I have a set of B&W 686 bookshelf size speakers that are very demanding, 84 db sensitivity(lots of power required).
I am on the hunt for a 2 channel, but my requirements are making it difficult.
Speaker specs: http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Speakers/Home_Audio/600_Series/686.html
Requirements
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2.1 not 2.0 - 2.1 gives me the ability to add a sub down the line.
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digital input optical or coaxial
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ipod input of some sort
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approx 100wpc
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good power supply
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audiophile sound
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an MM input would be ideal, but ONLY if it were a very good one would I use it
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big bonus would be wifi/ethernet, for updates and other purposes
My budget was $500 so the original list was:
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Onkyo A-9050 -decent power, right features, prolly not musical enough
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Harmon Kardon HK 3490 -good power, nice feature set, ugly, gets great reviews everywhere, is it musical enough?
But then I realized I didn't want ANY buyer remorse and/or feel the need to upgrade in a year, so I do not mind spending more, up to around a grand.
What do I like about it? It's unique. Has some wild looks and raw power. But it doesn't have a digital input, and it's dated.
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Music Hall A15.2 (not expensive at all)
Why? Apparently it's the most musical integrated south of a grand. It's very dated. And a 15.3 is probably going to be announced soon. I wonder roy would make it 2.1 and include a digital input, and ipod input of some sort. jackfish, in another threads, suggested that roy probably wouldn't put a dac in there. I sort of agree, that is a long shot. Damn b/c this thing really makes music.
This is another option: I am considering using an old amp that a buddy would sell me cheap. An old Adcom amp from the early to mid 90s. GFA-545. It is 100x2. Then, I would get a modern pre-amp, with all the right features including sub output.
Sources: I listen to mostly vinyl. VPI Traveler with a blue 2M. I have a Cambridge 651P preamp. I also listen to my iPod a lot for convenience.
Music: Indie rock the most. Some classic rock. And jazz. Including female artist.
Room: This setup is for a room that is 14x12 and carpeted. I have a 3.1 and 5.1 setup in other rooms.
Anyway, thanks for reading. I am a sterophile subscriber and a longtime lurker on this forum, there are some great members here and a ton of valuable info. Thx again.
I have a set of B&W 686 bookshelf size speakers that are very demanding, 84 db sensitivity(lots of power required).
I am on the hunt for a 2 channel, but my requirements are making it difficult.
Speaker specs: http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Speakers/Home_Audio/600_Series/686.html
Requirements
My budget was $500 so the original list was:
But then I realized I didn't want ANY buyer remorse and/or feel the need to upgrade in a year, so I do not mind spending more, up to around a grand.
What do I like about it? It's unique. Has some wild looks and raw power. But it doesn't have a digital input, and it's dated.
Why? Apparently it's the most musical integrated south of a grand. It's very dated. And a 15.3 is probably going to be announced soon. I wonder roy would make it 2.1 and include a digital input, and ipod input of some sort. jackfish, in another threads, suggested that roy probably wouldn't put a dac in there. I sort of agree, that is a long shot. Damn b/c this thing really makes music.
This is another option: I am considering using an old amp that a buddy would sell me cheap. An old Adcom amp from the early to mid 90s. GFA-545. It is 100x2. Then, I would get a modern pre-amp, with all the right features including sub output.
Sources: I listen to mostly vinyl. VPI Traveler with a blue 2M. I have a Cambridge 651P preamp. I also listen to my iPod a lot for convenience.
Music: Indie rock the most. Some classic rock. And jazz. Including female artist.
Room: This setup is for a room that is 14x12 and carpeted. I have a 3.1 and 5.1 setup in other rooms.
Anyway, thanks for reading. I am a sterophile subscriber and a longtime lurker on this forum, there are some great members here and a ton of valuable info. Thx again.