View Full Version : Starter amp and DAC recommendations for a young music lover
I am starting to hunt around for some components to set up my eldest daughter with her first audio system for her upcoming move into an apartment in the city. She'll be graduating from university this year and is starting a job downtown after the summer. She loves music, values good sound quality, loves vinyl for its sound and not because it's trendy. Musical tastes range from alternative, acoustical, folk-influenced alternative, jazz, and a little classical. No rock, metal, or hip-hop. Doesn't care for overly heavy bass, but likes accurate, crisp, dynamic sound that highlight vocals, acoustic guitars, wind and brass instruments. Transparency and detail would rule here. Full midrange, lots of quickness and jump.
So far I have acquired an original Rega Planar 2 turntable which I will upgrade with a few sensible mods (nothing over the top...mostly motor and deck isolation-focused). Arm and cartridge undetermined, but they will be good quality....something like an RB300/2M Bronze, or equivalent.
Digital source will be a Macbook, most likely running Spotify and iTunes.
Her Grandpa is giving her a pair of his old KEF stand-mounted speakers; model unknown, circa 1980's vintage. They are two-way, unported, so will likely need good oomph from whatever amp I end up getting. He ran them with a Quad 306 and I don't think it enough gas in the tank for those.
So what I'd like some opinion on from the group here is the amp and DAC. Budget about C$1000 (600 GBP) for both.
Re. the amp -- this could be compact separates or an integrated, new or second hand (prefer the latter for value for money). We'd probably need 75 to 100 watts to really drive the KEFs, but I could be wrong. I see that some of the new integrated amps have built-in DACs. My concern here is redundancy of the on-board DAC after a few short years, so instinct says to go for a high quality traditional amp and separate DAC that can be upgraded when needed.
Older integrated models that I'm considering are the Rega Mira, one of the more powerful NAD integrated units, or something from Arcam or Cambridge. I love the Sugden sound, but I don't think they made anything much over 50 wpc(?). For separates, some of the older Bryston combos can be had here for very reasonable prices, being a local company, but some of their early stuff had a very grainy sound. I'm also not averse to Japanese units if simply designed, well made and good sounding -- most of them have so many superfluous bells and whistles that I'd be turned off by....and they tend to be rather large.
I haven't heard most of these, and definitely not recently, so opinions most welcome. If new, then the field is wide open, but I'm doubtful I'd find anything suitably powerful within the budget. How about Class D? I know nothing about this - can these little amps drive a larger unported speaker like the KEF?
As for the DAC, I'm leaning toward one of the Schiit units as they are good value, preferably one that can be upgraded (if it makes sense to do so). On the budget end perhaps one of the Dragonfly models would do the job.
So, advice welcomed and gratefully accepted. Hopefully I'm on the right track with my amp leanings. Looking forward to hearing some recommendations.
Kind regards,
Svend
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XiangSheng-DAC-01A-XMOS-USB-DAC-Tube-Audio-Decoder-Headphone-Amplifier-Pre-Amp/272817107751?hash=item3f852ab327:g:G68AAOSwr6xZnTp x
As a dac these are hard to beat at anywhere near its cost. good headphone amp too and has great connectivity. V/C only used in headphones.
How about Class D? I know nothing about this - can these little amps drive a larger unported speaker like the KEF?
As for the DAC, I'm leaning toward one of the Schiit units as they are good value, preferably one that can be upgraded (if it makes sense to do so). On the budget end perhaps one of the Dragonfly models would do the job.
So, advice welcomed and gratefully accepted. Hopefully I'm on the right track with my amp leanings. Looking forward to hearing some recommendations.
Kind regards,
Svend
I've been using a TEAC AI-311DA ampDAC in my office system for a few months - it's only 30w Class D but put up a good fight with my big Spendor D9s when asked. The DAC side is DSD native and sounds excellent with upsampled CD from Audirvana on my Mac. Remote control and headphone socket, Blutooth for Iphone with 2 digi and 2 line inputs spare - you've have to budget for a phono stage for vinyl. Just a thought...
