Post by bengigliotti on Nov 15, 2013 14:59:18 GMT -5
Warm greetings! I am hoping to tap the expertise of forum members regarding my first foray into a "separates" set up. I'm woefully insufficient in terms of experience, which has largely been CD->headphones, or PC->5.1 computer audio; I have little-to-no experience with analog listening setups (parents never cared about music). I'd be thrilled to accept any thoughts, musings, criticism and biases based on personal experience.
The room: Rectangle 18' long by 10' wide- here is a view from the next-room dining room (two rooms adjoined by 6 foot wide archway )
TV and entertainment center are on long south wall), fireplace on east wall, archway is west wall, north wall is block of leaded windows with fabric blinds and curtains, and couch
The purpose: Mostly listening to music, occasional HT ( I rarely make it through a movie without falling asleep) - I'm a resident at our local hospital and spend precious little time at home, so I appreciate quality time (and sleep) when it's available. My ears are very sensitive to bass.
The source: Almost exclusively digital from my PC - I have no analog sources although this will be a future consideration in >5 years with a planned foray into the analog world
The music: I am eclectic and will listen to all genres, however my favorites include folk/acoustic, alternative, indie, and electronica (mostly trance).
Future plans: I am hoping to start with a stereo system, with consideration of moving to a 7.1 or 7.2 HT system later but likely >5 years from now (In 5 years, I will be long done with my training and likely moving into a home in which I hope to retire)
Budget: Flexible, but hoping for ~$4000-5000 (this can be stretched with convincing)
Theoretical setup:
PC source - library organized by Mediamonkey with emphasis on FLAC or 320kbps mp3, mostly playing via Foobar ( with WASAPI module )
-USB-
Stealth DC-1
-XLR-
Emotiva XPR-2 vs XPA-1 monoblocks
-Monoprice 12g cables with banana plugs-
Magnepan magneplanar 1.7
Thoughts/questions:
- I've had the privilege of listening to the 1.7s and was thrilled by the experience. I look forward to auditioning them at home. The wife is wonderfully patient with me and is OK with the idea of the intrusive maggies (3-5' from long wall).
- People seem pleased with the DC-1, are there any other DACs (or opinions about USB vs S/PDIF) people recommend? I won't be using headphones.
- I did a fair amount of reading on XPR-2 vs XPA-1 monoblocks and have seen arguments in favor of both (generically) - anyone have experience with the 1.7s specifically?
- The HT setup is exclusively PC via VGA -> Samsung 46" UN46D6000SF (embarrassingly with audio currently via 1/8" phone from sound card to TV speakers)
- Any thoughts on room treatments?
Thanks so much, in advance, for any comments!
Ben
The room: Rectangle 18' long by 10' wide- here is a view from the next-room dining room (two rooms adjoined by 6 foot wide archway )
TV and entertainment center are on long south wall), fireplace on east wall, archway is west wall, north wall is block of leaded windows with fabric blinds and curtains, and couch
The purpose: Mostly listening to music, occasional HT ( I rarely make it through a movie without falling asleep) - I'm a resident at our local hospital and spend precious little time at home, so I appreciate quality time (and sleep) when it's available. My ears are very sensitive to bass.
The source: Almost exclusively digital from my PC - I have no analog sources although this will be a future consideration in >5 years with a planned foray into the analog world
The music: I am eclectic and will listen to all genres, however my favorites include folk/acoustic, alternative, indie, and electronica (mostly trance).
Future plans: I am hoping to start with a stereo system, with consideration of moving to a 7.1 or 7.2 HT system later but likely >5 years from now (In 5 years, I will be long done with my training and likely moving into a home in which I hope to retire)
Budget: Flexible, but hoping for ~$4000-5000 (this can be stretched with convincing)
Theoretical setup:
PC source - library organized by Mediamonkey with emphasis on FLAC or 320kbps mp3, mostly playing via Foobar ( with WASAPI module )
-USB-
Stealth DC-1
-XLR-
Emotiva XPR-2 vs XPA-1 monoblocks
-Monoprice 12g cables with banana plugs-
Magnepan magneplanar 1.7
Thoughts/questions:
- I've had the privilege of listening to the 1.7s and was thrilled by the experience. I look forward to auditioning them at home. The wife is wonderfully patient with me and is OK with the idea of the intrusive maggies (3-5' from long wall).
- People seem pleased with the DC-1, are there any other DACs (or opinions about USB vs S/PDIF) people recommend? I won't be using headphones.
- I did a fair amount of reading on XPR-2 vs XPA-1 monoblocks and have seen arguments in favor of both (generically) - anyone have experience with the 1.7s specifically?
- The HT setup is exclusively PC via VGA -> Samsung 46" UN46D6000SF (embarrassingly with audio currently via 1/8" phone from sound card to TV speakers)
- Any thoughts on room treatments?
Thanks so much, in advance, for any comments!
Ben
