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F u r u y á
01-07-2013, 02:47 AM
Hello,

I'm willing to build a small audio system. It's mainly for enjoying FLAC audio in my room (about 7 x 15 feet or 230 x 460 cm).

Requirements (subject to changes):


Channels: 2.1
Audio power: 50W



I'm considering the following architecture:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/Furuyah/soundsystem_zpse7abbe18.png



Here's my questions:

Architecture
1) Is this a good setup? Is it a overkill for just 50W? What do you suggest? Simply a receiver?

Components
2) What brands and models do you suggest?

a) receiver
b) preamplifier
c) amplifier
d) loudspeakers
e) cables and other parts

Cost
3) Roughly, how much a setup like that (or like your suggestion) would cost?


Unanticipated concerns
4) What are the most important technical details I'll have to pay attention to?
(eg. impedance has to match between the subsystems, loudspeaker has to support x% more power than the amplifier, etc)




If I said something wrong, irrelevant or simply forgot about important things, please pardon my ignorance. I'm completely new in this subject. Thanks in advance!

Hyfi
01-07-2013, 04:29 AM
Hello and welcome.

Do you have a budget in mind? That can help narrow down choices. At 50 wpc, you can get some nice Integrated units (amp and Pre-amp in one box). You could also get some killer tube Integrated for same wattage.

Also depending on your preferences, you can put together a small flea watt amp and a USB Dac from PC and get some high efficiency speakers to match. Speakers with a high sensitivity only need a few watts to drive them and you would be surprised how much better it can sound vs a mass market 50 watt receiver.

What type of music do you listen to also, that helps.

Feanor
01-07-2013, 05:02 AM
Hello,

I'm willing to build a small audio system. It's mainly for enjoying FLAC audio in my room (about 7 x 15 feet or 230 x 460 cm).

Requirements (subject to changes):


Channels: 2.1
Audio power: 50W


I'm considering the following architecture:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/Furuyah/soundsystem_zpse7abbe18.png

Here's my questions:

Architecture
1) Is this a good setup? Is it a overkill for just 50W? What do you suggest? Simply a receiver?

Components
2) What brands and models do you suggest?

a) receiver
b) preamplifier
c) amplifier
d) loudspeakers
e) cables and other parts

Cost
3) Roughly, how much a setup like that (or like your suggestion) would cost?

Unanticipated concerns
4) What are the most important technical details I'll have to pay attention to?
(eg. impedance has to match between the subsystems, loudspeaker has to support x% more power than the amplifier, etc)



If I said something wrong, irrelevant or simply forgot about important things, please pardon my ignorance. I'm completely new in this subject. Thanks in advance!
In a small system separate preamp & amplifier are dubious value. Do you listen to off-the-air radio, (AM/FM)? If not don't get a receiver but instead an integrate amp. There are many fine integrated amp that offer better value than separates and take less space.

If the computer is you only source a possibility is "active" speakers, that is, speakers with built-in amplifiers. These can be driven directly buy the analog outputs from your computer; some even permit digital input. There are many high-quality active speakers and some have built-in bass & treble controls that are useful for room placement.

Your computer's software and its interface with downstream components is actually you most complex consideration. What is your computer's operating system? What computer music player do you intent to use? WMP, iTunes, WinAmp, Foobar2000, JRiver?? Of these JRiver is the most powerful and flexible but is relatively complex.

How about your computer's interface? Where you simply thinking of using its built-in (let's say Realtek), audio processor and analog outputs directly to your amp/preamp? An option is to use an external DAC which offers the potential for better sound than your computer's built-in DAC, (likely Realtek). You can connect with many external DACs via USB or if your computer have a digital output, i.e. S/PDIF optical and/or coaxial output, then by that connection. There are many high-quality external DACs to choose from.

Or for better analog and/or digital output from your computer, you might consider a high-quality sound card.

How much do you want to spend -- the sky is the limit!! On a fairly generous budget I would be attracted to the NAD "Direct Digital" C 3900DD integrated amp, (about $2500). It will accept digital input directly from your computer, either via USB or S/PDIF optial or coax: see HERE (http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C-390DD-Direct-Digital-Powered-DAC-Amplifier). This integrated will also accept direct connection with a harddisk using USB.

{edit}On the other hand, on account of the very large choice available on the market today you might do well to consider an AV receiver; they vary in price from under $200 to several thousand. They are pretty much all designed for 5.1 or 7.1 but will work fine for stereo. They all have built-in DACs so will take a digital feed from you computer, S/PDIF for sure and USB in some cases.{/edit}

Personally I combine a pair of PSB monitor speakers and subwoofer from one of their various ranges, (e.g. check HERE (http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/image/Image-B5-Bookshelf)), with the above amp. (There are many other fine makers of speakers).

