[bliu21]

Hi everyone,

I'm a newbie trying to get a bit of advice to update my existing bookshelf system from college.  Would like to have a system that can be adaptable to listen to my CDs, to handle digital music from my iPod, while also can handle home theater/gaming off PS3 duties.  My overall budget is $6k.  Space limitations is a definite factor, especially when it comes to speaker.  I listen to quite a range of music, with Brandi Carlile (folk rock) as a favorite.  There are also times for classical, jazz and latin.

Some thoughts and things that I have done so far:
1) AV receiver- have had some recommendations from several friends, who reminded me that the quality of the AV receivers are quite a notch below what is typically discussed here.  They have suggested that I go with one that has a digital out (mostly in the form of optical), so as to carry the "best" signal quality, to be routed down the line to a DAC and so on.  Not that many on the market has that feature- and two that does are the Yamaha RX-A2000 ($1000) and the Harman Kardon AVR-2650 ($800) and 3650 ($1000).  Anyone has any experience with these?  I hear good things about Denon AVR's (especially the CI series), but they do not offer an optical out.  One friend advised me not to route sources (only real consideration right now would be a solid CD player) through the AVR, as too much excess noise would get in the way.  Both the Yamaha and the Harman Kardon have iPod docks... worth getting?

2) Speakers- because of space limitations, I am looking at bookshelf speakers.  Went to the local audio place to listen to several speakers.  Found it hard to discern differences above the $1000 range.  Listened to PSB Imagine B ($1000) speakers and really liked them, and another good one was the Epos model 14, which I was told is quite similar to the Epos Epic 2's ($800).  A friend of mine raves about his Odyssey Audio Epiphony's ($800).  Other speakers I listened to include B&W and NAD, all in around the $1000 range.  Amongst those mentioned, anyone has experience?  Perhaps better bookshelf speakers for under $1000?  Also, I would have to have one of the two speakers rest on my media console, which is quite sturdy.  The other will be on a dedicated speaker stand.  It is an odd space configuration because my residence is a condo, in an open configuration and glass as wall on 2 sides.

3) DAC/amp- seems like at least browsing through the forum, the Peachtree Audio Nova comes up quite a bit, at least in the $5k system thread.  That would take care of the amp as well.  I would not be opposed to having a separate integrated amp (a friend recommended the Jolida 102b, which he has paired with his Odyssey Audio Epiphony's) with a stand alone DAC.  A question of whether the 102b has enough juice to drive speakers of lower sensitivity was raised.  Should I be looking at the 202A?  After listening to several set-ups, I like tube amps for the warmth.

4) Sub- I would like a down-firing amp so I can have the most freedom of placement.  I would like to feel the occasional rumble during a movie, and to get that nice base when I feel like that occasion hip hop beat.  The Velodynes that crutchfield carries are all directional.  My buddy has an ACI that he adores.  Any specific model I should be looking for... perhaps on audiogon?

I want to minimize the clutter around because of my lack of space.  I hope to have some suggestions and head out to listen to some more.  The first two parts with the AV receiver and speakers, I would like to get new.  I would be open to purchasing used but good items to complete the 3rd and 4th parts above.

Thanks in advance!

[Kinger]

Hmmm with a budget of 6k, you could have lots of options available to you and the first place I'd start is the thread (which I think you have already found) about putting together a 5k system.  Do you have speakers already for HT?  If not, is the AVR a must at this point?  Reason I ask is maybe you could do a 2 channel tube integrated with HT passthrough so that an AVR could be added later while still allowing you to enjoy a great 2 channel setup now.

[bliu21]

I have not bought anything yet.  Still in the listening phase.  I am hoping to get as much as I can in one shot.  What do you mean by the HT passthrough?  Would it be like:

source > DAC > amp > sub > speakers... hopefully the DAC would have more than one input for the AVR to connect.

Thanks for the input!

[lonewolfny42]

Welcome bliu21....

Since your question has to do with home theater...I'll switch you over to Bob in the Home Theater Circle....good luck !

[Mr Peabody]

A HT receiver has a DAC built in so you don't hook it into a DAC.

I would listen to the Yamaha HT receiver, not tubes but pretty good and would offer all the features you need, gaming, surround sound, streaming and Ipod connectivity.  Cambridge Audio makes a good sounding receiver as well.

Another thing you might consider since space is a premium is buying a good preap processor like the Rotel, Marantz 7005, NAD or Integra, all under $2k and connecting it to powered speakers.  You may have to look at some place that sells Pro audio to get a selection of powered speakers.  Or, just get a multichannel amp.

You have a decent budget look at Gallo Acoustic speakers.  These are space friendly and sound good IMO.  These need amplification.  No personal experience but I hear good things about Mirage which also is a space saving speaker design.

If you go with a receiver or processor all your sources will plug into that.  If wanting tubes you will have to join two systems or take a look at some of the All-In-One units from the likes of Shanling to see if you can make do with the inputs provided, I know they are Ipod ready.

Take a look at the SVS or HSU cylinder subs.  Since they stand vertical they don't take much space and they are excellent.

