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Looking to get started. please help

Hi everyone. I am new here. I had a friend suggest I check this site out. I am really new to higher end audio and am looking for some help!

For years I have been listening to music on a crappy surround sound system and I feel it's time to move on.

I know I am at the VERY low end, but right now I would like to spend about $1500 on speakers and amp at the most to move on to something better. Over time, I'd invest more money, but that's my max at the moment.

My main sources for listening to music would be a record player, my iPod, computer and occasionally my TV. Because I am not really into movies or anything like that, I've definitely decided I don't need anything more than a 2-channel system.

I went to a local shop and this was what was recommended to me...

Receiver - Onkyo
http://us.onkyo.com/Products/model.php?m=TX-8050&class=Receiver&source=prodClass

Speakers - PSB
http://www.wwstereo.com/PSB/IMAGINEBBA

But, then someone told me to come to this site and ask for advice. I was also told that I really shouldn't get a receiver, but instead get an integrated amp.

I really need help! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
rootsrockreggae
tls49's avatar
tls49
1,351 posts
 
I was definitely thinking a pair of Tekton Mini Lore for speakers.

No doubt the NAD will sound much better than the Onkyo, and the Onkyo does not have bass management, only a subwoofer pre out. You could step up to the NAD C326 to get a sub pre out, or choose a sub with high level input for the NAD C316. The Mini Lore may just satisfy you for bass, or just add a subwoofer later.

The Onkyo has digital inputs because of its internal DAC, so using the NAD, you will need a DAC for the digital inputs. Newer TV's generally use an optical digital, but need more info for iPod, model, docking station (have one or want one)?

I did check your turntable, and it has a built in phono stage, so it will work with any input on the NAD.
willland's avatar
willland
846 posts
 
"No doubt the NAD will sound much better than the Onkyo,"

Infinite wisdom would suggest that but not in every case. I have the Integra version(DMT-40.4) of the Onkyo TX-8050 and let me tell you, with my Klipsch Heresys in my 13x13 room, it sounds fantastic. The Integra replaced my beloved Luxman R-117 stereo receiver and IMO, it has about, if I had to put a figure on it, 90% of the punch, detail, and overall sound quality. The imaging and soundstage defies it's price point. I was pleasantly surprised how good the combination was. Not to take anything from NAD in which I own a T773 AVR, C542 CD player, and a T175HD pre/pro, but I expect those pieces to sound that good. The Integra was a huge suprise.

Bill

rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
OK thanks everyone. You're all making me think about this hard, which is great.

Again, the budget I am looking at is roughly around $1500. I have a turntable so I am set there until I decide to upgrade. Here is what I KNOW I want...

I want to start with a two speaker system with the possibility of adding in a sub woofer at a later date when I am able to spend more money.

I want a receiver/amp that will allow me to utilize my turntable, ipod, computer and television through my new speakers.

Now... I am going to look through everyone's suggestions!

Thanks everyone!
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
TLS49... But wouldn't the turntable sound better if I connected through a phono input? The NAD units do not appear to have that.
holley
79 posts
 
As has been stated up above, for speakers, I can't see going with anything but a pair of Tekton m-Lore speakers. I just bought a pair a few weeks ago for surround speakers in my home theater, and was shocked at just how good they are. Nothing can touch them for the price.

As for a receiver/integrated amp, you are going to be somewhat limited in that you need one with a phono input. I would look for used on this site -- you will be able to get so much more for your money. The m-Lore speakers are nice in that you can drive them with a small receiver (I ran them on a Marantz NR-1603) and they sound great, but are also at home in higher end system (in my main system, I have them running with a pair of Wyred 4 Sound mono amps). They have incredible bass for their size. They would be a keeper even as you upgraded other components down the line.
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