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In Reply to: RE: Newbie starter system $300.00 posted by Sumflow on June 27, 2012 at 17:53:17
Good question!I have been very pleased with my current minimal cost setup:
Speakers - Polk R300 ($49.95 each on sale at Fry's, or $160 per pair everyday price at Walmart) placed about 10 inches from the rear wall these sound very good (really!)
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Polk-Audio-R300-Floorstanding-Tower-Speaker-Priced-as-a-pair/20449373
Amplifier - NuForce Icon Amp ($189), 24 Watts per channel. Plenty of power for the 90 dB efficient R300s.
http://www.nuforce.com/hp/products/iconamp/index.php
Run any line-level analog input into the amp (CD/DVD/Blu-Ray player, Ipod line out, or DAC output). I added a Schiit Bifrost DAC ($350) but before this I was using the analog output of our Sony TV and the sound was still very nice. The TV streams Pandora, Rhapsody, etc over the internet, or I can play CD's using the Blu-Ray player attached to the TV.
The amp and speakers are a very musical combination.
Edits: 06/28/12Follow Ups:
Did anyone else hear a difference when you upgraded the Dac?
"Did anyone else hear a difference when you upgraded the Dac?"
The respondent had already said, "I added a Shiit Bifrost DAC ($350) but before this I was using the analog output of our Sony TV and the sound was still very nice."
You don't understand the topic or responses?
The respondent said, "I was using the analog output of our Sony TV and the sound was still very nice."
He made no mention if the dac was any better, or if anyone else thought the dac was any better. Did anyone else hear a change when he added the dac to his very nice sounding system?
~~~
The driver smiled when he lost the car in pursuit...
I think if we're talking about a working system for $300, the lion's share of the investment needs to be on speakers, with just enough spared for necessary amplification. If you have ANY digital source now, I'd stick with that. An upgraded DAC can always come latter, but if you don't have good enough speakers (and an amp capable of properly driving them), you'll never hear the improvement in the source anyway.
BTW, although I don't think powered speakers are generally a good option in your price range, there is a pair of powered AudioPro speakers listed on ebay right now for $150 (+$100 shipping, unless you're in Washington area), that are a STEAL! If you're not familiar with AudioPro, they are a Swedish brand, known for their (very good)powered subs... the speakers on ebay are basically their sub with a two way speaker added in. Result is a near full range speaker (-3db is around 30hz, if memory serves).
...and, no I don't have anything to do with the listing, but I've heard them before, and they are quite nice. I'd been toying with picking them up myself, but until I pick up a new contract, I can't afford to throw money out for speakers that would end up sitting with all the others in my basement!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200782867707?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649
Edits: 06/28/12
I understand the concept, Vintage speakers with 200 watts per channel. All we would need out of a computer is a Dac and cables which can be upgraded as funds become available through time..
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The driver smiled when he lost the car in pursuit...
What's wrong - can't type without pictures?
It only takes half a brain to read.
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The driver smiled when he lost the car in pursuit...
I don't see how it is any of your business, you have your signature and I have mine.
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The driver smiled when he lost the car in pursuit...
nt
Well they ARE powered (bi-amped, as a matter of fact, and I was suggesting them mostly if he lived close enough to pick them up, thus only $150. Though, I think he could do worse than springing all $250 on them, since he would only need to add a source... even an ipod would do for a start.
"Though, I think he could do worse than springing all $250 on them, since he would only need to add a source... even an ipod would do for a start."
Yeah, right. Maybe you could paste a couple of his clever images of iPODs on each speaker until his luck changes.
Not to split hairs, but I did just check on ebay, and found several ipod nanos available for under $50 including shipping... so, yes he could make such a system within budget.
As I said, generally I wouldn't recommend a powered speaker for such an inexpensive system, but the OP first mentioned that option, and I happened to know of this speaker, so I passed the suggestion along. I don't think it's any less practical than most of the other ideas posted here, though I'll admit it's an unorthodox way to go. I tend to think of active speakers as a bit of a double edged sword, though they CAN use amplifiers optimized to the drivers, and they do take the hassle out of matching speakers/amps... often they are simply an amp hung on the back of a speaker, with no real advantage above convenience. It's been years since I listened to these AudioPros, but my recollection is that they "did active speakers right". I've also owned a couple AudioPro subs over the years, and was always impressed by their quality. They employ a dual driver system in an isobaric configuration that works well... similar the my Revox Agora Bs - ironically the only active speakers I've ever owned, and one of my long time favorites.
"I don't think it's any less practical than most of the other ideas posted here, though I'll admit it's an unorthodox way to go."
No problem. Possibilities are endless when working with a blank canvas.
Your trolling has no boundary.
A second opinion who does not have a conflict of interest in the result. An ipod carrying girl friend who cares nothing about sound reproduction perhaps.
~~~
The driver smiled when he lost the car in pursuit...
"An ipod carrying girl friend who cares nothing about sound reproduction perhaps."
Now, you're trolling for compatible dates?
*
nt
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