On my own computer I would use Foobar2000 as my player; (2nd choice would be JRiver). If the computer had S/PDIF output I'd use that to interface with the NAD, receiver, or external DAC, otherwise I'd try USB output.

recoveryone
01-07-2013, 08:11 AM
Since no budget was mentioned I will use my own little project I put together last year as the standard. Also you did not say if this was going to be a main listening setup or mainly a background music source in common area of the home.

Amp= Integra ADM 2.1 (100 Watt per Ch)cost $80 off Ebay
EQ= Tech MKII 10 band cost already own (back in 85 paid $50)
Speakers= Fluance SX mains cost $120 pair off Ebay (new)
Music source= Squeezebox Classic 3 already own (back in 06 paid $210)just upgraded to the Touch

Still under $500, You can spend more on speakers or brand name, but the amp was rated very high in performance. The EQ works great with computer files that can sound flat, with no fault of the file but then you have to look at the sound card/chip and software. Using a computer as the transport is fine if you are ok with possible fan noise and the issues of how do you control the play back (monitor, keyboard, mouse). A DAR system takes the computer out of the room (noise, appearance, playback control) and puts it in the hands of one of those units.

In the first pic you see the Squeezebox Classic 3 sitting on top of the piano in the living room, In the second pic is the Squeezebox Touch and the third pic is of the whole setup, The amp and EQ are hidden behind the piano out of sight so not to take away from the look of the room

markw
01-07-2013, 08:17 AM
First off, some random thoughts:

Like the others have said, there are some fine integrated amps out there that will serve you quite well, particularly if you're sure you don't want FM as part of the deal.

As for that ".1" channel, well it simply doesn't exist in a stereo world. that's a separate, discrete, channel in home theatre that carries only low frequency information for movie sound tracks.

You CAN, however, add a subwoofer to any system you come up with. This can always be done at the speaker level or, if your equipment allows, at some point before the power amp.

Depending on the quality of the sound card in your computer, you may (or may not) gain some performance by using either a different sound card and/or a standalone DAC. That, I'll leave up to others to take up with you. I see that subject was already brought up on that other site at which you posted this question.

For that matter, there are stereo receivers and some integrated amps that have digital inputs built in, but that's not too common.

You would be wise to discuss your final choices before purchasing to be sure they play well together. After the purchase is a bit too late, as some have found out.

blackraven
01-07-2013, 12:46 PM
With out knowing your budget, starting inexpensive but a lot of bang for the buck, consider these Preamp/DAC combo units-

The Maverick Audio Tubemagic D1 plus. I bought the original D1 for my son with the upgraded tube and then upgraded the op amps for $10. They now have a $30 optional opamp upgrade for the Burr Brown O627's. The plus version has upgraded circuits as well as usb circuits for digital music. It has a very nice slightly warmer detailed sound.

Maverick Audio - TubeMagic D1 Plus DAC (http://www.mav-audio.com/base/product/d1p)

Also consider the Grant Fidelity DAC-11 ( I have this one also, paired with a Class D Audio Amp and Magnepan MMG speakers in my second system) which is a step up and about $100 more in price than the Maverick. It benefits from upgrading to a vintage Amperex tube which takes this to a whole different level-wide sound stage, transparent with a 3 dimensional sound and very detailed.


What is nice about the Maverick and Grant units are that they have excellent sound, wide sound stage and transparency with very good detail and they perform way above their price points. They are small in size and have both solid state and tube inputs and outputs. In addition, you can swap tubes and change the sound if you like. The draw back to these units are that they come from china. We have had the Maverick for 2 years and the Grant for over 1 year without problems.

Stepping up in price consider the Benchmark and Peachtree Preamp/DAC combo units-

Benchmark- Benchmark - DAC-1 HDR - Preamplifier / DAC / Headphone Amp - Demo-Audio Advisor (http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=1BEDAC1HDR)

Peach Tree- Peachtree Audio - Nova Pre - Hybrid-Tube Preamp/DAC-Audio Advisor (http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PTNOVAPRE)

For an amp, these Class D audio amps are the bomb! Great bang for the buck, they compare well to my $2200 Parasound Halo A21 amp. They present a very detailed, wide and transparent sound, almost tube like in character. Bass is superb, deep, punchy, tight and fast. The mid range is smooth as glass and treble is has no hint of harshness. There is no grain either.