DGP
Haselsh1
12-01-2018, 03:43
Not sure I can add much to this thread but I have owned two Sony TA-FB940R integrated amplifiers in the past and have been really impressed by them. They currently do the rounds at just over a ton in UKP, have a really good solid output and look amazing. Seriously good luck in your quest.
Grant - thanks for the tip on the DAC. I've not heard of that one, but then this is all new territory for me, these DACs and all. Great price...only about C$200. Hard to beat. I may even buy one for myself at that price. How do they hold up sound quality wise wrt. audiophile standards?
David - I'll check out the Teac unit. Good to know that the lower powered class D stuff can hold it's own. I really need to learn more about that technology. A good friend mine, who's an audio engineer, built a little class D integrated amp about ten years ago - it sounded amazing. So clear and transparent and lively. I can imagine that the new stuff has only improved since then.
Shaun - thanks for the suggestion of the Sony. I know the Japanese have made some great sounding pieces - I recently heard some big Onkyo separates that blew me away, and I personally own a very nice Sony preamp (TAE-86B) that sounds terrific. But finding the jewels amongst all the mediocre mass-market stuff needs insight like yours. I'll check that out!
Thanks,
Svend
Sound is tops. Ive had a few really good dacs and I like this the best. If needed there is a simple mod to bring the vc into play. Some prefer it this way. I don't although it's handy for matching
StanleyB
12-01-2018, 09:37
DAC wise you could of course also buy British and support British engineering, such as the Caiman SEG :).
wee tee cee
12-01-2018, 09:55
A rega brio amp should fit the bill power wise with a good phono stage.
A SEG is a very good dac with an excellent head phone section.
This pairing would save change for a pair of cans to let your daughter listen late at night.
Sherwood
12-01-2018, 10:37
I have one of these and can recommend it highly. Has one analogue input but the rest are digital. More than powerful enough to drive your speakers and the bluetooth dongle is very useful for streaming from a phone or tablet.
https://www.amazon.com/NuForce-DDA120-Integrated-Bluetooth-Black/dp/B00UOVOVXM
Geoff
Sherwood
12-01-2018, 11:58
I should have added that this amp does not require a separate dac, though you will need a phono preamp. One option is a Rega phono preamp which has a usb digital out.
I only noticed the low price of $249 after I posted my earlier comments. Do not be put off by this. This is a quality amp.
Geoff
A SMSL Sanscrit available from Amazon for less than 100 pounds should be on your shortlist.
I have one and for the money it is a superb listen, besting the on-board converter in my Roksan CDP.
It has optical, coax and usb inputs and with its all metal construction really looks the part....check out the many reviews.
NIGE.
Ive an smsl dac headphone amp too and has rca out at back for a big system too. M6 minidac and it's very good too A bit dearer than the samscrit tho. Make good gear smsl
Rega Brio R or NAD316BEE
+
Beresford Caiman II/SEG DAC
Thanks Gents! Some great suggestions here. Lots of food for thought and research to do. Fun stuff!
The Rega amps are high on my short list, mostly for their sound (per the reviews at least), but also their straightforward build quality. I just like the company's philosophy as to how they design and build their stuff. As for the Brio R -- that's the previous model to the 2017 version, correct? Knowing that it will be driving older KEF unported stand speakers, do you think the 50wpc will have the steam to handle these?
I haven't ruled out a Class D amp yet, so thanks Geoff -- good suggestion. Amazon Canada has it for C$540 - still very reasonable. Bluetooth would certainly be handy to play from a smartphone just for casual listening, which might be perfect for a young person. As mentioned, I've heard a Class D many years ago, and was impressed. Over time it sounded a bit sterile and too detailed, almost too perfect, but that was 10 years ago. I'm sure the technology has advanced considerably since then. Need to check this out a bit more....
Abe -- good tip on the NAD unit. I've seen a few of those pop up in our local online audio mart for very reasonable prices. I will check it out...
