[TimArruda]

Hi Everyone,

My system as it stands is a headphone system.  I have a Burson Audio HA-160D that I'm using as my amp/dac.  I listen with a pair of Audez'e LCD-2's.  For sources I have my Macbook Pro loaded up with music ripped to ALAC which I play through a combination of iTunes and Pure Music.  Recently I also added a Cambridge Audio Azure 640p and a Music Hall MMF-5 turntable.  I am loving both the digital and vinyl.  The problem is of course, that it's a one person listening solution, which most of the time works *really* well.  I have no complaints about the sound whatsoever.  My wife loves the sound too, and would like to be able to listen as well, so we'd like to add a pair of speakers and an amp.

I would use the HA-160D as a pre-amp.  This would be a system for a small room, in the range of 12X12, so I don't need a large system, as a matter of fact, the speakers can't be big, I just don't have the room.  The type of music that I listen to varies widely.  I listen to a lot of acoustic jazz, as well as vocalists like Sinatra, Sara Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald etc...  I also listen to a good amount of rock, as well as some classical.  I don't listen to metal, hip-hop, country western or opera.  I don't have a preference for tube and/or solid state.  My HA-160D is solid state, and I know synergy in the system is important.   My budget is $1000, to a max of say $1500 for both amp and speakers.  Also, I don't really listen to music at really loud levels anymore if that plays into it, we're talking low to medium listening levels I would say.  I'm not looking for thumping levels of bass, but would like to be able to produce an acoustic bass well. Anything I'm leaving out?

Recommendations anyone?

Thanks,

Tim

[cujobob]

Gr research N1X with a first watt F5 clone would be my pick but I'm probably forgetting a ton of great options.

[rollo]

  Soundfield Audio may be the ticket. A self powered speaker for $1000. Built in synergy with great sonics.


charles
SMA

[lonewolfny42]

...the speakers can't be big, I just don't have the room.

system for a small room, in the range of 12X12

I don't really listen to music at really loud levels anymore if that plays into it, we're talking low to medium listening levels I would say

My budget is $1000, to a max of say $1500 for both amp and speakers

Speakers...Usher 520......under $500.00....will leave you with $1,000.00 for an amp.

Another idea....check out Odyssey Audio...

Epiphony II speakers.. with a Khartago Stereo amp......slightly over your budget (new).

Odyssey circle..

[sebrof]

Tekton Design M-Lore @ $650. Very efficient and a benign 8-ohm load will open up the possibilities of amplifiers greatly. I have their Katz Meow speakers with 8" drivers (M-Lore has different 8" drivers) that I drive with a 4-watt 2A3 SET amp in a 12' x 13' room and it sounds very nice. With the remaining $800 or so you can find a very nice low-power tube amp.
(I haven't heard the M-Lore but I own the Katz and Lore)

http://www.tektondesign.com/

[JLM]

Acoustic bass, even at low spls ain't easy.  Adding quality, even remotely close to your cans, especially at your budget is tough...

There's a 50 wpc NAD 2100 power amp (from 2010) on Audiogon now for $179.99 via a retailer.  NAD has had a great reputation for 20+ years for solid design, good sound, and outstanding value.

To that I'd add Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1 with matching stands (about $1,000.00 depending on the finish selected).  The Sierra-1's will reach 40 Hz in room, come with a 7 year warrantee, and the actually frequency response printouts for each matched pair.  Ascend Acoustics is an internet only company that offers great value at great prices.

I've owned NAD and still own Ascend Acoustics.  My musical tastes seem to be similar to yours and I recommend both these products highly.

[JLM]

Another couple of options, not as sure of these though...

Decware DM945 2-way standmount speakers (42Hz, 94 dB/w/m, $995) with NuForce Icon Amp (18 wpc, $189) plus stands.

or

Parasound Zamp v.3 (45 wpc, $349) with Verus Forte Tower Speaker (53Hz, a small tower, $1090).

[ltr317]

Audioengine 5 powered speakers with their S8 powered sub will do the job for acoustic bass. Total for both is $700, well under your budget.

Paul

[lonewolfny42]

Audioengine 5 powered speakers with their S8 powered sub will do the job for acoustic bass. Total for both is $700, well under your budget.

