What to do??? I'm so torn....

Terrax

and looking for input. I have been selling some stuff thinking I would try and finish my living room/media HT, but after reading some posts here, I'm now thinking I may want to invest in a good 2ch system for one of my back rooms. The room is rather small, roughly 9'W x 11'L x 9'H. And I already have speakers (Mordaunt-Short Mezzo 6's) that I am very very pleased with.

So.......... I either buy a new Integra DTC 9.8 pre for my HT set-up or I have roughly $1400 to put into a 2ch rig. And I guess what I'm asking is.... just how much gear, and what kind of quality could I get for that cash? Any suggestions? You guys are always so up on the 2ch stuff, so I couldn't think of a better place to ask.

steveinaz

Well, in a fairly small area like 9x11, you wouldn't need gobs of power--so your amp wouldn't be that much---then you'd need a pre and source. I think $1400 could get you there easily with some smart choices..

-maybe an amp in the 80-120 watt range
-preamp in the under $300 bones category (parasound PHP850 or something similar)
-replace the 2 above with a nice integrated amp
-cambridge audio CDP either used higher end model, or new lower end model

Just keep an eye on the Polk Flea Market

Face

Even though your speakers aren't that efficient, with a room that small, you may be able to get away with a smallish tube amp.

Terrax

Thanks guys. Yeah I was thinking of maybe a tube amp. Any suggestions on a pre, and what about dacs? Brands to look for? I have a Denon 2900 I haven't used in a long time.

And even if I do decide to go with the Integra 9.8, I'll still be looking to go the 2 ch route mentioned above. Would just mean a little longer to research stuff, maybe a month or so down the road.

steveinaz

Here you go:

NAD C317 Integrated...$999 150 watts/rms
Marantz CD5001 CDP...$299.99

www.audioadvisor.com

You've got $100 left to cover shipping. Send me a Christmas card.

steveinaz

Terrax wrote: »

Thanks guys. Yeah I was thinking of maybe a tube amp. Any suggestions on a pre, and what about dacs? Brands to look for? I have a Denon 2900 I haven't used in a long time.

And even if I do decide to go with the Integra 9.8, I'll still be looking to go the 2 ch route mentioned above. Would just mean a little longer to research stuff, maybe a month or so down the road.

Dude, you've only got $1400 to spend--forget an external DAC, seriously. IMO, if you're not prepared to spend a grand on an external DAC, then don't get one.

steveinaz

Correction: NAD C372

Justin, this inability to edit posts is ****.

Terrax

steveinaz wrote: »

Dude, you've only got $1400 to spend--forget an external DAC, seriously. IMO, if you're not prepared to spend a grand on an external DAC, then don't get one.

Thanks man. Understood, however I am trying to get a good feel for exactly how much its all going to cost to get into a good 2 ch system that I can be proud of. (i.e. truely enjoy) And as I stated, even if I spend the cash I have now on the 9.8, I will be investing in 2 ch. very soon. So the input here is not going to be wasted. No, I'm not a total newb to gear, but I don't have the vast combined knowledge that I know is repersented here on this forum. And.... I don't know what all is out there that is good, great or killer gear and at what prices.

I will look in to the links you provided and check'em out.

Terrax

steveinaz wrote: »

Correction: NAD C372

Justin, this inability to edit posts is ****.

I agree!

steveinaz

Terrax wrote: »

Thanks man. Understood, however I am trying to get a good feel for exactly how much its all going to cost to get into a good 2 ch system that I can be proud of. (i.e. truely enjoy) And as I stated, even if I spend the cash I have now on the 9.8, I will be investing in 2 ch. very soon. So the input here is not going to be wasted. No, I'm not a total newb to gear, but I don't have the vast combined knowledge that I know is repersented here on this forum. And.... I don't know what all is out there that is good, great or killer gear and at what prices.

I will look in to the links you provided and check'em out.

My point is, most modern CD players these days have really good DAC's built in--in order to get a significant improvement, you'd have to spend around a grand or more for it to be worthwhile to go external.

