[fxn5467]

Hello,


I have looking for hi fi equipment for almost a month now, before that I only listen music through my computer with my logitech speaker, now I am trying to go to next level. This forum make me believe Salk speaker is an excellent speaker for the real music, and for my budget Salk sound tower is best for me.
My current thought is use sony ps3 as transport -> Emotive DAC ->  Emotive mini-x a-100( or Emotive XPA-2) then speaker.

Since on both Salk and AVA site recommend each other and a lot of people in this forum like AVA too, so it is also possible for me to use sony ps3 as transport -> Emotive DAC -> AVA insight+ 240 then speaker. Or use AVA integrate amp (a little bit over my price range), than I need to get a CD player.
My first question is will separate CD transport and a DAC will have better (clarity) sound than a CD player (about $300).  I don’t need much inputs, so if DAC can have better sound I perfect to use a DAC.
Second, which configuration list above you guys recommend, and any other amplifier is good match to ST, I more perfect company direct sell.   

Music I am mainly listening to is pop, folk, country and trying listen more classical. I’m looking for is clarity I don’t need much bass.   The room I’m going to place the system has size is 19’ X 40’ (no wall between living room and kitchen).
I want to my local dealer and audit Primaluna amplifier + Canton speaker, but I didn’t like it, and I think the better system their show me is Rega integrate amp + monitor audio, and klipsch speaker, but both of them didn’t surprise me and I’m look for a better one.

Any comment is welcome,

Thanks 

[kip_]

The PS3+DAC combo will be a vast improvement over the CD player. Generally differences between transports are subtle compared to differences in DACs. As for amps I'd also look on the used market - as far as brands, Odyssey, Bryston, Wyred4Sound are some others I would investigate.

[Nuance]

That's a pretty large listening room.  How loud will you be listening?  Also, what is your budget for the separates and speakers?  Will you be using a subwoofer?

AVA is a great choice, of course.  Will you need options like HT bypass?

[fxn5467]

Thanks kip_


yes I will and Audiogon has been added to bookmark and become my daily regular browsing site.

[fxn5467]

Thanks Nuance

I think normal conversation volume is enough for me, i never hear at the party level, they get me dizzy.

my budget is about 3000 for the whole system a bit more is ok but not over 4000, since this is my first system i don't want to spend too much, and talking about HT (home theatre?) bypass, I have yamaha 5.1 now, but rarely use it, usually want movie outside or on computer.     


for my budget, i plan spend more for the speaker, i forget why, may be from the recommendation on be web review. 

[mathgeek97]

If you're buying separates, you either need a preamp between the DAC and amp or get an integrated amp.  On a budget, I'd look at a used integrated amp.

[clipped]

Hello,


I have looking for hi fi equipment for almost a month now, before that I only listen music through my computer with my logitech speaker, now I am trying to go to next level. This forum make me believe Salk speaker is an excellent speaker for the real music, and for my budget Salk sound tower is best for me.
My current thought is use sony ps3 as transport -> Emotive DAC ->  Emotive mini-x a-100( or Emotive XPA-2) then speaker.

Since on both Salk and AVA site recommend each other and a lot of people in this forum like AVA too, so it is also possible for me to use sony ps3 as transport -> Emotive DAC -> AVA insight+ 240 then speaker. Or use AVA integrate amp (a little bit over my price range), than I need to get a CD player.
My first question is will separate CD transport and a DAC will have better (clarity) sound than a CD player (about $300).  I don’t need much inputs, so if DAC can have better sound I perfect to use a DAC.
Second, which configuration list above you guys recommend, and any other amplifier is good match to ST, I more perfect company direct sell.   

Music I am mainly listening to is pop, folk, country and trying listen more classical. I’m looking for is clarity I don’t need much bass.   The room I’m going to place the system has size is 19’ X 40’ (no wall between living room and kitchen).
I want to my local dealer and audit Primaluna amplifier + Canton speaker, but I didn’t like it, and I think the better system their show me is Rega integrate amp + monitor audio, and klipsch speaker, but both of them didn’t surprise me and I’m look for a better one.

Any comment is welcome,

Thanks

Songtowers & AVA integrated =3k or so. DAC is a personal choice and can be added anytime as long as you have a transport.
Let your ears guide you, I have the above combo along with an AVA DAC and I am very pleased. The DAC adds to the sound quality but it is much more subtle than the other components, at least to me.
Best of luck in your search.

[Meicheng]

As a former Songtower owner I'd just like to point out they are very easy to drive speakers.  I think you could look at any good solid state amp of 100 watts per channel or greater, and just about any tube amp greater than about 40 watts a channel. For integrated tube amps you could look at some of the offerings by Jolida and even Yaqin.  Some of the used Class D power amps here on the trading post would easily drive the Songtowers but you'd need a preamp (and make sure the Class D is rated for 4 ohms, which Tom could tell you).  The Belles 150A on the trading post here is also a killer solid state power amp and would work great with the Songtowers.  Most of the Wyred 4 Sound amps would also mate well with Songtowers.

[Deanster]

Peachtree iNova?

Great integrated Amp, a tube/solid-state hybrid, good input options, and an iPod dock to boot.

Loving mine, though I have it coupled with DefTech Mythos ST's, which have powered Subs built in... I like a bit more THUMP than you're looking for.

[nyc_paramedic]

What is your budget? How much can you spend?

[opnly bafld]

What is your budget? How much can you spend?

my budget is about 3000 for the whole system a bit more is ok but not over 4000,

[fxn5467]

Hi guys thank you for your warm and informative inputs, now i have more brands to choose from

Thanks