[Tausius]

Greetings,

I'm looking to enhance a desktop system that resides in my office.  It is primarily used for folk, classical, and alternative music played at relatively low volumes.  The source is an iPod, loaded with a mix of redbook and higher resolution files.  A Pure i-20 currently feeds into an older (mid-90s) Yamaha receiver and Definitive Technology ProCinema 100 bookshelf speakers.

I would like to start building a better system, starting by replacing the receiver (which has a fidgety left channel).  My thought is to get a better DAC than the Pure's in there as well, so I have been eyeing the combination of a Schiit Gungnir DAC, Schiit Mjolnir as a preamp, and an Odyssey Stratos power amp.  In the long run I'll replace the speakers with something like the mini Maggies, but that'll probably wait for a while.

I'd love some feedback as to what you all think of this setup.  I like detail, but also fear fatigue based on my experience with a home system (to be discussed in a separate posting).  My total budget is capped at $2,500.  Thanks very much for your assistance.  (This is my first post, by the way, so I hope it was done properly.)

Aron

[JLM]

Sounds like a really big desk.    

Are you using this at work (and don't have access to a computer)?  Wondering as you mention an iPod in existing system, but apparently not in your plans.  And no immediate provisions for a speaker upgrade.   

While I'm a fan of Schiit stuff, I'm primarily a "speaker guy" and with the pace of change in the digital realm I'd avoid big investments in the DAC (that's a big advantage for Schiit, but speakers make more difference in my opinion).  In my experience fatigue is due mostly to "sins of commission" (distortions and exaggerations).  Speakers sold in big box outlets are notorious for bloated bass and sizzling highs that can initially impress, but get old eventually.  And aging components inside your Yamaha could also be contributing.

Have you considered active speakers (low powered/more sophisticated crossover feeds one amp per driver)?  Incredible dynamics, super flat frequency response, and unbelievable bass for the size.  Active designs fit nicely into media player based systems and are slowly gaining acceptance in these applications (like your suggested Schiit route).  Studio monitors, used by recording professionals, are almost universally active designs for these and other advantages.  Compared to passive (typically found in homes) active designs have deeper cabinets but overall take up less space. 

Some suggested models: Emotiva.pro Airmotiv 4/5/6 (three models ranging around $400-600/pair), Paradigm Shift Series A2 ($600/pair, 55-20k Hz, 11"x6.5"x9", with grills), BAS 20/20 ($900/pair, 35 - 20k Hz, 14.75"x10.25"x11.75"), Neuman (the microphone gurus who also own Seinheiser) KH120 ($1500/pair, 54-20K Hz, 11"x7.25"x8.75"), Munro Egg ($2600/pair, 45-20 Hz, "egg" shaped but roughly 18.25"x11.5"x10" with separate cabinet for amps that has headphone outputs), and AVi ADM-9T ($2225, 60-28k Hz, 12"x8"x10", with grills and built in DAC that can be bypassed).  Don't know if they're still available, but look at the review on Amazon for the Quad 12L actives to get a feel of active versus passive.  All these are 2-ways. 

Any of these would kick your current amp/speakers in the butt, but note that the purpose of studio monitors is accuracy not to make the sound pleasing/euphoric (the Emotiva/Paradigm/AVi options are the closest to be the exception to these rules as they're meant for home use).  "The truth can hurt."  Also check out soundonsound.com (professional equipment reviews).  Note that for near field (and having a desktop to reinforce/bounce bass off of), deep bass output is less important/desired.  After picking up a good pair of active speakers your itch to upgrade further might be satisfied while the technology advances further.  But if you're stilling itching check out Burson for really nice headphone, pre-amp, and DACs to go with active speakers.

On the other hand, if you want to stay more "home/conventional" I'd pick up a Peachtree iNova ($1400 refurbished) that has plenty of power and direct iPod dock, if you still want to keep that has a source) with a nice pair of desktop speakers (Amphion comes to mind).  Another "home/conventional" option that would maintain the iPod source would be a Wadia 170i/151 combo ($1200 for both if you shop at all) and pair it to a nice single driver speaker (recommend Omega here at AC) that would go deep enough and might take care of your fatigue concerns.  This would leave enough money to buy a dedicated music serving computer.

