Results 1 to 15 of 15
  1. #1
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    6

    Budget $1000 bookshelf + int amp system

    Hi, I have listened to mainly classical music with my headphone system. I have HD650, K701, ER4P/S headphones, Corda Aria Head amp and Rotel 1072 CD player with DiMarzio M-Path ICs.

    Recently I have some problem with ear aches after listening with my headphones. So I am considering building an entry level speaker system.

    My budget is $1,000.00. Because I have already the Rotel CD player, I would like to buy a pair of bookshelf speakers, an int amp and speaker cables. I have searched for last several days. But it is really hard to choose a system for my classical music listening. These days, I love Mahler symphonies.

    Any suggestion.

    Thank you in advance.

  2. #2
    Linear Guy
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    SW Pa.
    Posts
    308

    a couple of possibilities

    Quote Originally Posted by ddroit2001
    Hi, I have listened to mainly classical music with my headphone system. I have HD650, K701, ER4P/S headphones, Corda Aria Head amp and Rotel 1072 CD player with DiMarzio M-Path ICs.

    Recently I have some problem with ear aches after listening with my headphones. So I am considering building an entry level speaker system.

    My budget is $1,000.00. Because I have already the Rotel CD player, I would like to buy a pair of bookshelf speakers, an int amp and speaker cables. I have searched for last several days. But it is really hard to choose a system for my classical music listening. These days, I love Mahler symphonies.

    Any suggestion.

    Thank you in advance.

    2 possibilities come to mind.

    1) New:
    Int amp - Cambridge Audio Azure 640 A for 369.85 combined with Wharfedale Diamond 9.2 speakers. both from www.audioadvisor.com Speaker wire? try Mapleshade golden Helix for 85.00 ( 8 ft pair. ) This brings you in at 905.00. which will leave room for an E-bay tuner for good classical music on fm. Bying new allows you the luxury of auditioning the gear.

    2) Used - Better integrated like Creek, Arcam, Roksan, Better speakers like Paradigm monitor series or entry level Dynaudio and good mid-level speaker cables like AQ Bedrock.

    Both systems may leave you short on bass so consider adding a cheap but reasonably musical subwoofer. ( Parts Express) . I'm sure you will get other ideas. Your listening preference is technically demanding so buy the best you can. Good luck. dk

  3. #3
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    6
    Quote Originally Posted by daviethek
    2 possibilities come to mind.

    1) New:
    Int amp - Cambridge Audio Azure 640 A for 369.85 combined with Wharfedale Diamond 9.2 speakers. both from www.audioadvisor.com Speaker wire? try Mapleshade golden Helix for 85.00 ( 8 ft pair. ) This brings you in at 905.00. which will leave room for an E-bay tuner for good classical music on fm. Bying new allows you the luxury of auditioning the gear.

    2) Used - Better integrated like Creek, Arcam, Roksan, Better speakers like Paradigm monitor series or entry level Dynaudio and good mid-level speaker cables like AQ Bedrock.

    Both systems may leave you short on bass so consider adding a cheap but reasonably musical subwoofer. ( Parts Express) . I'm sure you will get other ideas. Your listening preference is technically demanding so buy the best you can. Good luck. dk
    Thank you, daviethek. I am going to look at those systems.

    And let me ask about epos M5. I know with my budget my preference is very demanding. But so far I read reviews that M5 is kind of all arounder.

  4. #4
    Suspended topspeed's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2003
    Location
    California
    Posts
    3,717
    For classical music, it's hard for me to imagine a better budget speaker than the Maggie MMG for $500. Pair it with the aforementioned Cambridge 640a or Rotel RA01 (or whatever the model is now) and you'd have the makings of terrific little system.

    http://magnepan.com/_mmg.php


  5. #5
    Suspended superpanavision70mm's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Pittsburgh, PA
    Posts
    619
    Check out PSB's website and look at their bookshelf speakers...they have the Alpha, Image, Stratus, and Platinum line....you can pick your budget when going with them, but you won't be disappointed in any of them! If you need an integrated amp...you may find a refurbished high quality NAD someone on the internet that would rock with the psb's.

  6. #6
    Tyler Acoustics Fan drseid's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2004
    Location
    Fairfax, VA
    Posts
    823
    Used you may want to consider the same setup I use for my office...