Stanley -- is Beresford sold in North America? Do you have any dealers over here? I'm always happy to support European and N. American manufacturers, and almost always buy that way even if it costs more. After-sales support is the thing, and I often find that the item is less expensive in the long run for that very reason.
Ditto supporting bricks and mortar retailers. In this case, auditioning and buying audio gear, if I can I will almost certainly buy from a local store. In this area we are blessed with some excellent shops. Given the crappy weather here these days, I might just venture into the city tomorrow and drop in on a couple for some chats and listening.
Cheers,
Svend
Sherwood
12-01-2018, 15:34
Thanks Gents! Some great suggestions here. Lots of food for thought and research to do. Fun stuff!
The Rega amps are high on my short list, mostly for their sound (per the reviews at least), but also their straightforward build quality. I just like the company's philosophy as to how they design and build their stuff. As for the Brio R -- that's the previous model to the 2017 version, correct? Knowing that it will be driving older KEF unported stand speakers, do you think the 50wpc will have the steam to handle these?
I haven't ruled out a Class D amp yet, so thanks Geoff -- good suggestion. Amazon Canada has it for C$540 - still very reasonable. Bluetooth would certainly be handy to play from a smartphone just for casual listening, which might be perfect for a young person. As mentioned, I've heard a Class D many years ago, and was impressed. Over time it sounded a bit sterile and too detailed, almost too perfect, but that was 10 years ago. I'm sure the technology has advanced considerably since then. Need to check this out a bit more....
Abe -- good tip on the NAD unit. I've seen a few of those pop up in our local online audio mart for very reasonable prices. I will check it out...
Stanley -- is Beresford sold in North America? Do you have any dealers over here? I'm always happy to support European and N. American manufacturers, and almost always buy that way even if it costs more. After-sales support is the thing, and I often find that the item is less expensive in the long run for that very reason.
Ditto supporting bricks and mortar retailers. In this case, auditioning and buying audio gear, if I can I will almost certainly buy from a local store. In this area we are blessed with some excellent shops. Given the crappy weather here these days, I might just venture into the city tomorrow and drop in on a couple for some chats and listening.
Cheers,
Svend
Svend,
my reason for suggesting the ddA 120 is that is has all the qualities you mentioned: speed, energy, attack. It is very detailed without sounding harsh. I am using mine in the living room as the heart of a multimedia system. I was playing Fleetwood Mac's Live in Boston DVD recently and was really taken back by the impact and slam of drums through the amp (played through the tv optical out feed from the dvd). Aside from sound quality, it is really well made and very compact. I am sure that there is a dealer in Ontario where you could have one demo'd. I am hoping to be i the USA soon and if Amazon still has stocks will try and pick up a second unit.
BTW, this is a PWM device. To quote Nuforce: its PWM power amplifier stage is modulated directly by the incoming signal, and the digital-to-analog conversion takes place at the speaker outputs. In effect, the PWM power amplifier stage operates as a power DAC.”
Geoff
If you need an iOS DAC I've been trying to sell my NuForce DAC/Headphone/Pre amp that is iPhone/iPad/iPod only. Can be used as a digital pre amp, DAC or headphone amp. Has built in volume control.
Would work great with a set of active speakers.
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?t=48072
Gets great reviews and was very good plugged into my TQ Claymore Amp as PMC 21 speakers.
Pair it with a set of Q Acoustics active speakers for under £200 and your sorted.
Edit: just noticed you're in Canada so not practical to buy my NuForce, but definitely worth looking out for one locally.
wee tee cee
12-01-2018, 16:41
Temple audio build some lovely sounding digital amps.
I have a bantum and four of their mono blocks.
They are a lovely sounding amp in the midrange-work really well with all manner of speakers.
They dont have a problem driving 57s so can handle difficult loads no problem.
I only bettered theyre performance with Colin Wonfor designed amps!!
Add a rega phono stage and tisbury audio pre and your daughter is sorted.
