Starting Over


After careful consideration, I decided to start over in regards to building an office based system. The only thing I have are the Monitor Audio BX2 speakers. Room is around 14x16. The setup will include a DAC but I am not sure if I should go with an integrated amp, power amp, 2 channel receiver or another combination of items. My budget for the Amp the various options is around $1500. I plan on either going with the EE Minimax, PS Audio or Buron to name a few DAC's. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated. I am so overwhelmed with all the products out there with not many to actually listen to I want to be satisfied with my purchase. Thank you!
pmshow
I'd stick with an integrated amp at your budget. A used Creek Destiny, Exposure 3010s2, Pathos Classic One mkIII are but a few good choices.

I own the EE minimax and highly recommend it.
I use a Musiland MD-10 with a Music Hall Trio for my office to keep it simple. However, if I did it again, I'd go with a Peachtree and nothing else. It's an office, all of your music will be streaming from a PC, including radio. A quality DAC and warm little amp will be great for all day listening sessions. I listen 8 hours a day 5 days a week all the time with 90-95% being streamed music or from my hard drive to the dac.
Sorry for any confusion. The question really focuses on the Integrated Amp, 2 Channel receiver, or pre-amp/power-amp setup. Budget for that piece is $1500. Thanks for the suggestions.
The HA-160D is a nice one box solution. Priced around $1250. The Dac section is really good,
If you want a really good 1 box solution around that price you can't beat the new Bel Canto e.One C5i DAC Intefrated Amp. This thing is amazing if you are starting out or want a 1 box solution. 2 spdif and 2 toslink inputs at 24/192, usb input @ 24/196, analog MM phono and line level RCA's and a front panel headphone jack!! Can you say speakers and a source (or your computer) for instant stereo.