I think my brain is going to explode

Firejedi · « **on:** 22 Mar 2016, 08:19 pm »

So I'm a new guy here. I love listening to good 2 channel audio. I have Sonus Faber Concertinos and a cheap JBL sub hooked up to an Integra 30.1 HT Receiver. I've recently gotten the bug to step my speakers, but I have run in to the age old problem of using the right amp. I like to visit a hifi store here in my area and, of course, they are talking up $1000+ amplifiers. I have some money to spend, but I don't want to spend more then I need to.

As I've explored Audio Circle, I feel as if my mind is going to explode trying to process all the info here.

Say I were to get myself some used Selah speakers, or maybe Salk Songtowers. What do I need to power them with? I'm not into flashiness, or big names. I just want something that will do the job, sound good, and not destroy my wallet in the process. And what about DAC's? I definitely need to figure out a way to listen to Pandora, my iTunes library, and maybe even Tidal at some point, while also being able to keep a CD player and turntable available.

I've enjoyed reading the C&C posts, but I am not sure where I land on the money side. I can spend more than $1000, but I do I have to?

I've seen posts about a little $13 amp from Amazon. Are people using these to power big speakers, or desktop monitors?

As you can see, I am quite confused. If any one can offer some advice, i would be grateful. I'm not so prideful that I have to spend $1k on am amp. As a matter of fact, I would love to not spend that much.

I'm not sure if this was the correct circle, but since I am very budget conscious, I figured I would start here.

Thanks in advance.

Pau

Zero · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 Mar 2016, 08:38 pm »

Having so many great options to select from truly is a pleasant misery.

So first things first - if you want good advice, then you'll need to hip us to both your listening habits as well as any preferences that you may have when it comes to sound quality. To give you a few examples: Some people want their system to replicate the sound of being in the middle of a rock concert while other people prefer a system that sounds soft and laid-back. People also tend to prioritize specific sound attributes from a system. Some people are drawn to holographic imaging, while others care more about resolution and/or speed.

So if you have a moment, tell us about the kinda music that you listen to, what your general listening habits are like (do you sit in the chair or do you walk around?), and what kind of sound that you're hoping to achieve.

Cheers

adydula · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 Mar 2016, 08:42 pm »

I have a set of Songtowers and bought a 35 watt Ultravalve from Van Alstine....never looked back an awesome combination. No regrets etc.

I have used several AVR receivers as well with great results.

I always go back to the Utlravalve for serious listening...

Alex

mca · « **Reply #3 on:** 22 Mar 2016, 08:58 pm »

I would replace the Integra first and see how a new amp sounds with the Concertinos.

Rocket_Ronny · « **Reply #4 on:** 22 Mar 2016, 09:12 pm »

Quote

I have a set of Songtowers and bought a 35 watt Ultravalve from Van Alstine....never looked back

35 tube watts would be a minimim if it was me. I am in a mid sized room and listen aprox. 87 db in the chair with 96 db peaks. Double the power if going solid state.

It all depends how loud you go, what size room, how far the speakers are, etc.

Rocket Ronny

ClefChef · « **Reply #5 on:** 22 Mar 2016, 09:29 pm »

Another AC member is selling his NC400 monos for a very good price - my recommendation.

Firejedi · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 Mar 2016, 09:33 pm »

So my living room is 16 x 16. As you are facing the speakers, theres an opening to the right into the kitchen, and a long hallway behind and to the right. The couch is only about 12 feet from the front wall. I also have a bedroom/office that is 14 x 13. I have thought about moving the speakers in here. Most of the time i have music playing while I move about the house. I do sit down and listen while reading a book or using an iPad.

I'm not sure about the terms to describe what I like to hear. I guess I would say that I like it to sound as natural as possible without being in your face. A good example: I was listening to some Bowers and Wilkins 600 series speakers at the store the other day when my son came in and said "Those are loud." I don't want the speakers to sound loud even when the volume is up. I guess I don't want it to be fatiguing. When I sit and listen, I will listen to jazz, big band (Buddy Rich, Harry Connick Jr.), Pink Floyd, John Mayer Trio (live), Joe Bonamassa, and a lot of vocal music (Josh Groban, etc.). I do enjoy soundtracks like John Williams (what can I say, I'm a Star Wars guy). I am also hoping to expand my classical and choral music library in the near future.

I'm not into big thumping electronic bass, but I am a bass player, so I like good sounding bass guitar (upright or electric).

I like a nice soundstage where the speakers essentially disappear. Does this make any sense at all?

I agree with MCA that I will most likely replace the amp first and see how the Concertinos sound. I like them well enough now. I had some Golden Ear Triton 7's in my house a few weeks ago and I liked them.

Sorry if that is too much information. It is also not very organized.

I have only been a member of this forum and I like it already. Thanks everyone.

I will look in the NC400 monos. I am trying to learn all the different ways to power stuff and move the music, so I may need some education on monos.

Paul

DaveC113 · « **Reply #7 on:** 22 Mar 2016, 09:44 pm »

AudioCircle is all about value... Odyssey offers some of the best in the business, both components and speakers. I'd consider buying the system they usually bring to shows. I've also seen some Odyssey amps for sale used recently.