Tony - Wow! that new Temple Bantam One looks fantastic. The walnut face plate -- very nice! If it sounds as good as it looks, then it could be a winner. No pricing for 2018 on this unit, but no rush. I'll check back in a while. Looking at prices for the rest of their line, I'd expect this one to be very reasonable. Thanks for pointing me there.
Geoff -- yup, you've nailed it: "...speed, energy, attack....very detailed without sounding harsh....". Pretty much sums up what she would like in a system. I'll take a close look at that unit. Seems like it would suit very well.
I'm sure hoping the old KEFs are up to the task. I haven't heard them in many years so can't really recall what they sound like. I'll have Gramps bring them over at their next visit and we can give 'em a run on our system.
Guys, thanks very much for all the replies. Much appreciated. You've opened up a few great options here, most I hadn't even heard of or considered. The world of DACs and digital sources is all new to me, so I'm learning a lot. This is pertinent to my own systems too, as I'll be setting up a second rig in our basement at some point in the next few months, and intend to have a good DAC running from an old laptop. So I'll be shopping for two DACs, as it happens. I'll post back with what I end up with.
All the best,
Svend
Pieoftheday
12-01-2018, 21:02
I am starting to hunt around for some components to set up my eldest daughter with her first audio system for her upcoming move into an apartment in the city. She'll be graduating from university this year and is starting a job downtown after the summer. She loves music, values good sound quality, loves vinyl for its sound and not because it's trendy. Musical tastes range from alternative, acoustical, folk-influenced alternative, jazz, and a little classical. No rock, metal, or hip-hop. Doesn't care for overly heavy bass, but likes accurate, crisp, dynamic sound that highlight vocals, acoustic guitars, wind and brass instruments. Transparency and detail would rule here. Full midrange, lots of quickness and jump.
So far I have acquired an original Rega Planar 2 turntable which I will upgrade with a few sensible mods (nothing over the top...mostly motor and deck isolation-focused). Arm and cartridge undetermined, but they will be good quality....something like an RB300/2M Bronze, or equivalent.
Digital source will be a Macbook, most likely running Spotify and iTunes.
Her Grandpa is giving her a pair of his old KEF stand-mounted speakers; model unknown, circa 1980's vintage. They are two-way, unported, so will likely need good oomph from whatever amp I end up getting. He ran them with a Quad 306 and I don't think it enough gas in the tank for those.
So what I'd like some opinion on from the group here is the amp and DAC. Budget about C$1000 (600 GBP) for both.
Re. the amp -- this could be compact separates or an integrated, new or second hand (prefer the latter for value for money). We'd probably need 75 to 100 watts to really drive the KEFs, but I could be wrong. I see that some of the new integrated amps have built-in DACs. My concern here is redundancy of the on-board DAC after a few short years, so instinct says to go for a high quality traditional amp and separate DAC that can be upgraded when needed.
Older integrated models that I'm considering are the Rega Mira, one of the more powerful NAD integrated units, or something from Arcam or Cambridge. I love the Sugden sound, but I don't think they made anything much over 50 wpc(?). For separates, some of the older Bryston combos can be had here for very reasonable prices, being a local company, but some of their early stuff had a very grainy sound. I'm also not averse to Japanese units if simply designed, well made and good sounding -- most of them have so many superfluous bells and whistles that I'd be turned off by....and they tend to be rather large.
I haven't heard most of these, and definitely not recently, so opinions most welcome. If new, then the field is wide open, but I'm doubtful I'd find anything suitably powerful within the budget. How about Class D? I know nothing about this - can these little amps drive a larger unported speaker like the KEF?
As for the DAC, I'm leaning toward one of the Schiit units as they are good value, preferably one that can be upgraded (if it makes sense to do so). On the budget end perhaps one of the Dragonfly models would do the job.
So, advice welcomed and gratefully accepted. Hopefully I'm on the right track with my amp leanings. Looking forward to hearing some recommendations.
