amp/preamp, or receiever?

danali · « **on:** 1 Mar 2005, 01:40 pm »

Picked up a pair of alesis monitor ones. (passive)
They are for an office system.
I am looking at one of two powering choices. A hafler power amp (ta1600) to keep with the pro studio style setup, or a receiever.
If I opt for the hafler I will need a pre amp. (cheap)
Any suggestions.
If i go for a receiever, are the new digital amps (panny xr...) the way to go.
Thanks,....

Carlman · « **Reply #1 on:** 1 Mar 2005, 01:52 pm »

An old Hafler and undetermined preamp or a digital receiver?...

That's like asking "Should I get a V-8 or a new Honda Element?"

For an office system, I'd get a nice integrated amp... an old HK or Arcam would be good. That's what I had in my office with a pair of small B&W's and I really liked the ease of that setup... especially a remote to turn it down when a call came in...

For digital amps, I'd go with a Sharp for a 2-channel setup in an office. There's good deals on them at Overstock.com... or Amazon... or anywhere... you'll pay $100 or less and have something really nice.

-C

jackman · « **Reply #2 on:** 1 Mar 2005, 02:25 pm »

I'm with Carl. If you are looking for a good sounding, inexpensive system, I'd get the Sharp for $80 or so and team it up with some decent, inexpensive speakers.

The little Polk R15's sound very good for $99 with the Sharp. A bit laid back, but they have surprisingly good bass and are very listenable. You can do better if you want to spend more but for this price range (new) they are great. I'd be curious to hear how they sound versus the Alesis which I have never heard. You can also get a set of real wood ELT's on sale at AV123.com. Those would also sound good with the Sharp in an office.

danali · « **Reply #3 on:** 1 Mar 2005, 02:28 pm »

the sharp sounds intresting, do you have a model number?

mcgsxr · « **Reply #4 on:** 1 Mar 2005, 03:50 pm »

http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php?topic=15694 is a long thread talking about this little guy - I think there is also one for sale in the Classifieds here on this site.

Good luck,

danali · « **Reply #5 on:** 1 Mar 2005, 04:44 pm »

90/shipped overstock.com
thanks to all who responded

danali · « **Reply #6 on:** 22 Mar 2005, 04:38 pm »

finally hooked up the office system.
sharp $80 digital from overstock.com AND SOME CHEAP ALESIS MONITOR 1'S. ($100)
GREAT SOUND for not a lot.
Actually add a nice listening chair and you have the begin of an audiophile system.