First Hi Fi

[GMan220]

Having spent an eternity waiting and saving for my first system I am now ready to invest, but find myself in need of some advice to point myself in the right direction.

Most of my music exists in digital mp3/FLAC formats which are all due to be placed onto a Synology DS214 NAS shortly, and I'm basically looking for a streamer/amp and speakers to bring it all to life. I only have a £1000 budget for everything though.

My only other dilemma is that whilst the FLAC's are all CD quality, my MP3 collection is a mixture of 320/256 and even some 192kbps acquired over many years of downloading. I know this isn't ideal though, hence why my need for advice when purchasing as I don't want to over spend on something that will only hate being fed some low res files?

I will probably add a CD player in the future when funds permit too.

Any help will be greatly received.

 

[ID.]

I think a number of people even use their Synology NAS streaming directly into a DAC using the Synology Audio Station app

http://www.synology.com/en-us/support/tutorials/499

eliminating the need for a dedicated streamer. At that price point I think I'd look to take that option into the best DAC for my needs/tastes. Not sure whether all DACs are capable of taking the USB feed directly from the Synology.

 

[matt49]

First, I don't think you need worry that your compressed downloaded music will sound really awful. It might not sound as good as the FLAC files, but I doubt it'll sound offensively bad.

I'd be minded to use the NAS as a streamer (via USB into a DAC). The Synology streaming software isn't brilliant (it's not Sonos) but it isn't awful either. Using your NAS as a streamer will save you a fair bit of cash.

Have you considered whether floorstanding or standmount speakers would work best for you? How big is your room?

Matt

EDIT great minds think alike

 

[GMan220]

My room is 10ft x 20ft roughly, and I hadn't really thought too much about the speakers yet due to being unsure about amp/streamer combo.

The dac route is a possibility I guess, I kind of settled on a streamer as they seem to provide better software options or ipad control apps etc.

 

[EvPa]

As you are starting from "nothing" (apart from the upcoming NAS), you could do worse than looking at something like Nubert electronic's recently-upgraded nuPro line (http://www.nubert.de/nupro-serie/420/):

This would allow you to have a DAC/DSP/pre-amp/amp/speaker combo in one tidy package (and remote control).

Are you including the NAS' cost in your £1,000 budget? If not, you could get a pair of the top-of-the-range A-300 for roughly £915 (delivered in the UK).

 

[GMan220]

Nah I've got the NAS already so the money is purely for the system.

I would prefer seperates I think, and I've been looking at amps like the rotel ra10 and marantz pm6005 due to the fact they will pair well with a CD player later down the line I hope.

I did consider the pioneer n50 streamer too because of its decent price, but from what people have suggested I may need to look at the dac market as an even cheaper alternative.

 

[EvPa]

Just a note from my own experience, once you get your streamer or NAS running, CDs don't get much use after they get ripped.

 

[skippy]

Just a note from my own experience, once you get your streamer or NAS running, CDs don't get much use after they get ripped.

Good point, mine are all stashed in a storage wallet.

Haven't played a CD since I got the Sonos really (apart from the car)

 

[GMan220]

Just a note from my own experience, once you get your streamer or NAS running, CDs don't get much use after they get ripped.

:rofl:

Having overlooked this revelation I would love to retract my future possible requirement for a CD player.

 

[KidKomet]

The Nuberts are an excellent idea. As would be something like the AVI ADM9's.

 

[the record spot]

Over budget. Budget is £1000 ADMs are £1250. Plenty of options below that though.

 

[Edo]

My suggestion is:

Yamaha AS-500

Yamaha CD-N500 (network CD player, plays Flac,WAV,WMA,MP3,Apple lossless)

Monitor Audio Bronze BX-2

 

[GMan220]

My suggestion is:

Yamaha AS-500

Yamaha CD-N500 (network CD player, plays Flac,WAV,WMA,MP3,Apple lossless)

Monitor Audio Bronze BX-2

Thanks, is the cd-n500 fussy about file quality ?

 

[lpv]

Exposure 1010 ( excellent combo with Dynaudio but tasty with Dali's too)

Pioneer N50 ( I could think longer on that to come with something better but since you mentioned it...)

Dali Zensor 3 or used Dynaudio DM2/6

 

[GMan220]

Exposure 1010 ( excellent combo with Dynaudio but tasty with Dali's too)

Pioneer N50 ( I could think longer on that to come with something better but since you mentioned it...)

Dali Zensor 3 or used Dynaudio DM2/6

Thanks.

Does anyone know if the pioneer n50 is fussy with file quality?