Class D Audio Complete Amplifiers (http://classdaudio.com/complete-amplifiers.html)


For speakers, here are a few to consider-

PSB B6's, nice punchy bass, sweet mid range, laid back treble but detailed. Tolerant of poorly recorded music. Nice air. You can buy B stock at a discount from Saturday Audio (http://www.saturdayaudio.com)

Wharfedale 10.2's. Warmer sound, deeper bass, detailed with nice air. Laid back but detailed treble.

WHARFEDALE DIAMOND 10.2 BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS (PR) at Music Direct (http://www.musicdirect.com/p-15479-wharfedale-diamond-102-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx)

Mordaunt Short Aviano 2's. They have a detailed sound and are a little more neutral sounding than the previous 2 speakers. I prefer the other 2 speakers as I like a slightly warmer sound. But these are good speakers.

Mordaunt-Short - Aviano 2 - Bookshelf Speakers-Audio Advisor (http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MOAVI2)


For cables- Blue Jeans Cable -- Quality Cables at Reasonable Prices (http://www.bluejeanscable.com/)

blackraven
01-07-2013, 12:57 PM
By the way, since the Maverick and Grant fidelity have both tube and solid state outputs, you can hook your speakers to the tube out and the sub to the solid state outs to have a 2.1 system.

Another amp to consider on a budget is this Parts Express DTA-100A digital amp along with a DAC or the Maverick/Grant Fidelity units. I use the DTA with a pair of Monitor Audio S1 speakers. The amp can handle 6 and 8 ohm speakers but I would not recommend 4 ohm or low sensitivity speakers below 89dB. This little amp has excellent sound.

dta-100a - Parts Express Ships Fast and Ships Free (http://www.parts-express.com/term/dta-100a?srch=dta-100a)

This Topping digital amp is worth a look too. It has a little more power.

Topping TP60 90W Class T Amp Amplifier Tripath TA2022 | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/TOPPING-TP60-90W-Class-T-AMP-AMPLIFIER-Tripath-TA2022-/330459490296)

blackraven
01-07-2013, 02:31 PM
Another option is to go with powered speakers and DAC/preamp like these-

Audioengine D1 - Audioengineusa.com (http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-D1#.UOtMAW9ZVCY)

F u r u y á
01-07-2013, 05:53 PM
Thank you all for the replies! I'm very sorry for forgeting about the budget!

Budget
Not much more than $500 USD, unfortunately.

BUT, if you guys convince me to spend more, I can deallocate budget from other things like upgrades to my PC :)


Here's the answers to your other questions.




Hello and welcome.
What type of music do you listen to also, that helps.Thanks!
I listen to a lot of stuff: 90's rock, golden age hip-hop, electronic, punk, ska and others.
I like some classical music (very few, I can even enumerate the songs: piano sonatas like Moonlight, Sonata #8 in C, Canon in D. And the Four Seasons).
So I don't think I need a system specifically designed for a particular type of music. :9:





What is your computer's operating system? What computer music player do you intent to use? WMP, iTunes, WinAmp, Foobar2000, JRiver?

How about your computer's interface? Where you simply thinking of using its built-in (let's say Realtek), audio processor and analog outputs directly to your amp/preamp?

How much do you want to spend -- the sky is the limit!!Software interface
I was simply using VideoLAN (Windows 7) to play my FLAC library. Pardon my ignorance, but what's the relevance of it? Can't I simply use any software with the proper decoder and forward the uncompressed bitstream to the digital output? :confused5:

Computer interface
Yes, I'm using the onboard audio built in the motherboard and unfortunately I don't have the option the get a discret sound card (my computer is a mini-ITX system with only one PCIe port solely for the video card).
The motherboard does have digital sound output, so I'll be happy to include the DAC to the system (assuming that it won't kill the budget).

Budget
I wish I could spend $3k+. Indeed sky is the limit!




Also you did not say if this was going to be a main listening setup or mainly a background music source in common area of the home.Listening
I will deploy this setup in my room. It will not be in common area like living-room. But what difference does it make?

EQ and Music Source
I was not taking into account them! It is personal preference/needs, right? (ie. your system could work without the EQ and the Squeezebox right?)

Very nice system. Even with the EQ and the Music Source, it stayed below $500!




You CAN, however, add a subwoofer to any system you come up with. This can always be done at the speaker level or, if your equipment allows, at some point before the power amp.

You would be wise to discuss your final choices before purchasing to be sure they play well together. After the purchase is a bit too late, as some have found out.I thought that the subwoofer was "mandatory" to give a good listening experience, was I wrong? If you say "yes", I'll be happy because it's one less component to spend money on. :biggrin5:

Of course! At the end of this message I will list the suggested designs so that you can help me to pick one (or eliminate one).




