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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 2 responses by zanon

zanon
114 posts
 
Amp on Decco2 or iDecco (or even Nova) is not bad. More importantly, it works well with DAC, pre-amp, and "smooth" vs "sharp" filter. You do not have a big room, you will probably have enough power. And you do not need to worry about testing components together.

And if you want to upgrade to better amp in future, you can do that with peachtree product. It is MUCH better than receiver (I know I did head to head test a few week ago) and excellent support for computer source.

Output digital from computer to Decco, then wire to passive speaker.
zanon
114 posts
 
The Decco/Nova is more than OK if your alternative is receiver. It is big step up from that.

The DAC/Preamp section is very good and, if you hear some problem with your system and decide amplifier section is the solution, you have lots of opportunity to upgrade that. But do not start playing with this until you have identified what you like or do not like.
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