Back to powered speakers for a moment, you said your floor plan was open, take a look at the Martin Logan powered speakers.  These will sound great with the right electronics, and magic with tube gear.  I hear

[JLM]

Killer $6,000 suggestion: 

Blue Sky System One 2.1, an all active system (all amplifiers are built-in) with small standmounts and specially matched sub (flat frequency response, very dynamic, very accurate, used by recording studios).  Includes aids for setup and can be expanded to full 7.1 plus subs can be daisy chained (add as many as you want).  Talk with John Casler here at AC for best service/pricing of these high value pieces.

Marantz AV 7005 pre/pro (tons of features, great typical warm Marantz sound, XLR outputs, super audio/video mods included, will compete with high-end stereo rigs).  http://www.upgradecompany.com/upgrade-company-shop-online/marantz?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.v1.tpl&product_id=45&category_id=18

Oppo 93, universal player (CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, 3D, etc.) very well reviewed by many with super audio/video mods.   
http://www.upgradecompany.com/upgrade-company-shop-online/oppo?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.v1.tpl&product_id=41&category_id=7 - or save $300 and get a stock Oppo 95 (I wouldn't)

Price includes for cost of high quality/professional XLR cabling throughout.

[skunark]

Parasound Halo P7
Parasound Halo A52
Oppo Digital BDP-93
Cambridge DacMagic Plus
PSB Image B6 (2pairs,phantom center)

List for all of this is 6.5k without stands or cables so it is a stretch but if you have a dealer that sells Parasound chances are they will sell the other gear and bet you can get it under 6k with basic line of Kimber cables or the like on a bundle purchase.

Oppo would be your only surround source, so if that isn't an option look for a used Bryston SP2.0 over the Halo P7 and the DacMagic plus.   If you need HDMI switching then the Marantz or Rotel would be reasonable choices, the P7 also has a HT passthru which can provide additional low cost choices.    You can swap the PSBs with your favorite brand, but with a small space you might not need a center channel.   As for the sub, a good one will really eat into your budget so look for deals. 

I would opt for something like this for a balance between audio and home theater.   With the right room, this should easily delight and outperform any AV receiver.

If music is more important then focus on the 5k stereo builds w/HT passthru and add an inexpensive AVR (main outs) with two surrounds.

[radarnyc]

Hmm...it would depend on your priorities (audio-vs-movies/PS3). Even if movies/PS3 is a high priority, I would still suggest skipping HT altogether. If you ran all your comments (Cable box, PS3, audio source--->computer? ---> Squeezebox Touch?, etc.) through a good DAC and played everything through a great 2-channel system....you would be VERY happy. You won't have 5.1 sound, but you will NOT miss it.

If you really wanted some 5.1 then you could sink less than $300 into a speaker bar and sub and the rest of the money into your 2-channel audio setup. A good/cheap speaker bar is a Vizio VHT510...it has small surround speakers that you hook up to a sub (which is wireless to the speaker bar).

[radarnyc]

Thinking about this a little more and reading your requirements again have me thinking the same as before but with more specifics. Keep in mind that I like to buy directly from the designer/manufacturer. This gets rid of the markup but also gets you a direct pipeline to the owner. Also, read reviews of equipment on AC, 6moons and head-fi.

"Minimize clutter" - all my suggestion below consider this.

PS3 - you already have a PS3, so that can play movies, stream from Netflix, etc. SUGGEST - not putting your money into an OPPO or any other physical media player (also reduced clutter).

Speakers/subs - I'm a big fan of efficient widebander speakers. Check out Hoyt Bedford Speakers for great value. Louis' sells direct and he's been in the business (also see his Omega Loudspeaker line) for a long time. His HB Type-4 have subs built into the bottom (again, reducing your clutter....but also amazing imaging, etc.). Put upwards of half your money in the speakers.

http://www.hoytbedfordspeakers.com/

Integrated Amp - suggest that you look at an integrated amp (reduces clutter...among many other benefits). You should select speakers first and then match the amp to the speakers. The HBs like tubes (check out Decware, Leben, Melody, etc.) and others (check out Red Wine Audio and Virtue Audio).

DAC - too many options to even consider listing here; get one with multiple inputs for your sources. Given your budget, I would stick to a DAC below $500.

Audio Source - you can play your stored music from your iPod. You might want to consider adding another source (computer to DAC via USB or Squeezebox Touch via coax or optical to your DAC).

[WGH]

Here are a few suggestions that will grow with you:

PS3 - use this as a source for movies, games and CD's - cost $0

Peachtree Nova - $1199 - Integrated amp, DAC, input for "i" toys. The new Peachtree Grand impressed me when I heard it.

Odyssey Kismet Reference Monitor - $3500 (?), it doesn't get better than this, maybe different but never better. The speakers use the best parts available today which include a Scanspeak beryllium-dome tweeter. No sub needed but what the heck, let's toss in a 15" Rhythmic.




Rhythmik D15 Direct Servo subwoofer - Signature Edition - $1049 - fast enough to keep up with the Odyssey speakers.

Wires and new music - $252