[scott_man]

Looking for input:  I am looking to set up a small system in a kitchen/dining area.   Room is about 14x25... System will be on top of a shelf unit on the middle of the long wall -- about 15-inches from the ceiling... Not optimal ... but the alternative is a clock-radio.

The source will be streamed over an AirPort Express (either from computer or using AirPlay)... unless there is other streaming technology that also fits in the budget.

Looking at powered monitors such as Audio Engine, Atkimate or Emotiva Airmotiv4...  I have heard the Audio Engines (A2 and A5) and the Atkimates (mini and micro)... The Atkimates were a step-up in both cost and SQ... Haven't heard the Airmotivs.   Also, just heard about the new Vanatoo One... Just at the upper edge of the budget... how is the SQ?

Another option is passive speakers with a small amp... (NuForce?). 

I would like to use the optical output from the AirPort... but none of the powered speakers (in the budget) take an optical input... (no cheap way to convert optical to USB).  Are there any external DACs that would still be within the total budget that take the optical signal and provide better SQ than the AirPort?

Any powered speakers that I am missing?  Any thoughts about the Emotiva, the Vanatoo and comparisons?  What about the A5 vs. the smaller Atkimate? 

Thanks.

Scott B.

[WC]

This is what I use in my system. I have USB feeding it from a netbook, with Toslink to my AVR and analog to my integrated amp which is for my shop. Has Toslink input. Not sure how much of an improvement it would be over the analog from the airport express.

[Russtafarian]

A really good sounding powered speaker I just discovered is the $300 pr. Equator D5. http://www.equatoraudio.com/D5_Studio_Monitors_with_DSP_300_Pair_p/d5.htm

These sound different than most powered speakers I've heard at this price in that they are very neutral and clean sounding. 
Don't buy them if you want boomy bass or tipped up treble. 
They get the midrange right and maintain that voicing through the bass and treble as far as possible without compromising the mids. 
Add an Airport Express/AppleTV box and maybe an inexpensive DAC/headphone amp (to add a volume control and better D/A) and you're set.

Russ

[scott_man]

Another thought:  A 2.1 TV sound bar...  I was running errands tonight and walked though one of the big-box stores.  They had some sound bars set -- the Polk had a separate volume remote with 3.5 mm analog input AND toslink.

Anyone try one of these for background music?  Any thoughts on how the sound bar would it stack up compared with audio speakers...?

Scott B.

[MaxCast]

Here is a small thread on sound bars.
http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=110484.msg1140862;topicseen#new
If you are serious about trying a sound bar buy one that you can take back if it doesn't work out too well for you.

[fredgarvin]

The Dayton Tripath amp is $89. http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-DTA-100a-Class-T-Digital-Amplifier/dp/B004JK8BDK?tag=duckduckgo-d-20

Pioneer Pioneer SP-BS21-LR Bookshelf  can be found for $85.

New: Pair of Pioneer 2-Way Bookshelf Speakers for $85 + free shipping
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Posted 2 hr 6 min ago More Speakers Newegg Coupons  http://dealnews.com/

[howburger]

Here is an amp/dac that you can run your choice of speakers from. It is ridiculously cheap and even has a Burr-Brown 2704
Dac chip. Not much way to go wrong for the price. http://www.musicalparadise.ca/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=60&product_id=52

Harold

[scott_man]

Thanks for all the input.  After looking around, I think that it may be time to go back to the bank and increase my budget -- maybe even up to $1000...

I realize that one big limitation is that the system will not be near a computer, so  I don’t have the option of using a USB-based DAC or “power-dac” that only supports USB inputs.  Since most of the powered-monitors with digital inputs support USB only (and there isn’t a nice little toslink/coax-> USB converter), I have been looking more toward passive speakers with a small amp.

Speakers:  I may be able to pick up a pair of used Sonus Faber Toy monitors at a good price… Otherwise, looking at (used) Linn Tukans, ERA, LSA, Rega RS1.  New:  Dayton B652, Pioneer, Music Hall Mamba.

Electronics:  Need enough power to drive the speakers.  A power-dac would require an optical input.  Looking at (used) Wadia 151 (definitely breaking the budget), Peachtree Decco/iDecco, older small integrated Marantz, Music Hall, Rega with a cheap DAC.  New:  Teac AH-01. Nuforce DIA, Emotiva, Dayton?

Given the cost/space constraints, all of these pieces can sound “good” (some much better than others)… However,  synergy can make the whole sound better than the parts... and, at the lower price point, it would be nice to pick up on a that.  For example, I know that the Peachtree/ERA system is a good combo.  Additionally, I have seen that some stores are packaging up the Wadia/Sonus Fabers as a recommended-system, so there is some synergy there (personally haven't had a chance to hear that combo).

Thoughts, suggestions, other combos?

Thanks.

[JLM]

Look at NuForce: 

Bluetooth or analog connectivity S3-BT 7 inch x 4.5 inch x 7.5 inch powered 2-ways, 50 - 20,000 Hz, $300/pair

Air DAC CD quality wireless (better sound/less interference, simplier setup than airport express), RCA output, $179 for transmitter and receiver

Put both together for better sound and stay under $500.

But honestly whatever you pick for a room that size/location will have a hard time filling the room with sound.

[jarcher]

I'd say that NuForce DIA with it's volume control / amp / and DAC accepting optical in paired w/ your existing Airport express makes a compelling combo.  $229 MSRP. 

http://www.consumer.nuforce.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=9:amp-product-3&Itemid=192

Then just pair it w/ something like an attractive high efficiency mini monitor + sub combo w/ a high spouse acceptance factor.  There has got to be something that fits the bill under $700, new or used, to keep you within that $1K budget.  So many options here:

Monitors (from small to larger):
NHT Super Zero ($200)
PSB Alpha B1 ($300)
Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 or Aviano 1 ($250 - $300)

I've heard Rega speakers including the R1's & owned Rega amps + digital & liked the MS speakers better for half the price.