Kind regards,
Svend
Older arcam. Stuff, ZZZzzzzzzz , just me of course
Hey James -- good to know :). Wouldn't want my daughter falling asleep listening to Kenny G. No, wait, that'd be her old man... Zzzzz (just kidding...I'd use a Kenny G disc for a frisbee).
How about the newer Arcam range? Like the A19? Any good? Seems to be well reviewed.
Svend
PS -- I see you have a Cambridge Azur power amp. How do you like it? I can get a new CXA60 integrated here for a good price. Worth looking at?
Lawrence001
13-01-2018, 08:54
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XiangSheng-DAC-01A-XMOS-USB-DAC-Tube-Audio-Decoder-Headphone-Amplifier-Pre-Amp/272817107751?hash=item3f852ab327:g:G68AAOSwr6xZnTp x
As a dac these are hard to beat at anywhere near its cost. good headphone amp too and has great connectivity. V/C only used in headphones.They seem to do a dac 03 now, I.would assume it's better and might have the xmos usb upgrade as standard at a lower price than the 01, although I haven't looked recently and prices on these fluctuate as sellers come and go I've noticed.
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
Pieoftheday
13-01-2018, 09:37
Hey James -- good to know :). Wouldn't want my daughter falling asleep listening to Kenny G. No, wait, that'd be her old man... Zzzzz (just kidding...I'd use a Kenny G disc for a frisbee).
How about the newer Arcam range? Like the A19? Any good? Seems to be well reviewed.
Svend
PS -- I see you have a Cambridge Azur power amp. How do you like it? I can get a new CXA60 integrated here for a good price. Worth looking at?
Hi Svend ,maybe I'm doing the old Arcam stuff a disservice, the stuff I had just didn't do it for me, I haven't heard any of the new gear. The Cambridge power amp works really well for me,seems well put together,speaker binding posts are a bit cheap and nasty though. Plenty of power,drives my usher s520 speakers really well, I've read good things about the new Cambridge cx range but haven't heard them yet,:) Jim
Thanks Jim. I think I might take a closer look at that CXA60, and hopefully give it a good listen soon. I've checked out some reviews and they're all good.
To the gang: has anyone had experience with the Mies i100 integrated? I chatted with a few shops on the phone yesterday and a couple mentioned this one as a solid choice. Very reasonable price too - C$500.
Best,
Svend
Edit: Apologies, ignore the question re. Mies amp. This seems to be a N. America only product, Canadian manufacturer as it happens, but probably not made it to the UK as yet.
The Young DAC with psu in the classifieds is very very good (I have one).
Lawrence001
14-01-2018, 09:16
I might be listing a Lead Audio/Northern Fidelity 32/384 dac next week for £200. It had a rave 5 globe review in HiFi World when it was £650.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.divineaudio.co.uk/downloads/reviews/lead-audio-review.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwiEn8v5jtfYAhUKKcAKHWu6Cm8QFjANegQICBAB&usg=AOvVaw2LBO6KTdPZwwNN2u1NsMnz
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
The Young DAC with psu in the classifieds is very very good (I have one).
Me too.
The Young with a linear power supply will be hard to beat for sensible money.
Tristan, Lawrence, Gazjam -- thanks for the the head's-up on stuff for sale in our forum. Unfortunately I'm in Canada and we're running on 120V here, so that pretty much rules out most everything for sale over there in the UK. Believe me, I've been tempted -- some great stuff being listed there. So I just avoid looking in there now :). Shipping and customs duties are also a hassle. But thanks for the recommendations on these two DACs. I'll be visiting some shops here soon and I'll see if they're available on this side of the pond.
Regards,
Svend
Sherwood
15-01-2018, 17:55
Tristan, Lawrence, Gazjam -- thanks for the the head's-up on stuff for sale in our forum. Unfortunately I'm in Canada and we're running on 120V here, so that pretty much rules out most everything for sale over there in the UK. Believe me, I've been tempted -- some great stuff being listed there. So I just avoid looking in there now :). Shipping and customs duties are also a hassle. But thanks for the recommendations on these two DACs. I'll be visiting some shops here soon and I'll see if they're available on this side of the pond.