I would put together a good base system first, then add the DAC later. THis will get your music going, and won't be a step backwards.

Gaara

steveinaz wrote: »

My point is, most modern CD players these days have really good DAC's built in--in order to get a significant improvement, you'd have to spend around a grand or more for it to be worthwhile to go external.

I would put together a good base system first, then add the DAC later. THis will get your music going, and won't be a step backwards.

Depends on your tastes IMO. I found a $200 DAC easily beat out my Pioneer Elite DVD Player which I paid $1,000 for. I replaced a modded Jolida JD-100 w/ $100 tubes w/ a $400 DAC. Club Polk isn't really the place for newer technology, most trends just pass right by us.

Just a point of reference, none of my rigs sport sources that cost >$300 and I am more then happy with all of them.

candyliquor35m

Carver tfm-45 or 35 or m1.0t: $300-$500
CJ pv-7 tube pre- or AE symphonies tube pre-: $300-$600
Nos tubes: $100

See how that sounds to you before you buy a tube cdp. I've paid as little as $245 for a AH! 99 tube cdp that rivals my $600 AH! 4000 tube cdp.

Terrax

Good stuff, thanks! All of you. I can go with putting together a good base system and building from there. I just want to be able to consider all the options from the outset rather than going with a limited few. And if I can get some really cool good (and on the cheaper end) gear to begin with... then I won't as quick to spin things out. I really don't mind getting used stuff so that should net more bang for the buck right off. So many times in the past I've bought things that I had thought were going to be great, only to find out they just weren't right for me, then have to turn right around and sell them at a loss.

treitz3

I would like to agree with the tube amp. The little 8 watt tube amp I have does wonders! I have the ability to have six amps on my rig all the way down to one amp. Anywhere from 5,000 watts all the way down to the measly 8. There are many times to where the sweet sounds from that little ol' 8 watt tube amp is preferred over massive watts and multiple amplifiers.

Terrax

Well..... it came to "down to the wire" time, so I went ahead and got a local dealer to order the Integra DTC 9.8 (since his distributor had them in stock). From all that I can find they are always in limited supply due to demand outstripping supply and I got a very good discount on a factory sealed NIB unit. That should least let me finish one saga before start another. lol.

I am however still going with me a 2 ch. rig as I stated before and will be continuing to research. I found an all-in-one Shanling unit, a MC-30 that I posted here about that to me looks interesting.

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/clt.pl?intatube&1216062159&clout&3&4&

Shannon W.

Terrax,
What did you end up getting the integra for? (If you don't mind me asking)
Shannon

Terrax

Shannon W. wrote: »

Terrax,
What did you end up getting the integra for? (If you don't mind me asking)
Shannon

PM sent

Lowell_M

Terrax:
I'm not saying you have to do exactly what I did, but I couldn't be happier with my current 2-channel (accept for the addition of a Marsh A200s) and minus the speaks, below is what I spent:

Rotel RCD-1072 CDP - 3 months old on audiogon $475
Nakamichi CA5 Preamp - Audiogon $175
Adcom GFA-555 - Polk forum $300

These go to my LSi15's and fill a very large space with unbelievable sound. So, if you take your time and research components, you can find the giant killers that can be had on the used market in your budget and have an awesome 2-channel system.

PolkClyde

What I would like to do one day is to have both. a Room for HT AND a Room for my 2-Channel system.The best of both Worlds.

Terrax

PolkClyde wrote: »

What I would like to do one day is to have both. a Room for HT AND a Room for my 2-Channel system.The best of both Worlds.

Yup, thats what I'm working on now. One room for mostly HT i.e. Movies/Gaming/T.V. and a smaller room for 2 ch. i.e. Music/Computer.

I had thought I would do a 7.1 and a 5.1, but those plans about mid way through and finding that the smaller room was not going to be enough to fit what I wanted into. And its taking longer than planned due to cost/budget. But I'll get there.