Or if you want to go high efficiency for louder playback, some Klipsch RB41 II's @ $300. 91db efficiency should make them reasonably loud w/ Nuforce's 18W @ 8ohm amp.

Or if you want to go a bit wilder, some Magnepan MMG-W @ $325 + a subwoofer (a necessity as MMG-W go down only to 100hz).  You can even get them to match the wall color. But Nuforce may be too strained.

Subs
NHT Super 8 or MS Carnival 7 ($350)
or maybe a REL T-Zero ($500 : $400 demo)

Or even more stealth : in-wall speakers......

Sky's really the limit.....

[JLM]

Scott asked for a streaming system and NuForce Dia does not stream (you could add airport express, but that would only leave $160 for speakers - not how I'd budget).  I see the primary use of Dia (plus speakers) for desktop audio sound quality/volume enhancement over typical computer setup, or as a mini HT system (subwoofer can be added).

Tons of really nice inexpensive ($300-600/pair) speakers out there if you shop carefully.  Ascend Acoustics has been a favorite of mine ever since buying the CBM-170 soon after they were introduced.  TBIsound.com builds some intriguing very small, flexible monitors (and subwoofers) too.

[jarcher]

Scott asked for a streaming system and NuForce Dia does not stream (you could add airport express, but that would only leave $160 for speakers - not how I'd budget).  I see the primary use of Dia (plus speakers) for desktop audio sound quality/volume enhancement over typical computer setup, or as a mini HT system (subwoofer can be added).

Tons of really nice inexpensive ($300-600/pair) speakers out there if you shop carefully.  Ascend Acoustics has been a favorite of mine ever since buying the CBM-170 soon after they were introduced.  TBIsound.com builds some intriguing very small, flexible monitors (and subwoofers) too.

I thought from his original post that perhaps he already had an airport express.......and that he had upped his budget to just under $1K (per his 23 Oct post). Even w/ the AE the proposed systems would still be under $1K.

But you may be right about NuForce Dia....maybe not potent / hi-fi enough for his large room. Hard to say as I don't have personal experience w/ that unit.

[scott_man]

All:

I have the AE Express, so that isn't part of the budget.

I have seen some positive reviews of the DIA, but it has also been mentioned in a few other reviews -- as being "bested" by other amps.  I am sure that the DIA would sound better than the little $10 clock radio that has been pressed into service.  However, at that price point, not sure it is the best option.

Right now, leaning toward a used Peachtree integrated (Decco) with either the Peachtree speakers or the small Glow Ones.  The little Maggies are an interesting idea -- especially on the used market.  I need to check dimensions -- the speakers need to fit into a fixed space (I really like the speed and accuracy of planar/electrostatic speakers).  The Wadia 151 would be a great power-dac, but will realistically break the budget and probably be overkill for the need.

I want to get the best sound quality possible using reliable components.  At the same time, the room and limited placement (as well as budget) add constraints.  This system will not sound as good as my main rig, but it will get a lot of use for background music and even just streaming local news from NPR and other radio stations.

Thanks.

Scott.

[jarcher]

Hey Scott : if your budget allows for the Peachtree Decco, that would seem to be a very good & aesthetic option. I've yet to hear it in a good setting - just bad dealer rooms - but from all the rave reviews I'm thinking it must be pretty decent.

I had a full Glow Audio system (ex made off with it), and it was very pleasant, but not that powerful.  The Glow One speakers were actually one of the weakest links.  Kinda boring - and the mahogany finish was not as rich looking as the photos promised.  If I had it to do again, would probably have gotten one in the gloss finish (e.g. bright red).  The amp is nice, though the internal DAC on my early gen one wasn't very good.  At $350 used it was a good deal - but at almost $800 new now, I'd think twice. The Glow One sub is actually quite decent - really boggies - got a six moons award as well (they were less enthused about the Glow One's globes).  Less than crazy about the plastic y hardware on the back plate, but otherwise it looks decent.

MMG-W's are really narrow - and not too tall.  NO bass - so you need a sub that can run up high in frequency but still sound good.  Magnepan has a DWM bass panel to fill in the void between the MMG-W & typical subwoofers, but at $800+ don't know if its a good choice vs a regular sub. I'd be more tempted to spend $400 on a demo REL T-Zero or one of those Glow Audio Sub Ones for about the same price. 

[ajzepp]

All:

I have the AE Express, so that isn't part of the budget.

I have seen some positive reviews of the DIA, but it has also been mentioned in a few other reviews -- as being "bested" by other amps.  I am sure that the DIA would sound better than the little $10 clock radio that has been pressed into service.  However, at that price point, not sure it is the best option.

Right now, leaning toward a used Peachtree integrated (Decco) with either the Peachtree speakers or the small Glow Ones.  The little Maggies are an interesting idea -- especially on the used market.  I need to check dimensions -- the speakers need to fit into a fixed space (I really like the speed and accuracy of planar/electrostatic speakers).  The Wadia 151 would be a great power-dac, but will realistically break the budget and probably be overkill for the need.

I want to get the best sound quality possible using reliable components.  At the same time, the room and limited placement (as well as budget) add constraints.  This system will not sound as good as my main rig, but it will get a lot of use for background music and even just streaming local news from NPR and other radio stations.

Thanks.

Scott.

I'm a huge Maggie fan, but they wouldn't be the best choice in this situation. The MMG-Ws are a bit easier to drive than the rest of the Maggie line, but you'll still need some juice for them to sound their best.  And as Jarcher pointed out, you'll need to augment the bass.