Chuckles1553552754 Posted September 15, 2010 Posted September 15, 2010 Hello, First time caller, long time listener sort of thing, but I was wondering if I might ask some advice regarding entry level Hi Fi and the right amplifier for the future. I’m looking to buy an entry level system for under $2500. I enjoy a wide variety of music, but particularly Americana and alternative/ indie rock. The room I’m looking to fill with music is aprox 5 metres across, 10 metres down. So far I like the look of the NAD C315BEE (@ $649) with the NAD C515BEE CD Player (@ $499) with a pair of KEF IQ10 bookshelf speakers (@ $899) This leaves me roughly $500 for an I-POD dock. I like the look of this one, an Onkyo ND S1 (@499) http://www.avalon.co.nz/default,1678.sm But here’s where I need some advice. The NAD amplifier has RCA inputs for Tape, Aux, Video and Disc, which at present I don’t have use for. I will use CD and Tuner input. I would however like an optical in, or coaxial in to get the best out of the I-Pod dock I’m looking at buying. I also note the NAD CD player has an optical & coaxial out Should I therefore look at buying a different Amp which can accommodate this? Or will I end up spending a lot more for functionality that, as an entry level listener, I may not even notice? Also, does my planned set-up (NAD and the bookshelf KEF speakers) seem like a good fit? Any advice would be gratefully received. Regards, Charlie
Ayou21553552688 Posted September 15, 2010 Posted September 15, 2010 Personally i'd put floor standers into a space that big. If you want digital connectivity you might want to look at an older near flagship home theatre amp. Like a Marantz (usually quite musical compared to other brands) or something, they are pretty cheap once they get to about 5+ years old but for 2 channel listening they will be just fine & probably help push a set of floor standers along better in a room that size. Source wise, just whatever suits. NAD build pretty good entry level. Welcome to Audioenz
Owen Y Posted September 15, 2010 Posted September 15, 2010 Welcome Chuckles. That's a great sized room, most of us would be envious. Even Antipodes, could hide all his amps in a rm like that Room height?
Ayou21553552688 Posted September 15, 2010 Posted September 15, 2010 example http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Home-audio/Amplifiers-tuners/auction-316879900.htm
NeilNZ Posted September 15, 2010 Posted September 15, 2010 I second that, floorstanders in a space that big, or maybe a sub... I would opt for a separate dac for the ipod over an amp with digital ins, mainly because you are listening to music and not sullying your existence with home theatre.
nixon76 Posted September 15, 2010 Posted September 15, 2010 Also look on TM for floorstanders (as suggested). Forum memeber Jackthecat's Images look a good deal for the same money you're looking for http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Home-audio/Speakers-and-stands/Floor-speakers/auction-317497782.htm
Omegaspeedy Posted September 15, 2010 Posted September 15, 2010 Hi Chuckles, Welcome:) If I was you I'd go for a drive to Onehunga (Turned-on Audio) for some excellent advice and a good look around (very cool stuff in there!!). The Paul and Neil are very friendly and don't pressurize you for a purchase. It will be well worth the visit.
Ernie1553552694 Posted September 15, 2010 Posted September 15, 2010 I suppose it depends if you want to run a dance party or listen to music. A pair of monitors might work for you. Filling the room with sound might be a distraction.
Daddy Dom Posted September 15, 2010 Posted September 15, 2010 Filling the room with sound might be a distraction. ... or an epiphany?
Electra Posted September 16, 2010 Posted September 16, 2010 Agreed, get second hand speakers. Actually, get second hand most stuff. As long as your able to inspect it and listen to it before you part with your dosh. This forum will be a good place to look if you have a bit of paitence. Those Image Mass speakers would fill that room with solid bass as well as excellent mids and highs. They appear to be in very good condition for their age. If they get a bit expensive, the same seller nixon pointed you to has some Image 414's, which will work well in that room also. The seller is in Auckland, and being a forum member who is a regular, its very unlikely you will have any issues ( We are a trustworthy bunch here ) Amplification wise, get yourself a good integrated amp. Maybe this might be a good start? Closes soon though http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Home-audio/Amplifiers-tuners/auction-316490067.htm Or this Rotel? http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Home-audio/Amplifiers-tuners/auction-316687833.htm Or a Rega even... http://www.trademe.co.nz/Electronics-photography/Home-audio/Amplifiers-tuners/auction-318074996.htm The last two are probably in a different class to the Audiolab pairing. CD players are one thing I am cautious of buying second hand, they do wear out over time, specially the laser. As far as your ipod setup, I have no experience whatsoever with connecting them to any decent stereo system, so I cant help you much. However, in your budget, your going to struggle to get an integrated amp or pre amp with digital inputs, so as has been mentioned already, an external DAC could be the go here.
Chuckles1553552754 Posted September 16, 2010 Author Posted September 16, 2010 Brilliant, thank you everyone for the quick response and the welcomes It does sound like a large room I have, but it's kind of an open plan including kitchen, lounge and dining area. In effect the 'listening area' would be half that (5x5m), so I guess my 'fill the room with sound' comment may have been misleading. I'll pop along to Onehunga and check out the TradeMe also. But thanks again, you've given me much to think about!
Ernie1553552694 Posted September 16, 2010 Posted September 16, 2010 The Onkyo ND S1 outputs digital so a DAC is in order. I'd prioritise a DAC above the CD player. Once you experience the convenience of computer audio, then it's hard to return to spinning CDs. The Onkyo ND S1 dock would get you close enough to CD playback quality for you not to miss a CD player. Sometimes less is more.
Antipodes1553552706 Posted September 16, 2010 Posted September 16, 2010 With that budget and that size of room I too agree that large and efficient speakers are necessary. It is hard for small boxes to move a lot of air externally when they have to compress the air inside a small box. And if the speakers are inefficient you don't have the budget for an amp to drive them well to the volume needed in such a room.
Recommended Posts