Middle aged Newby getting back into HiFi

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bwmspi

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Middle aged Newby getting back into HiFi
« on: 2 Nov 2022, 12:15 am »
Hi All,
I'm getting back into vinal and adding streaming after having no stereo for years as I raised my awesome kids solo. 
I have purchased a Pro-ject Debut Carbon Evo and SVS Uktra Bookshelf speakers.  I need to and either an integrated steaming amp or anp and streamer separate.  I don't mind great used current equipment.  Budget is about $3k.
Please help.  I don't know which way to go.  Thank you!!
Brad

FullRangeMan

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Re: Middle aged Newby getting back into HiFi
« Reply #1 on: 2 Nov 2022, 12:17 am »
Welcome to AC  :thumb:

Phil A

Re: Middle aged Newby getting back into HiFi
« Reply #2 on: 2 Nov 2022, 01:31 am »
Welcome!  hifishark.com is a good place to look at used items.  It searches multiple sites.

Mag

Re: Middle aged Newby getting back into HiFi
« Reply #3 on: 2 Nov 2022, 01:32 am »
Hi All,
I'm getting back into vinal and adding streaming after having no stereo for years as I raised my awesome kids solo. 
I have purchased a Pro-ject Debut Carbon Evo and SVS Uktra Bookshelf speakers.  I need to and either an integrated steaming amp or anp and streamer separate.  I don't mind great used current equipment.  Budget is about $3k.
Please help.  I don't know which way to go.  Thank you!!
Brad

  Welcome, there is more than one way to skin a cat, my approach would be computer based. For vinyl I suggest a phono pre-amp with usb out. Connect usb out to computer, change usb output on computer to dvd quality which I believe is 16/48k. But you will need a Media Player ( I suggest Leawo Blu-ray Player).

Next you want a computer I'm using a MSI Trident 3 which will cost you around $1300.00 cdn. With MSI you should have the Realtek app installed, then download Voicemeeter a mixer app ( free download). Then you want to get a wireless Bluetooth headphone amp which will cost you around $35 bucks. Connect this with bluetooth from computer to an avr receiver (You can go used at a pawn shop if you want). Connect speakers to receiver. Next subscribe to a Streaming service for like $10 bucks a month through your internet. Next you're going to need a TV monitor, couple hundred bucks at Best Buy, connect to Computer with HDMI cable and you're good to go.

Overall cost will be within your budget!









ArthurDent

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Re: Middle aged Newby getting back into HiFi
« Reply #4 on: 2 Nov 2022, 07:38 am »
Greetings & Welcome to AC Brad   :thumb:

richidoo

Re: Middle aged Newby getting back into HiFi
« Reply #5 on: 2 Nov 2022, 03:52 pm »
Welcome to AudioCircle, Brad!

There are a lot of integrated amps with built in DAC, phono preamp and network streaming, like Marantz, Denon, Cambridge Audio, etc. There seems to be two categories: $700, 50W; and $2000, 100W+.  The more expensive models will generally sound better and not just because more power, they can afford to make better circuit design. But you have to judge for  yourself whether it is worth $2000 with $1200 speakers. Remember you are getting DAC, preamp, and phono pre all in one box, so the more expensive amps are still pretty good price compared to buying separate budget hifi components and cables to connect them.
Buy them from somewhere where you can easily return for refund, like Amazon or Crutchfield. Buy a few at the same time and compare.

Your speakers are advertised as 87dB - 8ohms, but they dip below 4 ohms in the bass. Fortunately, where they dip to 3.7 ohms minimum, the electrical phase is not negative. So you should be able to use one of the integrated amps in the $700 category which say 4 ohm load. But I'm quite sure that the amps in the $2k category will sound better, especially at dynamic peaks. If you listen loudly or to classical music, or worst of all to loud classical music, then I'd make sure the amp can make >=100w into 4 ohms with less than 0.1% THD.   If you listen at moderate normal easy volume levels to popular genre music (compressed) like classic rock, jazz, etc, then 50W should suffice.

Denon PMA-900HNE
Denon 1700NE
https://www.crutchfield.com/g_344650/Integrated-Amplifiers.html

I.Greyhound Fan

Re: Middle aged Newby getting back into HiFi
« Reply #6 on: 2 Nov 2022, 04:56 pm »
Welcome!

Take a look at the Cambridge Audio Evo 150, Parasound Halo Hint 6, Rotel RA-1592MKII to name a few good integrated amps at the top of you price point.  I would also look at Peachtree.

Another way to go would be to buy a separate DAC/Streamer and an Integrated amp.

Larry

toocool4

Re: Middle aged Newby getting back into HiFi
« Reply #7 on: 2 Nov 2022, 09:12 pm »
Welcome to AudioCircle bwmspi

xrqp

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Re: Middle aged Newby getting back into HiFi
« Reply #8 on: 10 Nov 2022, 02:28 am »
It is good that you are flexible, so buying used will be easier.

If you can do kit speakers, check out GR Research, Madisound, and Zaph.

I also stopped stereo for a long time, then re-started.  Really love listening.