I posted some entry-level questions a few weeks ago so thought I would send an update.
After some excellent input from several of you, I initally decided to go with a MH 15.2, Monitor Bronze BX2's and was considering the OPPO 95. However, due to some budget issues (long-term unemployed boomer and I was unwilling to raid my retirement savings...), I decided to go with a totally different system, funding some of it with a lot of AmX points I've accumulated:
-
NAD 326BEE (from Crutchfield w/ AmX points)
-
KEF IQ30 (on sale for $349 from KEF Direct)
-
Sonos Connect (from Crutchfield w/ AmX points)
Out-of-pocket was $349!
I am absolutely blown away by the expansive and detailed sound using only the Connect. I wanted access to streaming music services and was concerned about about the sound limitations I'd read about the Connect (but don't fully understand yet...), but it has been so much fun exploring artists I've not heard before using Pandora (haven't added MOG yet, but that's next) and playing ripped CD's in wav format from my computer.
I previously auditioned the PSB Image B6's at a local dealer and think the KEF's are far superior. Properly positioned, it sounds like almost three-dimensional (what I guess is called "imaging").
I am still quite curious about substituting the MH 15.2 for the NAD (Crutchfield has a 60-day return policy). Also, why do I need a CD player? If my ripped CD's are played back in wav or flac formats, would a good CD player be superior?
In the meantime, I am thrilled to be spending less time in front of the TV and instead regaining my long-neglected love of music!
I posted some entry-level questions a few weeks ago so thought I would send an update.
After some excellent input from several of you, I initally decided to go with a MH 15.2, Monitor Bronze BX2's and was considering the OPPO 95. However, due to some budget issues (long-term unemployed boomer and I was unwilling to raid my retirement savings...), I decided to go with a totally different system, funding some of it with a lot of AmX points I've accumulated:
Out-of-pocket was $349!
I am absolutely blown away by the expansive and detailed sound using only the Connect. I wanted access to streaming music services and was concerned about about the sound limitations I'd read about the Connect (but don't fully understand yet...), but it has been so much fun exploring artists I've not heard before using Pandora (haven't added MOG yet, but that's next) and playing ripped CD's in wav format from my computer.
I previously auditioned the PSB Image B6's at a local dealer and think the KEF's are far superior. Properly positioned, it sounds like almost three-dimensional (what I guess is called "imaging").
I am still quite curious about substituting the MH 15.2 for the NAD (Crutchfield has a 60-day return policy). Also, why do I need a CD player? If my ripped CD's are played back in wav or flac formats, would a good CD player be superior?
In the meantime, I am thrilled to be spending less time in front of the TV and instead regaining my long-neglected love of music!