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Post by bruleto on May 18, 2015 7:29:03 GMT -5
Looking for a little advice. I hope I'm posting this in the appropriate place.
I'm looking to make a pretty significant upgrade to my setup and I'd like some opinions/advice on the direction I'm taking. Perhaps more of a confirmation that I'm not crazy or making a big mistake.
First, a little background. I'm looking for a strictly music setup. It's actually for a my home office (a.k.a., my fortress of solitude). The room is 14'x12'x12' with hard wood floors. The acoustics aren't good to say the least and I plan on adding room treatments in the near future. My current setup is a pair of EPOS Epic 2, Peachtree Decco65, Sonos Connect and Pro-Ject Debut Carbon. I listen to a mix of music…Beatles, Pink Floyd, Tom Petty, a lot of indie (e.g., Iron & Wine, Blind Pilot, Death Cab, etc.), a little electronic/trance and classical. My setup has proven to be a good starter but doesn't give me the experience I'm looking for.
I want something that sounds amazing at low volumes (when the family is sleeping) and when cranked. I want to be able to turn off the lights, close my eyes and feel immersed. Also, I want something that scales well as I may eventually move it to a bigger room when the kids get a bit older.
Looking at the following: Tekton Pendragon Emotiva XSP-1 2x Emotiva XPA-1L DAC --recommendations please Subwoofer -- Is it even necessary? Perhaps 2x SVS SB13-Ultras
I've also been looking at the SVS Ultra Towers and Aperion Verus Grands since they are in the same general price range.
Thank you in advance for any guidance. I'm new to the audiophile and I'm learning a lot but still so much to learn.
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Post by Boomzilla on May 18, 2015 7:42:29 GMT -5
Whoooo - So much at once! LOL - Yep - You're in for a ride. The Pendragons have a reputation for being VERY dynamic (at any level) and they should serve you well.
I can heartily recommend the XSP-1 - IF you're planning on using subwoofers. The other option in the price range is the Parasound HALO. If you're NOT going to use subs, then the field opens up considerably. I'd even consider tubes if you're not going for subs.
The XPA-1Ls are a no-brainer. Yes, definitely.
Now that said, let me throw you a curve - The Stealth 8 Emotiva speakers are SELF-POWERED and don't need a subwoofer! This means you'll not only need no space for power amps but also that you'll need no space for subwoofers. The question, though, is whether you like the ribbon tweeters (I don't - most do). It's an option to consider...
DAC - depends on your budget. Some say that the DAC is the "front end" of the system, and that any quality lost there will never be recovered. If you want to shoot the moon, then the Schiit Yggdrasil is the current market sweetheart. For less money, the Benchmark products (DAC-1 HDR, etc) are well regarded. For even less, I've found that the Jolida tube DAC and the Oppo BDP-105 (disc player and DAC) are bargains. Many here recommend the Emotiva Stealth DC-1, but I'm not, personally, a fan.
Only YOU can determine if the sub will be needed. In a room as small as yours, I'd probably recommend "not." However...
I'd say that you'll need to settle on speakers first, then mold the rest of the system to suit them. I'd never buy ANYTHING that I couldn't audition before purchase (or be allowed to return if it wasn't suitable). One of the main things you'll need to consider is dispersion. Is your room symmetrical? If not, then speakers with back wave launch (Magnepans, bipolar or dipolar radiators) are probably out. The closer to the speakers your listening position will be, the more direct sound (and the less room interference) you'll get. Some near-field monitors (KEF LS50s?) with a small sub could work... But it's YOUR ears that must be pleased, so listen extensively before you buy.
Happy shopping!
Boomzilla
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Post by qdtjni on May 18, 2015 7:47:54 GMT -5
I would consider the XMC-1 even for 2 channel use, you get a preamp, DAC plus DIRAC (and much more) in one.
Cheers Johan
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jlafrenz
Global Moderator
I don't want to jump in, unless this music's thumping
Posts: 7,722
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Post by jlafrenz on May 18, 2015 7:55:17 GMT -5
The first thing that stands out is there is currently no subwoofer. That room wouldn't require 2 SVS subs. You could also look at the Rythmik subs.
Next on the list I would look at DAC's. There are tons on the market and lots of reviews.
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Post by vneal on May 18, 2015 7:55:40 GMT -5
For your setup you might also consider a better HEADPHONE AMP and headphones system from- AUDEZE SENNHEISER OPPO GRADO
For a computer headphone DAC look at Audioquest Meridian Emotiva
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Post by 134lrs on May 18, 2015 8:01:23 GMT -5
Lets lead with an overall budget, so that we can get our wheels turning.
Unless, you are planning on pairing a sub with each speaker and running them as full range, I don't see the point of dual subs in a small office. A single Rythmik would do very well with what you are describing.
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Post by bruleto on May 18, 2015 8:08:16 GMT -5
Boomzilla & veneal -- your suggestions made me chuckle because last week I had my mind made up that I was going to get a pair of the Stealth 8s and the OPPO HA-1 as a pre and headphone amp. I then started looking at towers and I got all excited. Also, I'm concerned that in s6-12 months I'd get the itch to upgrade again.
Ultimately, I know there are compelling reasons for each setup (e.g., full towers vs near field vs headphone) and the "best" approach is extremely subjective. It is nice getting the opinions of those that are much more knowledgable.