With out knowing your budget, starting inexpensive but a lot of bang for the buck, consider these (...)I'll definitely keep your suggestions in mind. Those bookshelf speakers will fit very nicely in my room since it's not spacious at all!
Another amp to consider on a budget is (...)
Another option is (...)Taking notes... :smile5:


--------------------------


Summarizing your suggestions, here is the possible architectures:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/Furuyah/comp/designchoices_zpsd520a84f.png

*edit: added one more design (D8)


I've created a poll in another thread (I can't add a poll to this one). Please vote (http://forums.audioreview.com/general-audio/design-choices-small-audio-system-38747.html)!

Feanor
01-07-2013, 07:00 PM
...

Summarizing your suggestions, here is the possible architectures:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v280/Furuyah/comp/designchoices_zps84046ec1.png


I've created a poll in another thread (I can't add a poll to this one). Please vote (http://forums.audioreview.com/general-audio/design-choices-small-audio-system-38747.html)!
Congratulations!! You have summarized our numerous suggestions with accuracy and insight; perhaps you didn't explicitly diagram the upgraded sound card option but then you computer won't accommodate that. As you have figured out by now, there is quite an array of options.

Perhaps the best option for the least money is active speakers direct from your computer using an analog interface. Later you could insert a DAC/preamp between them for further improvement.

For active speakers search for "studio monitor" from audio/video supply sources rather than home audio dealers. Well-know brands are Mackie, KRK, Behringer, M-Audio, Alesis, JBL, Adam, and also Audio Engine. B&H Photo Video have a huge selection of studio monitors and matching subwoofers too: see HERE (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Studio-Monitors/ci/8617/N/4294550597)

F u r u y á
01-07-2013, 07:36 PM
Congratulations!! You have summarized our numerous suggestions with accuracy and insight; perhaps you didn't explicitly diagram the upgraded sound card option but then you computer won't accommodate that. As you have figured out by now, there is quite an array of options.

Perhaps the best option for the least money is active speakers direct from your computer using an analog interface. Later you could insert a DAC/preamp between them for further improvement.

For active speakers search for "studio monitor" from audio/video supply sources rather than home audio dealers. Well-know brands are Mackie, KRK, Behringer, M-Audio, Alesis, JBL, Adam, and also Audio Engine. B&H Photo Video have a huge selection of studio monitors and matching subwoofers too: see HERE (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Studio-Monitors/ci/8617/N/4294550597)
Literally 5 minutes ago I was told about that B&H Photo store! I will drop by that store for sure.

So, given the $500 budget, D1 is the only viable option? For how much I could build designs like D4, D6 or D7?

blackraven
01-07-2013, 07:50 PM
On your Budget I would go with M-Audio or Audio Engine. The m-audio BX8 D2's have an 8" woofer and you could get by without a sub and buy a DAC like the audioengine

M-Audio BX8 D2 Active 130W 8" 2-Way Studio 9900-65175-00 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=816176&Q=&is=REG&A=details)

Audioengine D1 24-Bit Digital to Analog Converter D1 B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=833986&is=REG&A=details&Q=)

recoveryone
01-07-2013, 08:47 PM
"Listening
I will deploy this setup in my room. It will not be in common area like living-room. But what difference does it make?

EQ and Music Source
I was not taking into account them! It is personal preference/needs, right? (ie. your system could work without the EQ and the Squeezebox right?)

Very nice system. Even with the EQ and the Music Source, it stayed below $500!"

The remark concerning location was referring to having the amps, DAC's and computer in plain view or having a system that's hidden but still being able to fill the room.

The EQ is not needed, but add's tonenal balance to the files.

The Squeezebox is the face of the system as the computer is the heart of it and without it I would have to have the computer in the room instead of the garage, out of the way. Also the Squeezebox controls the playback, so I can pick an album, artist, playlist or random tracks and let me switch up on the fly as my taste change.

F u r u y á
01-07-2013, 10:27 PM
Oh I see. In my case I have nowhere to hidden. :D Small apartment.

F u r u y á
01-08-2013, 09:53 PM
if is there anyone online here, what $700~800 system would you build considering the options below?9110

blackraven
01-08-2013, 10:31 PM
Furuya, you can get the PSB B6's factory refurbished or B-stock for $439pr here-

Saturday Audio (http://saturdayaudio.com/)

I would not go with the Whafedales unless you have a good power amp as they have a sensitivity of 86dB. Look for speakers 89db or higher for use with a low powered amp.

