Hello everyone,
First of all, this is my first post in this forum, and I hope I am doing everything right. Since I finally have the financial means to build my own stereo system, I have been doing some research for the past month. So naturally I have been a lurker in this forum for quite some time now. For the speakers yesterday I finally pulled the trigger and bought a pair of Arendals 1723 THX Tower. Reviews, Measurements and the outstanding support from the Arendal guys made this (difficult) decision ultimately feel right. Since you cannot really audition them, I cannot wait for the speakers to arrive.
Now I need an amp to power the 1723s. To me this decision is very difficult. I have read a lot of opinions about amps ranging from "there is no real sound difference between solid state amps unless the amps are manipulating the input on purpose" to "amps are the core piece piece for an audiophile experience, and you need to splash real money to get a good amp". In combination with the tube vs hybrid vs solid state discussion I am left confused.
Maybe you guys can help me out to make an good decision.
What I need:
These are the
All-In-One Streamers
What are your thoughts / recommendations?
First of all, this is my first post in this forum, and I hope I am doing everything right. Since I finally have the financial means to build my own stereo system, I have been doing some research for the past month. So naturally I have been a lurker in this forum for quite some time now. For the speakers yesterday I finally pulled the trigger and bought a pair of Arendals 1723 THX Tower. Reviews, Measurements and the outstanding support from the Arendal guys made this (difficult) decision ultimately feel right. Since you cannot really audition them, I cannot wait for the speakers to arrive.
Now I need an amp to power the 1723s. To me this decision is very difficult. I have read a lot of opinions about amps ranging from "there is no real sound difference between solid state amps unless the amps are manipulating the input on purpose" to "amps are the core piece piece for an audiophile experience, and you need to splash real money to get a good amp". In combination with the tube vs hybrid vs solid state discussion I am left confused.
Maybe you guys can help me out to make an good decision.
What I need:
- Majority of the time, I am going keep the volume low. I probably won't need too much wattage. With 92dB/2.83v/1m the 1723s should be quite sensitive anyways.
- I want to be able to control music from devices connected to my network. It doesnt matter too much to me if I buy an integrated streamer, or a separate streamer to achieve this
- Later down the route I want to have a NAS with music stored. System should be compatible with this.
- System should be roon ready
- System should have an Input for my TV / Beamer. Preferably HDMI Arc, so I dont have to manually switch between source all the time.
- Set-up should be roughly $2k on the second hand market unless you have very compelling arguments, why I need more expensive gear.
- I want to have the possibility to turn down the bass
- System should look aesthetically pleasing. I am going for a scandinavian and modern feel in my living space, so the devices shouldnt have this "busy"-look with a million buttons and knobs etc.
- System should have a phono in, so I might buy a turntable later down the road
These are the
All-In-One Streamers
- Cambridge Evo 75 / 150 (so far my preference, since it seems to be traded a lot in the second hand market)
- Naim Atom (2x 40W? Can that be enough? Also there seems to be a quite large fraction in the community who despise Naim, so I am careful with this brand)
- Rose RS 520 (looks nice, but rather expansive and not easy to get in europe)
- Benchmark AHB2 + Ext. Streamer
- (Budget Version) Yamaha A-501 + Ext. Streamer (Though I am not sure how I would connect my TV or my streamer to it)
- Vincent SV237 or Vincent SV200 + Ext. Streamer (This hybrid-idea came from a review of jays iyagi, who reviewed the 1723 and recommends hybrid amps with it. Not sure what to think of that)
- Heaven 11 Billie + Ext. Streamer
What are your thoughts / recommendations?