@Edwardhugey - here’s my approach for a "compact system" i.e. an intergated amp, small footprint Bookshelf/Monitor or floor standing speaker and a Didgital streaming device of some kind.
First - identify your budget - I use the following "approximate ratios"
- 50% on speakers
- 25% on amp
- 12,5% on Digital source
- 12,5% on cables
Turntables are not included because they tend to throw the whole ratio out the window e.g. my TT cost about the same as my speakers.
1. Find a speaker (within my budget) that has the best sound - the list below are my personal "likes"
- Gershman Acoustics (my current speakers)
- Neat - very detailed
- Pro-Ac- very smooth
- Kudos (small footprint with a big solid sound for their size
- Reference 3A - unusual shape - very detailed and smooth
2. find an amp that has lots of "Snap" (i.e. great dynamic performance) - my fav’s
- Naim
- Rega
- Cyrus
- Bel Canto
3. find a digital source that sits your own personal approach to operation - do you like to control via a device (e.g. CD player) of via a tablet or phone (e.g. a streaming device) - do you want wireless or Ethernet connectivity?
- My current streaming device is the Blusound Node 2 - I also have the Powernode 2 on my A/V system
- there are too many of these out there to list them, research them a nd choose one that has the interface you like and the streaming services you want
I no longer see the need to get a computer/DAC combo, but that’s my preference
Cables: I have found the streaming devices and DAC’s, that I have used, all respond to great quality cables and although I have only allotted around 12.5% to cables, it is a little "unfair" since all of my cables are DIY.
- If I have to buy commercial that 12.5% ratio would be closer to 45%
Commercial Cables - Some of the best cables out there come from KLE Innovations - even their entry level cables outperform many of the cables out there in the marketplace from some very high profile brands.
Also, you might think 12.5% is a little low digital source, but today’s electronics are far better than one night imagine, it’s their power supply lets them down. attaching a great power cable will up their game considerably.
You will have notices most of my choices are from the UK - but there many other companies out there that compete with them - these are just the ones I know and prefer.
Companies like Schiit offer some stellar products for a more reasonable price that are also great performers.
The ratios are simply a guideline - other members may/will have differing opinions - this is just mine :-)
As you may have guessed - I’m a "solid state" guy - hated heating the room with the tube gear I once owned - but there are a few well designed tube amps of a lower power rating that can still serve up some decent volume levels - so research your components.
Hope that helps - Steve
First - identify your budget - I use the following "approximate ratios"
- 50% on speakers
- 25% on amp
- 12,5% on Digital source
- 12,5% on cables
Turntables are not included because they tend to throw the whole ratio out the window e.g. my TT cost about the same as my speakers.
1. Find a speaker (within my budget) that has the best sound - the list below are my personal "likes"
- Gershman Acoustics (my current speakers)
- Neat - very detailed
- Pro-Ac- very smooth
- Kudos (small footprint with a big solid sound for their size
- Reference 3A - unusual shape - very detailed and smooth
2. find an amp that has lots of "Snap" (i.e. great dynamic performance) - my fav’s
- Naim
- Rega
- Cyrus
- Bel Canto
3. find a digital source that sits your own personal approach to operation - do you like to control via a device (e.g. CD player) of via a tablet or phone (e.g. a streaming device) - do you want wireless or Ethernet connectivity?
- My current streaming device is the Blusound Node 2 - I also have the Powernode 2 on my A/V system
- there are too many of these out there to list them, research them a nd choose one that has the interface you like and the streaming services you want
I no longer see the need to get a computer/DAC combo, but that’s my preference
Cables: I have found the streaming devices and DAC’s, that I have used, all respond to great quality cables and although I have only allotted around 12.5% to cables, it is a little "unfair" since all of my cables are DIY.
- If I have to buy commercial that 12.5% ratio would be closer to 45%
Commercial Cables - Some of the best cables out there come from KLE Innovations - even their entry level cables outperform many of the cables out there in the marketplace from some very high profile brands.
Also, you might think 12.5% is a little low digital source, but today’s electronics are far better than one night imagine, it’s their power supply lets them down. attaching a great power cable will up their game considerably.
You will have notices most of my choices are from the UK - but there many other companies out there that compete with them - these are just the ones I know and prefer.
Companies like Schiit offer some stellar products for a more reasonable price that are also great performers.
The ratios are simply a guideline - other members may/will have differing opinions - this is just mine :-)
As you may have guessed - I’m a "solid state" guy - hated heating the room with the tube gear I once owned - but there are a few well designed tube amps of a lower power rating that can still serve up some decent volume levels - so research your components.
Hope that helps - Steve