Regards,
Svend
Sounds like a good reason to take a trip over the border and buy a DDA 120!:)
Sounds like a good reason to take a trip over the border and buy a DDA 120!:)
Could very well happen :). In fact, my in-laws live in Michigan, about 4-1/2 hrs. drive away, so we get stuff sent there, umm...every now and then ;)
Sherwood
15-01-2018, 21:12
Sounds like you are somewhere between London and Kitchener. Know the area well. Spent a month or more travelling around the Great Lakes and ended u picking up a pair of Reference 3A speakers from the manufacturer in Kitchener.
Geoff
Nice one! Great speakers. I'm actually about an hour east of Kitchener/Waterloo, north of Toronto. Hope you enjoyed your travels here :). No shortage of things to see and do.
Best,
Svend
Sherwood
16-01-2018, 09:55
Nice one! Great speakers. I'm actually about an hour east of Kitchener/Waterloo, north of Toronto. Hope you enjoyed your travels here :). No shortage of things to see and do.
Best,
Svend
Yes I very much enjoyed my time wandering around the lakes. Also, very pleased with my Reference 3a De Capo speakers. I am actually using these speakers with the DDA 120 in my lounge and the combination is very good. The De Capos were my main speaker for a long time but have been displaced by Magneplanar 1.7s which I have set up in a dedicated music room (i.e. spare bedroom).
Hope you find a suitable amp at a good price.
Geoff
Thanks Geoff. I was hoping to do some auditioning of amps this past weekend, but it was too cold to go wandering around the city for hours. I'll try again next week...
Great to hear you had a good time exploring this area. I take it you weren't here in winter, otherwise you wouldn't be so enthusiastic :).
I'll let you know what I find in way of amps.
Best,
Svend
Sherwood
16-01-2018, 14:22
Svend,
actually it was pretty chilly whilst I was there but having spent much of the last 20 years working in the tropics its nice to have a bit of a contrast.
Although it is not relevant to your current search, whilst on that trip I also bought one of these http://www.audiosector.com/chassis_patek2_amp.shtml. It is a beautifully constructed power amp that sounds very valve like. The amp is dwarfed by the power supply. If you see one of these for sale second hand locally I would grab it.
Geoff
Looks amazing. What a nice piece of kit that must be. I just read the 6 Moons review, and it couldn't have been more complimentary. Thanks for the head's up on that -- I'll keep on the lookout for one. I see he makes an integrated as well. Price seems quite reasonable, actually.
Thanks,
Svend
Lawrence001
16-01-2018, 23:05
I got hold of my Lead Audio 32/384 dac today and it's not going anywhere for a while! If you want a good dac, seriously consider this, it has a wal wart power supply which I think will work anywhere. It sounds sublime, even when using the inbuilt volume control with the variable outputs. It doesn't have the (usually much better) big output stage or hefty psu but somehow they have eked great sound out of it.
Sent from my BLN-L21 using Tapatalk
Thanks Lawrence. I'll check it out. Some great recommendations from you all about good quality DACs. Lots of homework to do. BTW, I might have mentioned that I will be needing a DAC as well for my own system in the next couple of months (second system in the basement rec room), so all these suggestions are well taken. In other words, I'll be getting a DAC for my daughter and another for myself :). It'll likely be similar quality for both, as the systems will be more or less equivalent in sound quality (at least that's the plan).
Cheers,
Svend
Sherwood
11-02-2018, 14:13
Hi, did you find a suitable amp?
Geoff
Hi Geoff,
Since my last post here, my brother offered up a Sony ES series integrated amp for my daughter, gratis. It's been in storage for years, and he's happy to see it go to his niece. If that doesn't gel with the KEF speakers from Grampa, then Uncle has an NAD receiver that he's willing to part with. So she'll be well taken care of either way, and will have a nice first system.
I still need a DAC though. I will probably go with a server type unit, wifi, bluetooth and all that, considering the generation of the new owner :). TBH, I've been too busy with work to pursue this, but hope to get out to some shops this weekend. Need a DAC for my own system also, but that's low priority....