Paul

Yes...another good option...

http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-5

[TimArruda]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone, I'm looking into them.  Regarding the Audio A5's, I have a pair already.  As much as I like them, I'm looking to step up from them.  I'm really intrigued by the Ascend Acoustics Seirra-1's.  Tekton's were something that I was looking into before, I really like their stuff.  I"m not sure I want something that large though, although if I get say bookshelf speakers and put them on stands maybe it' not going to make a difference anyway.

I'm open to looking at tube amps, but don't really know much about them.  I would say one of my biggest concerns about a tube amp is I don't want to buy one and immediately have to shell out more money to upgrade to better tubes because the stock tubes don't cut it.  It seems the Jolida FX-10 is one amp that would probably work just fine given the room size I'm in.  What tube amps should I be looking at?

Thanks,

Tim

[sebrof]

I'm open to looking at tube amps, but don't really know much about them.  I would say one of my biggest concerns about a tube amp is I don't want to buy one and immediately have to shell out more money to upgrade to better tubes because the stock tubes don't cut it.  It seems the Jolida FX-10 is one amp that would probably work just fine given the room size I'm in.  What tube amps should I be looking at?

Thanks,

Tim

Per the specs the Jolida you mention would be a good fit depending on the speakers, but I haven't heard one. I have owned Jolidas in the past and I've been happy. I mentioned Tekton because their efficiency makes it so most any tube amp will work well with them. Also Onix and Sophia might be in your price range. Others can add.
If you can solder, I can recommend the Elekit TU-879 from vkmusic.ca. It's an 8-watt single ended amp that uses 6L6s or EL34s. I built one and it's a great amp for $600. Perfect instructions and easy to build, looks great when finished. Only 3 very common (i.e.: Low cost) tubes, 1ea 12AX7, 2ea 6L6s (or EL34 or KT88 or 6550 or...)
As far as upgrading tubes, it's not necessary. It's just that it's so easy to do and people are curious that many people roll tubes when they get a tube amp. And tubes do make a difference.
Tubes are cool and all that, and that's all I have personally. But don't limit yourself to tube amps. Others who are more familiar can chime in on SS amps.

[AJinFLA]

  Soundfield Audio may be the ticket. A self powered speaker for $1000. Built in synergy with great sonics.


charles
SMA

$1300 .
And just to be clear, the M1s are not fully self powered, only active (sub)bass. Passive >200hz. So an amp is still required.

cheers,

AJ

[Ericus Rex]

The Quicksilver GLA is a perfect amp for your music preferences; very clean and transparent.  They are around $500-600 used.  Then I'd pair that amp with Meadowlark Shearwater Hot Rods (a pair for sale here if you're from the midwest).  They go for around $700-900.  You would have an awesome sounding system with these (I currently own and enjoy both).  Another tube option is the Music Reference RM-10 Mk II, though I've never owned one...and it's a bit more expensive used than the GLA.  You can get other Meadowlark models for under $1k but I think the Shearwater would be the best bang for the buck.

[rollo]

$1300 .
And just to be clear, the M1s are not fully self powered, only active (sub)bass. Passive >200hz. So an amp is still required.

cheers,

AJ

    Sorry AJ thanks for the clarification.   Anyway a great choice for small to medium rooms.


charles
SMA

[ajzepp]

Another couple of options, not as sure of these though...

Decware DM945 2-way standmount speakers (42Hz, 94 dB/w/m, $995) with NuForce Icon Amp (18 wpc, $189) plus stands.

I've been doing a lot of research for a secondary system, and those Decware minis keep calling out to me. I had a conversation with the owner (Steve) today and I'm really interested. The speakers have the greatest impact on the overall sound and should typically be the largest portion (65-70%) of your budget (just as a general rule....YMMV). I'd suggest taking a really good look at these, cause they are potentially special.

[JLM]

In case Tim doesn't see this thread and to provide an update...

He ended up with Ascend Acoustics Sierra 1's and Emotiva integrated and is very happy with them.

[frank111]

 You might want to read the review by 6 Moons, of the Hoyt Bedford type 1 speakers. I myself auditioned 20 + speakers in the sub $1200 range & nothing can hold a candle to them( they were $795 plus shp). The effeciency & soundstage is something else, they'll fill your room quite pleasantly ( 97 dec w/1watt, 48 to 18,000 hz). have a good thanksgiving.