Terrax

a_mattison wrote: »

Terrax:
I'm not saying you have to do exactly what I did, but I couldn't be happier with my current 2-channel (accept for the addition of a Marsh A200s) and minus the speaks, below is what I spent:

Rotel RCD-1072 CDP - 3 months old on audiogon $475
Nakamichi CA5 Preamp - Audiogon $175
Adcom GFA-555 - Polk forum $300

These go to my LSi15's and fill a very large space with unbelievable sound. So, if you take your time and research components, you can find the giant killers that can be had on the used market in your budget and have an awesome 2-channel system.

Thanks for the input. Still not sure what gear I'll end up with, other than the Speakers.... that part is a done deal after hearing my Mordaunt-Short Mezzos. I of course can't spend unlimited funds, but I have a feeling I'll end up with something I can be proud of.

okiepolkie

Have you considered one of the Cambridge Audio integrated amps for your Mezzo's. Since they are both designed in the same building, I have a feeling they would be well voiced for each other.

Terrax

Yeah I briefly thought about Cambridge, but not as much yet as I should. Going to look at whats available used from them though. Thanks for the suggestion and you right, from what little I've read so far, they would mate well.

daboyz

a_mattison wrote: »

Terrax:
I'm not saying you have to do exactly what I did, but I couldn't be happier with my current 2-channel (accept for the addition of a Marsh A200s) and minus the speaks, below is what I spent:

Rotel RCD-1072 CDP - 3 months old on audiogon $475
Nakamichi CA5 Preamp - Audiogon $175
Adcom GFA-555 - Polk forum $300

These go to my LSi15's and fill a very large space with unbelievable sound. So, if you take your time and research components, you can find the giant killers that can be had on the used market in your budget and have an awesome 2-channel system.

This setup is very good for the money. About $200 to $300 more for a Marsh
and you are good to go.

lakesailor

Face wrote: »

Even though your speakers aren't that efficient, with a room that small, you may be able to get away with a smallish tube amp.

I agree. Get a nice little SET Integrated Tube Amp; find a used CD transport and a used 2nd generation DAC and you will be in audio bliss.

Terrax

As I believe I mentioned, I got my new Integra DTC 9.8 and wow, I'm lov'n this ****. I had waited and put off getting a receiver to handle HDMI for a long time since they started becoming available, and now I'm glad I did.

It came loaded with the latest firmware and DSP updates and with all this unit can handle I'm so impressed. Set-up and connections were simple and much easier than I am used to. Sound and dynamics are great and with Audyssey movies and gaming is much more immersing and involving. Finally I feel I can now move onto my 2 ch project and not feel I'm leaving something half completed.

Yashu

MHDT Pradisea + transport with low enough jitter = bliss. You don't *need* to spend over a grand on an external DAC. As far as modern CDPs having great DACs, that is true, however, I don't know of many (any?) CDPs that have Non-OS DACs. The sound of a non-OS DAC is addictive and can be had for much less than a grand.

I am on the C372 camp. I have a C160 for pre and C350 I use as amp, and I know I could not be happier with that combo for the price. The C372 has the C162 pre built in. It is essentially separates in one chassis. You get the C162, and a very nice amp for a grand, or if you want to save money, thee c370 is a used option, and I don't think much at all changed between the c370 and 72 except for the model number. When I bought my c160, I did a little research and I know that the c162 is essentially identical... NAD tends to stick with something when it works well.

The things they have changed are the C352 vs the C350, the 52 is more powerful and some change in design to the better, and honestly, the C352, or even the C325bee could probably provide enough power, I am not sure I could go back to just a line stage, and it surely isn't *better* than the active c16x pre section, whether separate or not. The c370/72 is the only "classic" design integrated with the full active pre section that NAD offers, so it is basically a really good deal for serious audio on the cheap. I see c370s on Audiogon all the time. It was the first "real auiophile component" for so many people.

Like I said, the c370/72 would be killer, and even though it is probably more power than you need, the full separate pre section is what makes this guy truly shine through.

There are so many good external DACs under a grand that it would take a lot of time to name them all. Do some research on this one. An external DAC can be very worth it, especially the freedom it gives you in terms of transports.