my apartment which will be my primary listening area. It's about 12x12. I'm looking for a 2 channel setup. This will be just for music. My budget is 1000 to tops of 2000(if it really gets me that much more. Used/old is great). I don't know what route to go(integrated amp--> speakers vs pre-amp to amp to speakers). I'm by no means an audiophile but I really enjoy music and my current logitech 5.1 speakers aren't cutting it. I listen to mostly rock of sorts and do love finding a good female vocal.

I guess where i'm lost also is what components I really need. I.e. computer outputs digital so I hook that up to a DAC to pre-amp to amp to speakers? I also don't understand how I can make sure every component will work together. Would a receiver make it that much easier? I'm concerned about the sound of a receiver for music. Thoughts/comments are much appreciated. Thanks
stephenhdmrs

Showing 4 responses by stephenhdmrs

stephenhdmrs OP
4 posts
 
Thanks everyone. I will look into the suggested products. I was a bit apprehensive about active speakers. I would think that a separate piece of equipment would do it better and give me more upgrading room later down the line.

Loomis- those speakers look really nice and so does that integrated amp. I was actually looking at some DAC's by scott nixon.

I did look at a receiver but I didn't want the extra features. My computer handles radio and such so I really wanted to focus more of the amp/speakers.

Thanks for everyone's input. Helps with my searching. I really need to go to a local shop and listen to some speakers but I want to make sure i'm not missing out on anything else in that price range that may be better.
stephenhdmrs OP
4 posts
 
Those klipsch speakers are a complete steal. It may make me change my plans and go with active speakers. Which leads me to my next point

I do believe this is the start of my journey. With that being said, I would like to have something that I can be very happy with for a while. I want maybe one or two components that could possibly not be needed to upgrade. The active speakers leave me little option for that. I would have to sell those and get all new. Not necessarily a bad thing with those klipsch speakers. They may last for an extremely long time and should have a good resell value since I got them for so cheap. Which leads me to my next point

Ahhh decisions... Thanks for everyone's input though. I know have all the information to make a wise decision. Theres are many roads and now I just need to decide which would be best for me.
stephenhdmrs OP
4 posts
 
Again, Thanks for everyone's input. I am set on the Decco2 integrated dac/amp. The Decco2 has the same dac as the nova(which everyone seems to rave about) and I really like the idea of having a tube amp. I believe the 40 watts is enough as it is a very small area and I don't need to blast my music. I really like everything the Decco2 has to offer as far as inputs and it's all integrated. If anyone has another all integrated solution (or separates for same price) please let me know.

For my speaker choice my father has a pair of Tyler Acoustic monitors I believe they are. He bought them 5 years ago and I believe they are monitors(leaning towards this as they would be pretty large bookshelf) or bookshelf speakers. I'm hoping it'll be a good combo. If not I can always give them back and try out some other speakers. According to Taylor's website most of his speakers require very little power so hopefully it'll work out. Worst case scenario I go out and buy an amp but at least i'll have more options.
stephenhdmrs OP
4 posts
 
Thanks guys! Luckily, the same man who is giving me the Taylor's has a Theta amp that i'm sure he'll let me borrow to see if it is something to pursue myself. I have read a lot about the Decco2 and most point to needing an amp. I'll try it without and see how it goes. Luckily I'll have a good reference amp.

Thanks for everyone's input. I'm amazed at the amount of responses I got. Hopefully I didn't upset anyone by not following their input. This works with my budget though and i'd at least like to see where it gets me as again, this is the beginning to my journey and I have lots of years left to fiddle.
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