Help me build minimal 2-channel system for senior US Diplomat's house

Intel92

I've been asked to buy a simple 2-channel system for the Ambassador here and would like your input. It's an easy task but I don't want to mess this up! haha.

- No used equipment
- Budget total: Not to exceed $5,000 ($3,000 is my personal max, well under preferred)
- 2 channel, 1 large room.
- Only for music
- Minimal speakers (no towers)
- Wireless (not a must but absolutely preferred)
- ipod dock (not a must but absolutely preferred)
- separate cd player (multi cd preferred)

I'm going to build 3 systems of varying costs and then he will decide which he wants.

Thanks for the help.

Wayne

deronb1

No towers for a large room? Prolly going to need a sub. I would look at cambridge audio stuff with b and w pm1 speakers and a mid level sub. Velodyne svs or hsu

D_M

Intel92,

All prices are MSRP so you should be able to look around and save the extra $400. You are probably going to need a rack for the equipment and stands for the speakers, but it all depends on what is already in the room. If the room already has a credenza or something, you are probably all set.

Marantz M-CR603............MSRP $700
Marantz MM7025 ............MSRP $800
Marantz CC4003..............MSRP $400
Polk LSiM 703................. MSRP $1500

---

$3400

zingo

The above recommendations looks pretty solid, and should be available world wide.

rooftop59

teh first question is what exactly do you want to be wireless? A music server? The speakers? A networked receiver?

Here are some options (but nothing is wireless):

1. NAD - C-326BEE Integrated Amp- 550 from audioadvisor.com
2. Peachtree - musicBox - Hybrid-Integrated w/DAC (an iPod dock and DAC) - 575 from aa
3. Marantz- CC-4003 5 Disc Changer - 400 from audioadvisor
4. NHT Classic 3 Bookshelf Speakers - 800 demo from audioadvisor (available directly from NHT as well)
5. Sanus - Steel Foundations - Mark IV Speaker Stands - 130 from aa

Pretty sweet system well under budget, which is good because you will need to reserve at least 200-300 for cables, probably closer to 500 for a system like this. Of course there are a TON of options. Good luck.

Intel92

Thanks Gents (assumably).

The room is large but the music to be played 90% of the time will be background music during receptions. I should have mentioned that. A sub will not be necessary.

D_M - will the 603 power the speakers well enough for that by itself?

roof - He would prefer the speakers to be wireless.

Thanks for the responses, doing some reading now. Unfortunately I'm on the other side of the world and it's difficult to reply in good time.

doctor r

On the wireless speaker side of the equation the Dynaudio Xeo 3 or 5 is a possibility. They could be blended in to most interiors and the system contains the amplifiers and DAC in each of the speaker cabinets. All they need is a power cord and a wireless connection (WIFI) to a computer for the music feed. I believe the Xeo 3 system lists for around $2300 USD.

Emlyn

Depends if the Ambassador wants to have a system permanently installed for functions or have something he can take with him when his term is up. Since it's just for background noise, I'd recommend a set of in-ceiling or in-wall speakers. Probably more than two speakers to cover the room. Put whatever other gear in a cabinet somewhere out of the way. Doesn't matter much what the gear is. Could be a receiver. I would recommend more than two channel amplification to cover the whole room equally. You'll also need to have a pro handle the installation, although an electrician could do it.

For speakers, something like these:

http://www.polkaudio.com/products/900ls

doctor r

Reported ^

AsSiMiLaTeD

As much as it paints me to say it, for something like that with just background music I'd just get a Bose system and be done with it.

zingo

Good call on the Dynaudio Xeo speakers are they are very nice.

decal

AsSiMiLaTeD wrote: »

As much as it paints me to say it, for something like that with just background music I'd just get a Bose system and be done with it.

Nothing wrong with that suggestion. Bose is really good for background music.

polkfarmboy

1 pair of KEF ls50 .... $1300 to $1500 new
1 Peachtree Audio iNova Digital iPod Dock with DAC $1399 new
1 Marantz CC4003 5 Disc CD Changer $400 new

Here is some links to read, I would be proud to put that together for my boss

KEF ... http://www.kefdirect.com/ls50.html?gclid=CMf9jYbpmrcCFclr7AodPAMAtQ

Peachtree integrated..... http://www.amazon.com/Peachtree-Audio-iNova-Digital-Gloss/dp/B004MNQ730/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1368713636&sr=8-5&keywords=peachtree+audio

Marantz .... http://www.amazon.com/Marantz-CC4003-Disc-Changer-Black/dp/B002KKCPA6/ref=sr_1_81?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1368713849&sr=1-81&keywords=multi-disc+cd+player

leftwinger57

Just curious here.How and what kind of security clearance do you have ?Probably none of my buiness but these things do interest me.

Intel92

Gents - THANKS for all of the input! I made my recommendations and we'll see what happens. I think he's going to go with a Marantz set up. I also recommended Martin Logan flat panel on-walls. I think I've convinced him that wireless isn't necessary. Once we receive everything and I get it set up I'll post a picture.

Leftwinger - There are actually only 3 levels of classification. Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. You might hear of someone having an SCI clearance (Sensitive Compartmented Information, usually written as TS/SCI) and that it is higher than Top Secret. Not true. Among the 3 clearance levels there are what are called caveats (including SCI) and other special categories programs (SPECAT) that individuals get read on to if they have the need to know. So that's some general info but I can't go much further for ya.

George Grand

Wayne!

Top Secret here 1978-2008. 15 years working for SAC gives you the BIG picture.

If the Bose system is what he/she wants, get the competing/equivalent Cambridge Soundworks equipment. He can save a bundle on the Bose, and live happily...

Make him buy a turntable so, you know. So he needs vinyl.

leftwinger57

Hey George was Curtis Lemay still around SAC in those days. That was one dude you did not trifel with. His way or you were shipped to Greenland.......

doctorcilantro

Based on what I have used

Zotac ZBOX (300 USD?)
Antelope Silver (1500 USD)
Hoyt Bedford Model 1.5 (2?) (1500 shipped)
APPJ tube amp (200 USD)
Cables ****


The Peachtree is a good choice though!


Do you have HiFi in Oman? I usually order from US and hand carry, Dubai, or there is one over the causeway on Bahrain. Muscat is on my short list for future trips.

George Grand

Curtis was long gone by the time I was in SAC. He WAS feisty.

I think when he retired he started a R&B group, Little Curtis & The Airbursts.

oldwave

Just bought the following system and LOVE it: Marantz integrated amp PM6004, Marantz CD player CD6004. Also bought 2 pairs of Polk speakers that both have been used with this system: RTi A1 and RTi A3. The A3's sound huge with this system. Moved these to another system and bought the A1's for this system which is in a small room. This is the best music system I have ever owned. Buy two sets of A3's for 2 different rooms and you will be nowhere close to the top of your budget.

Intel92

Hilarious George!! By the way, if you haven't noticed, I kinda went off the radar for quite some time. Had some personal and professional things to deal with but you can expect to hear from me as usual again soon.

So thanks for all of the responses. I've made my recommendations to him and we'll see what they order. Once it all arrives I'll bump this thread up.