[Tausius]

Wow, those Event speakers have incredible bottom end extension.  I'll admit that I had not really considered actives, but I'll certainly be checking them out.  Thanks for the link to SoundonSound.  That's sure to be a useful resource.

[JLM]

Yeah, I've been a fan of active designs for years (mostly as a single driver kind of guy).  But one of my first/best introductions was a head to head comparison between Paradigm Studio 20's ($800/pair) and Active 20's ($1600/pair) about 12 years ago.  Both were average sized 2-way standmounts, had the same width/height, and the same drivers.

But there was no comparison in performance.  Dynamics were outrageous, frequency response was ruler flat (it just makes the whole sound "make sense"), and the output of deep bass was jaw dropping.  Other customers came in to find out what was sounding so good and couldn't believe it.  For bass output the Active 20's matched the Paradigm Studio 80's ($1600/;pair floor standers).  Of course you had to add stands, but would save the price of the amp.  It was one of my prime audio epiphanies.


Note the following advantages of actives:

An active crossover that utlizes electronic components can be designed to be significantly more accurate and neutral than a passive one. 

Amps are optimized for their drivers (can be smaller). 

Intermodulation distortion--distortion created by the need to handle vastly different frequencies at the same time--is isolated and vastly reduced in passive designs.

The amplifier can more precisely control and damp the driver (no long speaker cable runs, woofers can be equipped with servo-loop technology). 

Costs are reduced (smaller/fewer cabinets, smaller amps, smaller crossover components, no speaker cables).

[JLM]

Just found another option for your consideration:  KEF X300A ($800/pair, small active 2way with built in DAC from USB input and analog input - think iPod).  Like all other KEF's the design involves their "uni-Q" coaxial driver for better imaging, constant directivity between drivers, and lower crossover point.  Here's some links:

http://www.tonepublications.com/spotlight/world-premier-review-kef-x300a-powered-speakers/

http://kef.com/html/us/showroom/digital_music_solutions/x300a/overview/

[Tausius]

I've been interested in Kef's goods in the past, as I like the theory behind their driver design.  I do think that a more traditional passive speaker system is more where I'm inclined to go though. That's partly because I've already invested in quality speaker cables.  I had a set for the home and found them to be great, so bought some for the office when they were on sale.  Audio Art SC5-SE.  Lots of detail with low noise levels.

[Doublej]

As you are interested in KEF take a look at the LS50 and a subwoofer if you want deep bass.

[Tausius]

I'll definitely be checking out KEF in the future, but my immediate need is to deal with the receiver that may not last.  Any suggestions as to alternatives to the Schiit Mjolnir pre and Odyssey Stratos amp?

[arshishb]

Hi, New to the forum & was about to post an intro post but this caught my eye. I have been experimenting with different setups for my desktop use; music & games. I wanted to assemble quality components without breaking the bank too much.

Until 2 weeks ago, I ran an HDMI out from my video card to my retired Pioneer HT receiver & then to Mordaunt Short Carnival 2 speakers & an HSU STF1 sub. For what its worth it sounded decent but I knew something was lacking at the source & at the amplification level.

I started looking for USB DAC options & amplification options. Most of the units that combined the were grossly overpriced IMO. So here is what I have now & I think it sounds leaps & bounds better than before on existing speakers & sub.

Lexicon IO-22 - This is actually a recording interface but the DAC is of very good quality. It also helps that it is only DAC that actually looks nice compared to just a box with knobs.

Crown XLS 1000 amp - The Lexicon outputs balanced outputs to this amp & upon cranking the volume all the way, there is NO hiss or hum.

This setup has made all my music come alive. I use Foobar with WASAPI to bypass the Windows 7 mixer crap & now everything sounds much different. Sound quality is more "open" so to speak. In games gun shots & ambient noises actually have a lot of presence.

All told this setup cost me a total of $869. The Lexicon & the HSU were purchased used; everything else new.

[Gradofan]

The KEF LS50's are not... repeat... are not... a desktop, or bookshelf speaker!

They are stand mount speakers, which must be placed well out into the room, away from any walls, driven by an amp with gobs of power (just like Maggies) to achieve their incredible sound!

Don't waste your money on the LS50's, if you're looking for a desktop, or bookshelf, speaker.  But... if you're looking for an incredible stand mount speaker, you will be hard pressed to find anything that sounds as good for less than 10x-20x their price - properly set up that is!