Best,
Svend
oceanobsession
28-02-2018, 22:38
tube technology unisis integrated or manley stingray , jolida valve dac , should be able to pick up these for £1000 seconhand if it has to be ss then avi pre and monos
phil.
Thanks Phil. I appreciate the recommendations. I've heard very good things about Jolida products, incl. their DACs.
Just as an aside, the contrast of very old school tube technology being used in a 21st century digital product amuses me. Makes me want to go there just for that reason. :)
Best,
Svend
I am starting to hunt around for some components to set up my eldest daughter with her first audio system for her upcoming move into an apartment in the city. She'll be graduating from university this year and is starting a job downtown after the summer. She loves music, values good sound quality, loves vinyl for its sound and not because it's trendy. Musical tastes range from alternative, acoustical, folk-influenced alternative, jazz, and a little classical. No rock, metal, or hip-hop. Doesn't care for overly heavy bass, but likes accurate, crisp, dynamic sound that highlight vocals, acoustic guitars, wind and brass instruments. Transparency and detail would rule here. Full midrange, lots of quickness and jump.
So far I have acquired an original Rega Planar 2 turntable which I will upgrade with a few sensible mods (nothing over the top...mostly motor and deck isolation-focused). Arm and cartridge undetermined, but they will be good quality....something like an RB300/2M Bronze, or equivalent.
Digital source will be a Macbook, most likely running Spotify and iTunes.
Her Grandpa is giving her a pair of his old KEF stand-mounted speakers; model unknown, circa 1980's vintage. They are two-way, unported, so will likely need good oomph from whatever amp I end up getting. He ran them with a Quad 306 and I don't think it enough gas in the tank for those.
So what I'd like some opinion on from the group here is the amp and DAC. Budget about C$1000 (600 GBP) for both.
Re. the amp -- this could be compact separates or an integrated, new or second hand (prefer the latter for value for money). We'd probably need 75 to 100 watts to really drive the KEFs, but I could be wrong. I see that some of the new integrated amps have built-in DACs. My concern here is redundancy of the on-board DAC after a few short years, so instinct says to go for a high quality traditional amp and separate DAC that can be upgraded when needed.
Older integrated models that I'm considering are the Rega Mira, one of the more powerful NAD integrated units, or something from Arcam or Cambridge. I love the Sugden sound, but I don't think they made anything much over 50 wpc(?). For separates, some of the older Bryston combos can be had here for very reasonable prices, being a local company, but some of their early stuff had a very grainy sound. I'm also not averse to Japanese units if simply designed, well made and good sounding -- most of them have so many superfluous bells and whistles that I'd be turned off by....and they tend to be rather large.
I haven't heard most of these, and definitely not recently, so opinions most welcome. If new, then the field is wide open, but I'm doubtful I'd find anything suitably powerful within the budget. How about Class D? I know nothing about this - can these little amps drive a larger unported speaker like the KEF?
As for the DAC, I'm leaning toward one of the Schiit units as they are good value, preferably one that can be upgraded (if it makes sense to do so). On the budget end perhaps one of the Dragonfly models would do the job.
So, advice welcomed and gratefully accepted. Hopefully I'm on the right track with my amp leanings. Looking forward to hearing some recommendations.
Kind regards,
Svend
I am starting to hunt around for some components to set up my eldest daughter with her first audio system for her upcoming move into an apartment in the city. She'll be graduating from university this year and is starting a job downtown after the summer. She loves music, values good sound quality, loves vinyl for its sound and not because it's trendy. Musical tastes range from alternative, acoustical, folk-influenced alternative, jazz, and a little classical. No rock, metal, or hip-hop. Doesn't care for overly heavy bass, but likes accurate, crisp, dynamic sound that highlight vocals, acoustic guitars, wind and brass instruments. Transparency and detail would rule here. Full midrange, lots of quickness and jump.