    Opera Audio Consonance Eric-1s $500 used
    Jolida 1301-A Int. Amp $275 used
    2 Sovtek Tubes (to upgrade the stock Chinese tubes) $40

    New, maybe the following:

    Rega R-1 speakers $525
    Jolida 1301A Amp $350
    2 Sovtek Tubes (again to upgrade the stock tubes) $40

    ---Dave
    Integra DHC-40.2 Pre/Pro
    Coda 2 X 200 Watt Amp
    Rotel RB-985 5 X 100 Watt Amp
    2 Tyler Acoustics 2 Piece Linbrook Signature System
    1 Tyler Linbrook Signature Center Channel
    3 Tyler Taylo Reference Monitors
    1 ACI Titan II Sub
    Toshiba HD-A1 HD DVD
    Panasonic BDT-210 + 350 Blu-ray
    Consonance Droplet CDP-5.0
    Sony 55NX-810 1080p 3D-LED HDTV

    Office:
    Opera Audio Consonance CD-120
    Jolida 1301A 2 X 30 Watt Int. Amp (Sovtek Tubes)
    Opera Audio Consonance Eric-1 Speakers

  7. #7
    Forum Regular Florian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    2,959
    For your taste.....

    Apogee Hybrids (fullranges are out of the price leauge)
    Magnepans (any model)
    Final Electrostatics (any model)

    If you like details, nearfield and transparency, soundstage, speed etc and love classical music then there is only one choice. Go boxless!

    -Flo
    Lots of music but not enough time for it all

  8. #8
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    6
    Thank you for your answers, topspeed, superpanavision70mm, drseid, and Florian. I have to search every products you guys suggested. Especially, I was surprised by the new world of boxless speakers.

  9. #9
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Oct 2002
    Posts
    116
    The Dynaudio Audience 42, and the new B&W CM1 come to mind. Also the Tannoy Eyris 1 is worth an audition.

  10. #10
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    6
    Thank you, Peter. I am going to check them, too.

  11. #11
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Posts
    90
    Rotel Cd+Amp and B&W would be great

    B&W 601 or 600,check this out too
    Pioneer VSX-AX3 Receiver
    Pioneer Dv-668 Dvd(Ecosse Composer MKII inter.)
    Infocus Screenplay 4805(AR Pro II Component)
    B&W 602 S3 Fronts(Monster THX)
    B&W CLR 60 Center
    B&W CDM-SNT Surr.
    Denon PMA-1500 MK II int. amp.
    Definitive Tech SuperCube II SW
    H/K HD970(Ecosse Composer MKII inter.)
    Marantz CD5001(AR PRO II inter.)
    Marantz PM-17MKII M
    Kef IQ3(Ecosse Cs2.3 wire)
    H/K HD970(Ecosse Composer MKII inter.)

  12. #12
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Jul 2004
    Posts
    143
    Before making any suggestions on equipment I think you should look into these earaches you're having. One of the problems with extended listening on headphones is a tendency to gradually increase the volume as your ears grow used to the sound level. Simply being more careful might eliminate your problem. Another thing might be an actual hearing problem. Might be worth a trip to the doctor to make sure. Well, since you've probably already considered that, on to some suggestions. The usual suspects would be integrateds from Cambridge Audio (Azur 540A, 640A) or NAD (C320BEE, C352). I think it would be worth your while to consider the Rotel RA 1062 since it would match your cdp and is a very good product. If you want a tuner then the stereo receivers from Yamaha, Denon or Harmon Kardon would be worth a look. As to speakers, there are a lot of possibilities in your price range. Three that are of good quality and readily available would be the Paradigm Mini Monitor, Boston Acoustics VRB and the PSB Image B25. Hope this helps a little and good luck.

  13. #13
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    6
    Thank you, abulgan and matt39. Yes, I guess Rotel + B&W may be a good match.

    PS. Is there a big difference between int amp and receiver? For example, rotel 1062 int amp and 1052 receiver?

  14. #14
    Forum Regular Florian's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Posts
    2,959
    I beg you, please listen to some other speakers besides B&W too!! Pretty Pretty please!
    If you decide on them, try some Krells with them. They will wake them up and make them sound less boring.

    Just my opinionated opinion

    -Flo :-)
    Lots of music but not enough time for it all

  15. #15
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Posts
    6
    Thank you, Florian. I will keep in mind.

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •