Buying a new stereo system

[markot]

Hi everyone, this is my first post here, I hope I'm posting this in the right forum.

I'm looking for a new stereo sound system to hook up to my PC. I listen to music via PC (MP3 and FLAC). Currently I have a Logitech X-540 5.1 speaker setup which I would like to upgrade. I noticed that most of the time I only use 2 speakers. So I figured I would rather have 2 quality speakers instead of 5.1 system.

My budget is about 500€ give or take. For this money I could get a Yamaha A-S500 integrated amplifier and a pair of Monitor Audio MR2 speakers.

What do you think about this combination?

 

[Peter Kudelstaart]

To achieve a better sound quality than your current setup you need a dac. You can get a seperate dac to go between your computer and your amp ( like I have) or you can get an amp with a built in dac. A dac does the same thing as the soundcard in your computer but just better. Stereo amps with a dac built in are relatively new to the market. Examples are the Marantz PM6005 and the new NAD3020. You should look at the back of your computer which connections you can employ. The speakers you mention are fine, but you can go out and audition for a right match with your amp.

 

[markot]

I'm pretty sure anything will sound better than my cheap Logitechs at the moment.

My soundcard has optical S/PDIF out port and the usual analog out ports. The Marantz PM6005 costs here almost twice as much as Yamaha A-S500. Would there really be a big difference in sound quality with and without a DAC unit? I guess I could buy DAC later on as well.

 

[Peter Kudelstaart]

Unless your computer has an exceptionally good soundcard the difference is quite audible. Of course wou can start with an amp without a dac and buy one later. Dacs can be bought from 30 pounds onwards and yes the PM6005 is a lot more expensive than its predecessor PM6004 which doesn't have a dac. I don't know if you are really set on the Yamaha amp but there are some amps in the same class that are a lot cheaper and give you some room for getting a dac too. A Denon PMA720ae for example is a lot cheaper than the Yamaha (at least in my country).

 

[markot]

I thought a cheap 30 pound DAC wouldn't make sense/difference in this setup? Do you have any recommendations? If a cheap one for under 100€ would work, that really wouldn't break my budget. The reason I decided to get Yamaha is I can get it with a discount locally.

 

[steve_1979]

I thought a cheap 30 pound DAC wouldn't make sense/difference in this setup? Do you have any recommendations? If a cheap one for under 100€ would work, that really wouldn't break my budget. The reason I decided to get Yamaha is I can get it with a discount locally.

Check out the Behringer UCA202.

 

[markot]

Check out the Behringer UCA202.

Looked it up on Google, looks pretty cool, gets nice reviews and is cheap too.

But I'm a little confused. Is this basically an USB soundcard with built in DAC?

 

[steve_1979]

Check out the Behringer UCA202.

Looked it up on Google, looks pretty cool, gets nice reviews and is cheap too.

But I'm a little confused. Is this basically an USB soundcard with built in DAC?

It's a USB DAC which also has a headphone output with variable volume. If you use the RCA sockets it's just a regular fixed gain DAC and has very good sound quality despite the low price.

The headphone output isn't very good though, but then you can't expect everything at that price.

 

[markot]

Maybe a stupid question, but... If I buy Behringer, could I then disable my current sound card, plug in Behringer, connect it with my amp and listen to music like that?

 

[rainsoothe]

hi

Maybe a stupid question, but... If I buy Behringer, could I then disable my current sound card, plug in Behringer, connect it with my amp and listen to music like that?

yes, that's exactly what happens when you get a DAC - the DAC becomes your soundcard. About the Yamaha, make sure you audition first, for me it was ok in the shop, but when I listened to one in a friend's house it didn't sound well at all (for me, he loves it - thats why people insist on auditioning for yourself).

For that price bracket you should also shortlist (besides the Marantz) the Denon PMA 720AE (or 520AE), Nad C316 BEE for amps and Wharfedale Diamond 121 (or 122), Dali Zensor 1 (or 3), and XTZ 93.23 mkii for speakers. I, for one, like all these better then the Yamaha and the MA. Also, mind you, both the Yamaha and the MAs can get bright, so that combo might not be such a great idea. Even if you are set on them (the Yamaha + MA), try keep an open mind about equipment (even let dealer make suggestions) - trust me, it will be worth it in the end. And, above all, follow YOUR EARS

Another route would be active speakers, of which I have limited knowledge, so others might be able to help you in this department. One option I was looking into for a friend was a DAC with preamp (the Maverick Audio TubeMagic plus) into active monitors, like the awesome Yamaha HS7 or the more expensive but even more awesome Adam A5x. This sollution would be just a different way of getting the same thing (the DAC preamp also has a headphone amp and the Maverick Audio sounds great, I heard the non-plus version). And, although (depending on your tastes) esthetically not as pleasing as similarly priced hi-fi alternatives, these might be much higher bang for the buck if you like that kind of presentation (aka very revealing, since they're studio monitors).

 

[Peter Kudelstaart]

I looked up the Behringer too. It's a very cheap solution. So cheap in fact that it might not be better than the dac in your soundcard. I would resarch alternatives before going for a dac this cheap. My dac for example has cost about 150 euros a couple of years ago and has gotten good but not great reviews. Behringer however is a well known brand. They may have other alternatives.

 

[Overdose]

The Behringer UCA202 is superb for the price and perfect to feed a pair of Yamaha HS7s.

There are several other active speakers to look at in this price range however, so have a look at the online proaudio shops for ideas and maybe try to get a demo of some.

 

[Tonestar1]

Follow your original plan. Amp and new speakers first, worry about a DAC later. Speakers will give you the biggest bang for your buck, amp next. Dac will provide minimal gains compared to the former unless you are spending serious cash.

 

[markot]

Thanks for all the imput guys. I think I will follow my original plan and get Yamaha amp and MA speakers since they're both available locally. I will probably also get the Behringer DAC as suggested.

I assume both amp and speakers come without cables? Any recommendation on cables for this setup?

 

[markot]

I auditioned the Yamaha today and I liked the sound. But I could only test it with Dali Zensor 3 and Heco Victa 200 speakers, because this store doesn't carry Monitor Audio.

Unfortunately Yamaha was sold out and I didn't want to buy the exhibition unit, so I paid a deposit and am now waiting for delivery. I also ordered Monitor Audio MR2 speakers from another store because they were almost half the price of Dali Zensors. And I also ordered Behringer 202 from Amazon.

Finally upgrading my Logitech computer speakers. Yay!

 

[rainsoothe]

wheee, congrats

 

[markot]

Update!

So I got the system up and running. It sounds great! 100x better than Logitechs that I had before.

I don't find this combo too bright as some say. I really like the sound.

However, I would prefer a bit more bass. So now I have to find a decent and reasonably priced subwoofer.

If you don't wanna read through all the posts, my current setup now is Yamaha A-S500 amp, Behringer 202 DAC, Monitor Audio MR2 speakers.

Looking for a sub under 300 EUR. Any suggestions?