Help me downgrade my system

[admin_exported]

Hello again,

We are soon moving into a smaller flat and this downsizing business means that I may want or have to get rid of my current set-up. In all fairness, since I've been busy working again I've hardly had time to use the hifi much. I also now got an iPhone (and loving it!!) which I want to use on this new, smaller set-up.

My requirements: I want my music on HDD (preferrably on my laptop rather than external storage) as I'm keen to put all our CDs in storage for now. I plan to keep on using Airport Express for wireless streaming. Plus a dock for the iPhone possibly although not absolutely required.

1. What all-in-1 system like the Denon something or the CA One (or another one) has got an optical input (for the AE)?

2. Would it make better sense to get active speakers? (such as the Epoz with the iPod dock)

3. Can I connect those Epoz, for instance, to an all-in-1 (like the One or the Denon)?

Total Budget = max £500 (and less is better) for both system and speakers.

Thank You.

 

[John Duncan]

Twicky. Can't think of one around the 500 mark - first thought was the NAD Viso, available from 650, but that's without speakers and is a DVD-playing system and may not cut it for you musically. Next up is the Myryad Mi which ticks all your boxes, including iPod connectivity, but that's over a grand.

Do you need the Radio/DAB facilities of the usual mini-system suspects?

 

[Anonymous]

Although not essential, I'd really like to have the radio facilities (and if possible have a DAB tuner).

Maybe I am asking too much for our small budget here. The budget is expandable but I'd rather not over-spend for a little while.

 

[professorhat]

momo72:2. Would it make better sense to get active speakers? (such as the Epoz with the iPod dock)

It would fit your needs (apart from the DAB / FM tuner part), though remember the Epoz has no optical input so you'd have to use analogue into them or get a DAC. I ran with just an analogue connection from my AE into mine for a while and it still sounds excellent, though I must admit adding the DacMagic certainly improved things further. With £500 you can probably get a better sound, but it won't be as compact.

momo72:3. Can I connect those Epoz, for instance, to an all-in-1 (like the One or the Denon)?

If you mean have the all-in-one power the Epoz speakers then no.

 

[John Duncan]

If I wanted all of those things, I'd go one of two ways:

- Get a normal mini with some Tannoy F1s (or similar) and either plug the Airport in directly or stick a modest DAC in between them (Beresford or MF probably, everything else getting a bit dear)

- Get some Audioengines or Aktimates and drive everything through your laptop using Airfoil*.

*EDIT - and a DAC

 

[Anonymous]

I already have a DacMagic in my current setup, so it's all good.

Thanks Prof and JD. As always.

Time to do some homework and draw up a shorlist!!

 

[Anonymous]

I used part of my lunch hour to go and listen to the Aktimates 2, a Yamaha mini-system with dock (but no DAB tuner) that sounded alright, a Fatboy valve docking system (with Fatboy speakers). That far, I found the Aktimates a great possible option. They sounded a bit heavy in the lower frequencies department though (compared for instance to the Fatboy). Lots of room for manoeuvre when it comes to going loud though.

 

[matthewpiano]

Just a word of warning on the Denon DM37DAB, if you look at that. The volume control on it is shocking. The gaps between each increment are too big and the tonal quality changes noticeably with each change. It lets down what is otherwise a very good system and makes it difficult to enjoy.

I tried downgrading to one (which I still have here at present) but ended up getting the TEAC instead (which I now feel is substantially superior in sound quality anyway, having listened to both).

 

[Anonymous]

matthewpiano:Just a word of warning on the Denon DM37DAB, if you look at that. The volume control on it is shocking. The gaps between each increment are too big and the tonal quality changes noticeably with each change. It lets down what is otherwise a very good system and makes it difficult to enjoy. I tried downgrading to one (which I still have here at present) but ended up getting the TEAC instead (which I now feel is substantially superior in sound quality anyway, having listened to both).

I had read the review and comment you left on the Denon page. The shop I went to didn't have it on display but I'm sure they can bring it in. Also, nearly forgot a could-do-better mention for the Pioneer amplified CD player box (dunno model number) which won't let you control your iPod control from its touchscreen and smooth interface. Instead it's all done rather clumsily via the player's RC. Not impressed. At the moment the Aktimate 2's are still leading...