Hello.
I’m trying to put together a system for the first time. I have a few questions and a need for ideas in terms of purchasing. I cannot really try out anything in person. So I am stuck with reviews. Most have been problematic as many seem to be more advertisements than reviews.
General Situation:
-Can’t really test anything
-Lives in apartment, won’t be playing loud
-I am on a lenient budget
I would lean more towards quality versus cost.
Components
A number of the items I found have relatives in catalogues and if I'm need looking at another that is simply better and worth the money tell me.
Cd Player: Max ~$600
Marantz CD5004 & CD6004 CD Player: $350, $500
First I have seen recommended. The second I know little about. Is there much of a difference with $150
NAD C 546BEE: $500
Said as being very good. Versus the 6004?
Marantz CC4003 5 Disc CD Changer: $400
I listen to a lot of cds. This is more convenience. Is this basically the 5004 with a multi cd option?
Turntable: Max ~$500
Rega RP1: ($445/$640 performance pack)
Well known and generally well reviewed.
Music Hall MMF 2.2: $450.00
Music Hall MMF 2.2LE: $500.00
This one is commonly mentioned on the forum, but I’m not really sure why. Knowing that would be nice.
Receiver/Amp: Max $1500 (would like to be lower, sub $1000 really)
NAD C 375BEE: $1500
Looking at this as it seems well reviewed and compared to others is better in the price/quality range.
NAD C356BEE DAC: $900.00
Also appears good, but as a downgrade from more expensive NAD.
I am would prefer to get the component through amazon, but if a better site exists elsewhere then great.
Others that I’m looking at:
Harman Kardon HK 3490 120 Watt Stereo Receiver
Marantz PM5004 & PM6004 & PM8004 ($450, $550, $1000)
Given what I am looking at for turntables and cd players what receiver will actually be worthwhile for me? Like would the quality of my receiver being higher than necessary and offer no real returns?
Speakers: Max ~$650
Finally these. Given everything else which of these makes sense?
Audioengine 5+: $399
Reviewed here. Looks good.
PSB Image B6: $500
Really this is a competition between this one and the one above. Also reviewed here and also looks good.
Totem Dreamcatcher: $625
Not sure about these. Also reviewed here but it seems devoid of comparison to other speakers.
Are these the only options for me in speakers? Do they make sense with the other items?
Subs:
Not worrying about them right now. Will get latter. If you have any opinions though I will gladly listen.
PreAmp
Do I really need one of these? I’ve heard from several posts and pages saying that below a thousand dollar threshold that these are terrible. I am getting some kind of Receiver/Amp combination so I am thinking no.
Secondly, given the parts I am looking at though will a notice any drop in quality or will it be significant?
Other Items:
Aside from cables, is there anything else I need/should have?
Thanks!
Hello.
I’m trying to put together a system for the first time. I have a few questions and a need for ideas in terms of purchasing. I cannot really try out anything in person. So I am stuck with reviews. Most have been problematic as many seem to be more advertisements than reviews.
General Situation:
-Can’t really test anything
-Lives in apartment, won’t be playing loud
-I am on a lenient budget
I would lean more towards quality versus cost.
Components
A number of the items I found have relatives in catalogues and if I'm need looking at another that is simply better and worth the money tell me.
Cd Player: Max ~$600
Marantz CD5004 & CD6004 CD Player: $350, $500
First I have seen recommended. The second I know little about. Is there much of a difference with $150
NAD C 546BEE: $500
Said as being very good. Versus the 6004?
Marantz CC4003 5 Disc CD Changer: $400
I listen to a lot of cds. This is more convenience. Is this basically the 5004 with a multi cd option?
Turntable: Max ~$500
Rega RP1: ($445/$640 performance pack)
Well known and generally well reviewed.
Music Hall MMF 2.2: $450.00
Music Hall MMF 2.2LE: $500.00
This one is commonly mentioned on the forum, but I’m not really sure why. Knowing that would be nice.
Receiver/Amp: Max $1500 (would like to be lower, sub $1000 really)
NAD C 375BEE: $1500
Looking at this as it seems well reviewed and compared to others is better in the price/quality range.
NAD C356BEE DAC: $900.00
Also appears good, but as a downgrade from more expensive NAD.
I am would prefer to get the component through amazon, but if a better site exists elsewhere then great.
Others that I’m looking at:
Harman Kardon HK 3490 120 Watt Stereo Receiver
Marantz PM5004 & PM6004 & PM8004 ($450, $550, $1000)
Given what I am looking at for turntables and cd players what receiver will actually be worthwhile for me? Like would the quality of my receiver being higher than necessary and offer no real returns?
Speakers: Max ~$650
Finally these. Given everything else which of these makes sense?
Audioengine 5+: $399
Reviewed here. Looks good.
PSB Image B6: $500
Really this is a competition between this one and the one above. Also reviewed here and also looks good.
Totem Dreamcatcher: $625
Not sure about these. Also reviewed here but it seems devoid of comparison to other speakers.
Are these the only options for me in speakers? Do they make sense with the other items?
Subs:
Not worrying about them right now. Will get latter. If you have any opinions though I will gladly listen.
PreAmp
Do I really need one of these? I’ve heard from several posts and pages saying that below a thousand dollar threshold that these are terrible. I am getting some kind of Receiver/Amp combination so I am thinking no.
Secondly, given the parts I am looking at though will a notice any drop in quality or will it be significant?
Other Items:
Aside from cables, is there anything else I need/should have?
Thanks!