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ElectronicVices
2937
Apr 9, 2019
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If you are looking for a clarity boost you could explore the KEF LSX. This is a network/BT capable set of powered speakers with a lot of flexibility in wired and wireless connections. It even has a sub out if you wish to add one down the road. Use the 3.5mm analog in for your TT and rely on DLNA/bluetooth/optical for your digital sources. App controlled and available on ios and android.
Apr 9, 2019
legallyaudiophile
9
Apr 9, 2019
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ElectronicVicesI think I want to keep electronics separated... If I push my budget I may be able to pull of LS50's but its more likely that I'll be in the Q150 or Q 350 area. Given I use a laptop currently, should I get a converter for USB to SPIDF?
Apr 9, 2019
ElectronicVices
2937
Apr 9, 2019
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legallyaudiophileI'm a separates guy so if you are open to the idea of passive speakers and an amp I can throw some recommendations out there. It's going to get pretty pricey as you don't currently seem to employ a pre-amp and you have need to incorporate analog gear. My recommendation is to always spend the bulk of your budget on the pieces that generate the sound. You'll need a DAC with pre-amp capability and with your TT, it would also need an analog input. This set of features isn't all that common (been looking to separate my HT and HiFi again so I am looking for similar functionality). The cheap option used to be the stealth DC-1 from Emotiva. This has since been discontinued and in typical Emotiva fashion, the new replacement isn't ready yet. Options I am exploring (budget busters based on your statement about the LS50): 1) PS Audio Stellar GCD 2) Benchmark DAC3 3) Mytek Brooklyn + The emotiva sold for 1/3 of the above options and I've not found a direct replacement in it's price class. You may want to go the integrated amp route and save around $1000 over my current targets. Cambridge Audio CXA60, NAD C 368 and the Marantz PM6006. They could all power fairly efficient speakers, handle your analog inputs, and work with outboard amps should you go that route. The HP out also isn't too shabby on these and the NAD includes network capabilities.
(Edited)
Apr 9, 2019
legallyaudiophile
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Apr 9, 2019
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ElectronicVicesAh, yes, at this stage I don't mean to separate to the point of having a pre-amp and amp; I just need an integrated amplifier. I just don't want powered speakers to keep me locked in with a system as I am at the moment. I plan on using my Modi Multibit as the DAC, assuming it is better than most on-board DACs in an amp around $400-700. Surprisingly, the Magni headphone amp also functions as a okay pre-amp, but not really needed in the chain. As far as the turntable, I'd likely use my Fono Mini and put it to a a non-phono input, but can I not do that? I overlooked the fact that an on-board DAC tamper with things... Hm.
Apr 9, 2019
ElectronicVices
2937
Apr 10, 2019
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legallyaudiophileWith the integrated amp options I listed you may or may not prefer the Modi, two of the three of those manufacturers also make DAC's or Integrated DAC's so they should be better than average implementations. It won't hurt to have that portion unused if you still prefer the Modi. Does the network capability of the NAD C368 matter to you at all? It's the most expensive of the three options but also the most flexible as it even includes two expansion bays for adding features. You could go straight analog integrated amp with no BT/Digital functions - the NAD C316 is a cheaper entry at 399. It lacks pre-amp outputs so you would need to stick with fairly efficient speakers (40 watts/channel). I'm also not certain how you would incorporate the headphone amp with this model as you really need some form of output to have everything connected to the integrated amp (or a 2nd set of outputs on your DAC. It isn't ideal but an interconnect splitter would get the job done. I would stick to speakers in excess of 89 db/W if going this route. Let me know what questions you have and I will try to help where I can.
Apr 10, 2019
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