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
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. 

Alright friends, I think I am coming closer to my decision,

Outlaw RR 2160, and ELac UB5. Somebody Suggested Wharferdale Denton's but I like more presence in the treble.

I would call a few Elac dealers and see what integrated amps they recommend. I know that not every unit of a given product run is perfect, but I bought one of the first Outlaw RetroReceivers and I was absolutely underwhelmed and sent it back.

A couple good integrated amp candidates would be something in your price range from Marantz or NAD. It turns out Elac makes an integrated amp, too.
I had a Peachtree Decco 2 integrated amplifier with built in DAC in my office.  I loved it.  Really nice little piece of gear.  They are selling for $450-$550 on eBay.  That leaves $800 or so for speakers.  Not bad...