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New to audiophile and need HELP.

I’m new to this audiophile “hobby” , relatively “poor” , and need some advice and direction. 

I am willing to spend around $2k US now and then maybe another 1 k or so over time but then that’s it. I just simply can’t afford to go chasing a perfect system from now on. 

I realize that I’m going to be looking at equipment that is WAY below what most of you are running but I can see that this forum is extremely knowledgeable and helpful and so I would greatly appreciate some guidance. 

Right now , I have two Sonos play 5’s (gen 1) and two Sonos play 5’s (gen 2) as well as Sonos SUB. I really thought that these were good until I bought a Naim Mu-so and now I’m having real difficulty listening to the Sonos equipment. 

I’ve just recently ordered a signature Sound Anchor stand for my Mu-so which should be to me in about two weeks and my intention is to keep the Mu-so in my bedroom and then supplement/replace my Sonos with better equipment in my living room. 

Over the last few months I’ve been researching Bluesound , Audio Pro Addon, Devialet Phantom, Kef LS50 Wireless, Buchardt, more Mu-so’s Etc. And I really think that I’ve just managed to confuse myself. I really feel that if the Mu-so could function in stereo with another unit and you could add a sub then it would be about perfect for me.

However, I haven’t listened to and really don’t have access to listen to any other audiophile equipment either. 

I’m really salivating over a Naim Uniti Atom but it’s a lot of money to spend (for me) and I would still need to add speakers and probably a sub. Would streaming to my Mu-so (s) from an Atom give me an appreciable sound quality upgrade? 
If not, then I would have to save up for the speakers and sub as well. I can get more Mu-so’s For about $850.

Streaming is a must for me and I don’t really want to add a turntable or anything like that. 

My listening is very eclectic as one minute I will be enjoying classical and the next I might be 
Thrashing to punk or metal - thus the need for a sub. 

I’m sorry for the rambling post but any and all help would be greatly appreciated!! 

Thanks



bacchus1234
chrisg1000
20 posts
 
Pick up some of the Andrew Jones Pioneer speakers, or ELAC's. You can get them for a couple hundred bucks a pair (I paid $100 new for a pair of Pioneer's). They are amazing for the money. Are they perfect? No. However, to most non-audiophile folks they sound amazing. The first day I had mine someone came into my house and immediately commented on how much better they sounded than his higher-dollar speakers. He even pointed at the Pioneer logo on the speakers and made a, "WTF" face. I had $100 Pioneers and a (new $3,500) NAD Integrated I purchased here for $200 and it blew people away how good it sounded.
 I'm unfamiliar with your amp, so I can't comment on that. I will say you can pick up a very decent used amp here for less than $500 that will be fine for your system. Pair with a Blue Sound and call it a day.
I've also owned the LS50's, and as great as they are that would take your entire budget. It would also continue your journey of searching for cables, better amps, etc.
I'm 95% certain you'd be more than happy with the Pioneers and a decent used amp. You'd probably in be in <$700 plus the Blue Sound.
Post removed 
tomcarr
1,468 posts
 
Buying used whenever you can will save you mega $. Audio gear typically holds its value about as well as used underwear.
Buy smart-buy used.
Welcome to the club!

Tom

glupson
7,842 posts
 

In your case, buying used but well-maintained equipment will virtually double your budget. Just as tomcarr said above (good analogy to underwear, I will have to remember that one).

Now, what equipment to buy is more difficult to decide. At least for speakers, listen to them first if you can. For example, no review and no person seems to have ever disliked above-mentioned Pioneers. Statistically they may be the best buy you could ever have. Had I bought them for myself, they would have been the biggest disappointment ever. I bought them for a friend of mine and he was beyond satisfied which is what really mattered. I am just trying to say "approach carefully and try to hear first". At least for speakers. For your budget, Monitor Audio has a good price/quality ratio in my opinion. They can be found used and in great condition for relatively little money.


Also, what kind of system are you really envisioning? Plain two channel, sitting in front of it and just listening, or something that would eventually involve movies and, maybe, surround?

mr_m
1,900 posts
 
The Naim Atom you mentioned is a very special piece of gear. It is compact, has great streaming capabilities, very well built, and sounds spectacular. I would think you would notice a good increase in SQ in it's streaming capability. BUT, as you said, it is expensive and would eat up all of your allotment of money, and then some. Just something to look at for the future. The Bluesound Node 2 would be an excellent choice in your price range. A used pair of Kef LS-50's would be pretty good too. 

It's not about what I like though. It's what you want. Please due the research and go out and listen to as much equipment as possible. Look for an audio store that has a good selection of used gear too.
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