Would I Benefit From a DAC?

steveinaz

If you're not a big am/fm guy, an Integrated amp would be within reach and get you alot closer...just a thought. How much can you spend?

pkdowning

I would definitely be interested in an integrated amp as I never listen to AM/FM.
Is it possible to get into an integrated amp for less than $500 new or used??

steveinaz

Used, I'm sure you could--new might be tougher. From what I'm seeing "new" you'd have a little less output (spec wise) but in reality I think you're real world output would be way better. Low cost receivers tend to fudge a bit on their output capabilities.

Take a look here, just to get an idea-- http://www.audioadvisor.com/products.asp?dept=9

Check out the NAD, Cambridge, Marantz offerings. Also check different websites for "demo" or "open box" gear. Personally, I'd rather have 45 "NAD" watts, than 90 "Receiver" watts, but that's a long discussion, for another time.

pkdowning

Doing a quick search on the forums, some of the recommendations were:
Music Hall A15.2
Outlaw RR2150
Harmon Kardon 3390

AsSiMiLaTeD

Check out Cambridge, NAD and Music Hall. All three companies have integrateds below $500 that perform very well and would be a significant improvement over the AVR you have now for music playback. Personally, I'm a big fan of Music Hall at any pricepoint below $800 or so...

steveinaz

This is in the Polk flea market:

http://www.polkaudio.com/forums/showthread.php?134714-FS-Very-Nice-Yamaha-A-1000-120-w-ch-Class-A-AB-integrated-amp

Well within your budget.

pkdowning

There is actually a Music Hall 15.2 integrated amp on Audiogon for $388. I was really considering it, but noticed that it doesn't do Speaker A and B. I have a pair of outdoor speakers that are connected to my Onkyo receiver that I would like to obviously still be able to utilize for non critical listening. The NAD C 356BEE as well as the Cambridge 651A have speaker A and speaker B.

tonyb

Nothing wrong with a vintage piece either like a Sansui or Marantz. Alot of the vintage stuff has speaker A and B switching. You could also just get a seperate speaker switch box to control those outdoor speakers. Relatively cheap too.

I use an old Sony receiver to control my outdoor speaks and kitchen area speaks, though wouldn't mind snagging a Sansui integrated to replace it.

Lost240

A dac should make a large difference over the airport express.

tonyb

Wants to be on Broadway someday....naked. ^^^^^

SCompRacer

tonyb wrote: »

Wants to be on Broadway someday....naked. ^^^^^

I'm happy I didn't post just prior to the deleted spammer.......:cheesygrin:

Lost240

Unfortunately I did....What is that all about??

tonyb

My obnoxious comment was aimed at a spammer who has been deleted....leaving little ol' me looking like it was directed at you. It wasn't....but if ya like I can come up with something for ya.

SCompRacer

And it wasn’t a real bad comment….hell, I danced on Broadway once. I wasn’t naked, it wasn’t in New York, but I was drunk.:biggrin:

tonyb

SCompRacer wrote: »

And it wasn’t a real bad comment….hell, I danced on Broadway once. I wasn’t naked, it wasn’t in New York, but I was drunk.:biggrin:

In Boys Town ? Rich...I never knew.:biggrin:

Devlon

tonyb wrote: »

Not to the point that you would say it was worth the coin. Why only stream Mog anyway ? What are you using at the moment ?

As far as online music streaming MOG is the only one that universally streams at 320kbps