FullRangeMan · « **Reply #8 on:** 22 Mar 2016, 09:46 pm »

The NC400 looks nice to move the Concertino and the Concerto Domus.
As you as know the Concerto Domus have a similar sound to the Concertino just w/more Bass, that transparecy and built quality are rare in most speakers.

ClefChef · « **Reply #9 on:** 22 Mar 2016, 09:47 pm »

My choice and, therefore, my recommendation is the following:

1. a pair of NC400 monos with tube buffer in front - Dodd battery powered or Aikido (something really low noise), for a little bit of tube sauce to your sound.
2. A pair of Bottlehead 300b with LDR passive preamp in front.

Both systems would sound excellent and would not empty your bank account.

srb · « **Reply #10 on:** 22 Mar 2016, 10:12 pm »

It looks like this is probably headed toward another circle other than Cheap and Cheerful HiFi, which is for entire systems that cost ~ $1000.

So far suggestions have been offered for a tube stereo power amplifier @ $1600 new (probably ~ $1000 + used), a used pair of solid state mono power amplifiers @ $1100 and speakers @ $2000 new (probably $1200 + used).

Before I might make a recommendation, is the Integra receiver just what you happen to have on hand for your 2 channel amplification, or are you presently also doing (or planning to do) multi-channel home theater?

Steve

Zero · « **Reply #11 on:** 22 Mar 2016, 10:47 pm »

Paul,

Thanks for providing us with such detailed info. From what I gather, you're looking for a system that'll sound good with a wide variety of music and recording types. You also want something that sounds holographic, has quick bass, and is fairly easy on the ears. I also got the impression that music listening isn't a primary priority of yours. Instead, it's something that you do while you're multi-tasking with other things.

Does all of this sound right?

My next question is: Do you also use this system for surround-sound listening? If the answer is no, or if you think you could live with a pure 2-channel setup, I'd highly suggest replacing the receiver as the first order of business.

restrav · « **Reply #12 on:** 23 Mar 2016, 02:12 am »

from golden ear to sonus faber, you've had some awesome speaker exposure.

Firejedi · « **Reply #13 on:** 23 Mar 2016, 02:30 am »

I've had the Sonus Fabers for a couple years. The Golden Ears I just borrowed for a few days. My neighbor is looking to sell them. I am definitely leaning towards replacing the amp first to give the Concertinos a shot. The Concertinos don't exactly look right in my living room which affects the WAF.

The Integra was from my home theater. The HDMI out was fried from a lighting strike, but otherwise it seems to be fine. I'm a little nervous about using it. I also have a Denon AVR-1506 and a pair of Bowers and Wilkins LM1's sitting here not getting used.

I definitely listen more when I am multitasking around the house, but I do like to sit and listen when I have the opportunity. Since I have a home theater, I really have no need to do anything other than 2 channel.

The reason I posted here is that I am trying to understand what less expensive equipment is out there. If the thread needs to be moved, so be it.

Thanks everyone.

restrav · « **Reply #14 on:** 23 Mar 2016, 03:06 am »

Odyssey audio amps must be pretty high up in your list.

vonnie123 · « **Reply #15 on:** 23 Mar 2016, 03:29 am »

Is this a separate system in another location, or are you sharing speakers, and other components?

Firejedi · « **Reply #16 on:** 23 Mar 2016, 03:34 am »

The other items I mentioned (Denon and B&W) are not in use at the moment.

Phil A · « **Reply #17 on:** 23 Mar 2016, 04:09 am »

As I noted in the welcome thread, I'd start with electronics. Odyssey, as noted above is an excellent choice. A great value and a great warranty. That's the point of a place like Audio Circle. If you walk into some audio dealers, you are not going to get someone giving you advice who is impartial as to their own welfare vs. yours. There are many manufacturers here who sell direct to consumers and offer a really wonderfully value for the money.

srb · « **Reply #18 on:** 23 Mar 2016, 04:44 am »

There is a Rogue Sphinx Hybrid integrated amplifier for sale in the AudioCircle Trading Post for a reasonable price ($900). http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=141549.msg1509783#msg1509783

12AU7 tube input stage, Hypex amplifier modules (100W @ 8 ohm / 200W @ 4 ohm), linear power supply, phono stage and remote volume.

Add a low-cost, high-value DAC such as the Schiit Modi 2 Uber ($150) and you'll be good to go!

Steve

S Clark · « **Reply #19 on:** 23 Mar 2016, 05:53 am »

Quote from: srb on 23 Mar 2016, 04:44 am

There is a Rogue Sphinx Hybrid integrated amplifier for sale in the AudioCircle Trading Post for a reasonable price ($900). http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=141549.msg1509783#msg1509783

12AU7 tube input stage, Hypex amplifier modules (100W @ 8 ohm / 200W @ 4 ohm), linear power supply, phono stage and remote volume.

I've got a buddy with a Sphinx... now sitting on a shelf. I've never been that impressed with it, and it's 100 watts was less effective than a pair of 15W 6bq5 amps I loaned him. I bet he'd sell it for $750 (more than I think it's worth).