[DavidS]

I am running a used Audio Zone Amp 1 (am a Peter Daniel fan) for $800 with a squeeze box 3 that includes modded elpac about $400 total, Audio Note AX-2 speakers that I bought new for $600, and audio note cables/interconnects - about $300.  Sound is damn good in a small room, little bass challenged but mids and highs are excellent - this is my home office.  Total so far is $2100.  Don't think you can beat the amp with efficient speakers but could have spent more on speakers - maybe reynauds, would love the used maggies but where to put them, or even used AN J's.  Have been on the fence with dac and power cords - just not sure the value is going to be there but have been mighty tempted by a modded zhalou for around $400.

By the way just discovered my 3 month free subscription for Pandora radio with the SB - very cool and fun - only bad part is getting my youngest son away from endless rapper custom stations.

David

[Se7en]

I would also add as an alternative to the SB3 (I'm not saying better or worse) is the option of running a usb to digital converter to a used Tact 2.0 (which can be picked up for around a grand these days). The Tact would serve as a dac, pre-amp and room correction all in one which would not remove but certainly reduce the need to room treatment.

The one advantage I find using usb direct is the fact that I can still send protected files (Itunes, etc.) to my system where as SB and Roku type devices will not.

-Gabe

[Digital]

.
Is the PC 'the' source for your music?  Is it a laptop or standard PC?

Andrew D.
cdnav.com
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[Se7en]

Dell Laptop. XPS 1210 great little unit for the money!

[TONEPUB]

Heres my choice:

a SB3, $250
Channel Islands DAC  $400
Used pair of Vandersteen 2Ci's or Ce's  abt $6-800
An ONIX SP3 $1000
A pair of the new $100 Shunyata power cords
A pair of Audio Art IC-1's  $100
A pair of Audio Art Spkr cables  $120