Help Me Choose (new) Bookshelf Speakers, and Integrated Amplifier for $1300 and under!


Hello Audiogon Community, 

I would like to buy a pair of bookshelf speakers and an amplifier for a smallish living room, for $1300 or less. 

My decision was Elac UB5 and Yamaha 701 amplifier. Is this the best decision??

Some notes... I do not need a dac! A phono stage would be nice, but I have a music hall mini. My turntable is Music Hall MMF 5.3  We listen to all music, mainly acoustic, classical and jazz. We prefer a neutral, accurate sound.    

Thank you for your help and input!!!



128x128emremusic
I used a NuPrime IDA-8 integrated with the ELAC UB-5s, thought it was a great combination of smoothness, imaging, detail and dynamics. I did not, however, use the analog inputs, as you would be with your Music Hall front end.
Julie Mullins in her Absolute Sound review of the IDA-8 amp, extensively listened to a vinyl source through the analog inputs and was so impressed she bought the trial sample. 
Occasionally, the ELACs go on special for $399 a pair, and I've seen demo Nuprime IDA-8s at $899.
Also, if you can find a dealer who carries both brands, you should be able to get a system price close to your $1300 target.

The HSU HB1 are very nice and pretty efficient. For amps, if you can find a used Rega Mira 3 integrated, they are a very good value. 
A lot of good choices. The ELAC's are very good. My choice of a integrated would be the Rogue Audio Sphinx. Clean, simple, 100 watt/Ch. class D power section with tube pre. Has a good phono section and headphone amp section. Highly rated. Some good used prices out their for this integrated....
Cheers,
Tim
Might as well spend half that and save the other half by going with Emotiva. Specifically, their ta-100 integrated and airmotiv-b1 bookshelf speakers.

https://emotiva.com/products/amplifiers/pres-and-pros/ta-100

https://emotiva.com/products/speakers/airmotiv-b1

There's a nice pair of Silverline Preludes available here now for $550 that would sound great with the Outlaw, if you're open to small floorstanders.  Best of luck.