So far I have acquired an original Rega Planar 2 turntable which I will upgrade with a few sensible mods (nothing over the top...mostly motor and deck isolation-focused). Arm and cartridge undetermined, but they will be good quality....something like an RB300/2M Bronze, or equivalent.
Digital source will be a Macbook, most likely running Spotify and iTunes.
Her Grandpa is giving her a pair of his old KEF stand-mounted speakers; model unknown, circa 1980's vintage. They are two-way, unported, so will likely need good oomph from whatever amp I end up getting. He ran them with a Quad 306 and I don't think it enough gas in the tank for those.
So what I'd like some opinion on from the group here is the amp and DAC. Budget about C$1000 (600 GBP) for both.
Re. the amp -- this could be compact separates or an integrated, new or second hand (prefer the latter for value for money). We'd probably need 75 to 100 watts to really drive the KEFs, but I could be wrong. I see that some of the new integrated amps have built-in DACs. My concern here is redundancy of the on-board DAC after a few short years, so instinct says to go for a high quality traditional amp and separate DAC that can be upgraded when needed.
Older integrated models that I'm considering are the Rega Mira, one of the more powerful NAD integrated units, or something from Arcam or Cambridge. I love the Sugden sound, but I don't think they made anything much over 50 wpc(?). For separates, some of the older Bryston combos can be had here for very reasonable prices, being a local company, but some of their early stuff had a very grainy sound. I'm also not averse to Japanese units if simply designed, well made and good sounding -- most of them have so many superfluous bells and whistles that I'd be turned off by....and they tend to be rather large.
I haven't heard most of these, and definitely not recently, so opinions most welcome. If new, then the field is wide open, but I'm doubtful I'd find anything suitably powerful within the budget. How about Class D? I know nothing about this - can these little amps drive a larger unported speaker like the KEF?
As for the DAC, I'm leaning toward one of the Schiit units as they are good value, preferably one that can be upgraded (if it makes sense to do so). On the budget end perhaps one of the Dragonfly models would do the job.
So, advice welcomed and gratefully accepted. Hopefully I'm on the right track with my amp leanings. Looking forward to hearing some recommendations.
Kind regards,
Svend
Used NAD C372 at 150wpc has rock solid bass, very dynamic sound. How good? I preferred it over the far more expensive NADC375BEE, had them both and would keep the 372 over the 375. Used sell for maybe $440 CDN, leaves money for a decent DAC. The 372 sounds more real than “hifi” and does jazz and such well, along with rock, orchestral. I wish I had never sold it. I use the 375BEE now in a second system.
Another fantastic choice is the Cambridge Audio Minx XI, only 40wpc but drives my Epos bookshelfs to volumes louder than I need. The built in DAC handles up to 24/96, has 2 analog inputs (no phono pre), 2 USB inputs for external HDD, and digital inputs. The sound is very refined for the price and unnaturally even across the board with no peakiness. I have it in a third system which gets heavy use in our kitchen. Have cable box, DVD, and 1TB HDD drive with hi-res files connected. Plus it has very good wifi connection for internet radio, solid bluetooth connection which I use to stream my TIDAL hifi account. My main sytem is a $12000 CDN Air Tight tube amp, but I absolutely love the sound of the very cheap Minx XI. What HiFi gave it a 5 star review and 93% user ratings. To me this would be an ideal starter, and easy to use and stylish and ticks all the boxes. Not sure about driving your Kefs but my Epos speakers rock. https://www.whathifi.com/cambridge-audio/minx-xi/review
Hi Paul,
Some great recommendations there -- thank you! I will definitely keep those NAD and Cambridge models in mind. I've always liked the NAD sound, but don't know Cambridge at all. We'll see how things evolve with my daughter and her taste in sound quality. She has a good ear, so hopefully is discerning as to what sound character she likes in a hifi system. First thing I need to do is get hold of those KEFs and see how efficient (or not) they are. That will tell me much about what we need to drive them.
Regards,
Svend
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.3 Copyright © 2024 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.