On your budget, powered speakers and the audioengine D1 would be the way to go. But if you are wanting to build a nice 2ch system for the future, then consider a nice pair of speakers, the topping TP60 amp and a DAC with usb input. I still like the combo of the Topping or DTA100 with a little preamp/dac like the maverick.

My pick-

PSB B6's or Mordaunt Short Aviano-2, Topping TP60 Tripath amp and the maverick tubemagic plus DAC/Preamp. No need for a sub with the PSB's.

F u r u y á
01-08-2013, 10:57 PM
hi blackraven! glad you're online :)

how about:


DAC: Schiit Modi $99
IntAmp: Topping TP60 $210
Speaker: Mordaunt-Short - Aviano 2 $399

TOTAL $708

blackraven
01-09-2013, 01:23 AM
It looks good although I prefer the PSB B6's over the Mordaunt shorts. I like the slightly warmer sound and deep bass.

I don't know much about the Schiit DAC but reviews are mixed. Take a look at this Nuforce DAC.

NuForce uDAC-2 (Black) USB digital-to-analog converter/headphone amplifier at Crutchfield.com (http://www.crutchfield.com/p_773UDAC2B/NuForce-uDAC-2-Black.html?tp=59309&kw=&org=pla&nw=g&crv=6541088545#customer-reviews-tab)

Here is a nice reivew-

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Nuforce uDAC USB DAC AMP with line out and S/PDIF out (http://www.head-fi.org/t/456945/first-impressions-nuforce-udac-usb-dac-amp-with-line-out-and-s-pdif-out)

The Emotiva Lounge - DAC Shootout (http://emotivalounge.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=preampdac&action=display&thread=15129)

That Topping amp will give you a nice tube like sound. It does sound better with a DAC/Preamp combo like the Maverick or Grant but you can upgrade later.

F u r u y á
01-10-2013, 10:21 PM
What about the DAC's HRT MSII and Audioengine D1?

blackraven
01-11-2013, 09:21 AM
Here is another possibility for a small integrated amp to confuse you more. It will have more usable power than the digital amps but it will a completely different sound compared to the little tripath amps. It won't give you that silky smooth tube like sound like the tripath amps. It will be more durable, much better made and it will be serviceable here in the U.S. if it needs repair compared to the Topping amp. It will be more flexible though because of its power rating. I think that you can use it as a separate power amp with a preamp and as a stand alone integrated amp.

mini-X a-100 | 50W x 2 | Emotiva Audio | High-end audio components for audiophiles and videophiles, spanning 2-channel music systems, as well as 5.1 and 7.1 home theaters. Products include multichannel amplifiers, stereo amplifiers, and monoblock amp (http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/a100)

Amazon.com: Emotiva Mini-x a-100 Stereo Flex Amplifier: Electronics (http://www.amazon.com/Emotiva-Mini-x-100-Stereo-Amplifier/dp/B008O37FOE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_e_22)

Here is a nice review-

mini-X a-100 | 50W x 2 | Emotiva Audio | High-end audio components for audiophiles and videophiles, spanning 2-channel music systems, as well as 5.1 and 7.1 home theaters. Products include multichannel amplifiers, stereo amplifiers, and monoblock amp (http://shop.emotiva.com/collections/amplifiers/products/a100)



The Nuforce uDAC-2 from the reivews is supposed to sound better than the Audioengine, a little more detail and depth to the music with a slightly warmer tone. I have been looking at buying the Nuforce for my Daughter.

I can't comment on the HRT. Maybe others can chime in?

Here is a nice review on the PSb B6 speaks-

PSB Image B6 loudspeaker | Stereophile.com (http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/psb_image_b6_loudspeaker/index.html)

If you want to stay on a smaller budget, consider the DTA-100a amp, the Nuforce DAC and the B6's. For a little more money they Maverick Tubemagic Pre/DAC gives you better sound and more flexibility. The DTA has a very nice sound. It is cheaply made and durabilty is an issue. I have had mine for over a year with light use and have had no problems. The sound quality is really amazing. It sounds better than my $1500 Adcom AVR and I paid $59 for the amp on sale. You just can't play it at very loud levels. And Parts Express is a very reputable company.

DTA $89
Nuforce $120
PSB B6 B-stock from Saturday Audio (http://www.saturdayaudio.com) $439pr

blackraven
01-11-2013, 11:12 PM
Furuya, check your personal messages in Notifications, I sent you a PM

F u r u y á
01-20-2013, 09:18 PM
Here's a picture I took yesterday at the Aerosmith's roller coaster (click for high res):

http://i.imgur.com/WKTIfBT.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/ZcUwARQ.jpg)


Thought that you audiophiles would like to see it!