I haven't seriously been into hi-fi since the early 00's, when I had a tidy little NAD/B&W system. I haven't had the space or budget for a legit 2-channel listening system for some time, but now I do and I'm feeling very out of the loop with regards to products worth scoping out.
My goals for the system is something with modest size but great full-range sound that can fill a decent sized carpeted bedroom. Budget is, say, $1500-2500 USD, for everything. I can devote some money to SOME room treatments, but nothing like acoustic foam. Maybe curtains and bass traps if necessary.
My current primary source is an old Squeezebox Classic digital transport type device. Everything else would need to be purchased. I'm totally fine with used gear suggestions, and in fact am more interested in used than new, as I feel you get way more for the money. Stuff I'd want:
- integrated amplifier, preferably with a great phono stage. A built in DAC would be cool, but that can also be separate.
- DAC, if not included in the integrated. A good headphone output would be ideal, but not essential, as my good headphones live at work.
- smaller size mostly-full-range tower speakers. I have a set of old Paradigm Monitor 7's in the living room for my home theater and they are probably larger than I'd like in the second room. Bookshelf speakers are an option, but after buying good stands they end up being the same size or even larger, I think. I don't want a subwoofer.
- turntable and cartridge (this is less important, as I have a turntable in the living room and generally prefer the ease of digital)
I listen to a wide variety of music including electronic, indie rock, metal, hip-hop, and singer/songwriter stuff.
So basically that's it. An integrated amp, a DAC if necessary, and speakers that can get down low without being huge. Super huge sound isn't that important, but I'd like it to sound great of course. Again, I'd be glad to go used and get slightly older gear for less money.
Thanks in advance.
My goals for the system is something with modest size but great full-range sound that can fill a decent sized carpeted bedroom. Budget is, say, $1500-2500 USD, for everything. I can devote some money to SOME room treatments, but nothing like acoustic foam. Maybe curtains and bass traps if necessary.
My current primary source is an old Squeezebox Classic digital transport type device. Everything else would need to be purchased. I'm totally fine with used gear suggestions, and in fact am more interested in used than new, as I feel you get way more for the money. Stuff I'd want:
- integrated amplifier, preferably with a great phono stage. A built in DAC would be cool, but that can also be separate.
- DAC, if not included in the integrated. A good headphone output would be ideal, but not essential, as my good headphones live at work.
- smaller size mostly-full-range tower speakers. I have a set of old Paradigm Monitor 7's in the living room for my home theater and they are probably larger than I'd like in the second room. Bookshelf speakers are an option, but after buying good stands they end up being the same size or even larger, I think. I don't want a subwoofer.
- turntable and cartridge (this is less important, as I have a turntable in the living room and generally prefer the ease of digital)
I listen to a wide variety of music including electronic, indie rock, metal, hip-hop, and singer/songwriter stuff.
So basically that's it. An integrated amp, a DAC if necessary, and speakers that can get down low without being huge. Super huge sound isn't that important, but I'd like it to sound great of course. Again, I'd be glad to go used and get slightly older gear for less money.
Thanks in advance.