Thank you all for such quick responses.
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Post by bruleto on May 18, 2015 8:10:18 GMT -5
134lrs -- budget of ~$6K or less
Edit: fat fingered 8, meant ~$6K
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Post by qdtjni on May 18, 2015 8:22:01 GMT -5
The first thing that stands out is there is currently no subwoofer. That room wouldn't require 2 SVS subs. You could also look at the Rythmik subs. Next on the list I would look at DAC's. There are tons on the market and lots of reviews. Why would he need 2 or even 1 sub woofer without specifying main speakers?
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Post by pedrocols on May 18, 2015 8:36:05 GMT -5
The first thing that stands out is there is currently no subwoofer. That room wouldn't require 2 SVS subs. You could also look at the Rythmik subs. Next on the list I would look at DAC's. There are tons on the market and lots of reviews. Why would he need 2 or even 1 sub woofer without specifying main speakers? Maybe for the same reason you are suggesting a 2K processor for two channel listening when there are plenty of other good cheaper options.. You do not need the XMC-1 to benefit from Dirac.
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Post by qdtjni on May 18, 2015 8:42:16 GMT -5
Why would he need 2 or even 1 sub woofer without specifying main speakers? Maybe for the same reason you are suggesting a 2K processor for two channel listening when there are plenty of other good cheaper options.. You do not need the XMC-1 to benefit from Dirac. So which combination of pre-amp, tuner, DAC (with S/PDIF, AES/EBU, USB and HDMI in) and DIRAC DSP would you suggest that get's you under 2k with the same level of SNR, Distortion, etc AND does DIRAC for all sources without extra A/D involved for digital sources?
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Post by Canuck_fr on May 18, 2015 8:45:03 GMT -5
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Post by vcautokid on May 18, 2015 8:45:23 GMT -5
A nice left turn would be a Combo of the following for your kind consideration.
The Ether Headphones are an amazing listen. Class similar to the Hifiman, and the Audeze's.
Schiit Audio's new Yigdrassil, and the Ragnorok as the one two punch with the speakers of your choice. You have end game DAC, and a great Headphone amp, speaker amp, the Headphone amp will run fully balanced too, not just single ended. I heard this combo at Axpona Audiocon 2015, and I have to say, wow. Really good stuff.
Speakers you pick what you like. the Rythmic, and the SVS SB13 Ultra makes sense. The Rythmic maybe a better value in the end though. I like my SB13 Ultra of which I have one. My room is similar size to your listening room, and as much as I love the SB13 Ultra, 2 of them is more than you'll ever need. Try one first. You can always get another later. Towers are great for the dynamics in the lower registers. The Stealth 8 speaker are amazing too. I have the Stealth 6, and the 8's take it to a higher level than the already very good 6's.
Since it is an office, I like to keep it simple. Less clutter etc. But with room to grow, the Schiit combo is tough to beat. Yes I like the XPA-1L mono's, and the XSP-1 gen 2. Those are great choices. If the footprint size is not a concern, go mono, go XSP-1 gen 2, and the DAC you like. Ultimately, your office your choices. You are in the best of times for choices.
The most fun part of our hobby. What do we chose? Let us know it all goes. Happy listening.
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Post by pedrocols on May 18, 2015 8:51:21 GMT -5
Maybe for the same reason you are suggesting a 2K processor for two channel listening when there are plenty of other good cheaper options.. You do not need the XMC-1 to benefit from Dirac. So which combination of pre-amp, tuner, DAC (with S/PDIF, AES/EBU, USB and HDMI in) and DIRAC DSP would you suggest that get's you under 2k with the same level of SNR, Distortion, etc AND does DIRAC for all sources without extra A/D involved for digital sources? It seems like some members already answered that question.
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Post by qdtjni on May 18, 2015 8:55:25 GMT -5
So which combination of pre-amp, tuner, DAC (with S/PDIF, AES/EBU, USB and HDMI in) and DIRAC DSP would you suggest that get's you under 2k with the same level of SNR, Distortion, etc AND does DIRAC for all sources without extra A/D involved for digital sources? It seems like some members already answered that question. No, not with DIRAC. So what are the other as good and cheaper alternatives?
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Post by pedrocols on May 18, 2015 8:58:34 GMT -5
It seems like some members already answered that question. No, not with DIRAC. So what are the other as good and cheaper alternatives? Firstly, I said " good and cheaper." Secondly, " as good and cheaper" can be very subjective.
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Post by monkumonku on May 18, 2015 9:03:57 GMT -5
My advice would be to first put in some room treatments. I don't think anything is going to sound all that good in the room with those hardwood floors no matter what level of volume. See what that does first and then you can use the room-treated sound as your base from which to judge how much improvement you get from better components. I just think if you upgrade with the room like it is now, nothing is going to sound that wonderful. The room will interfere with your evaluation too much.
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Post by qdtjni on May 18, 2015 9:04:49 GMT -5
No, not with DIRAC. So what are the other as good and cheaper alternatives? Firstly, I said " good and cheaper." Secondly, " as good and cheaper" can be very subjective. Fair enough but "good and cheaper" can be as subjective. So secondly, what is the "good and cheaper" alternative where you can have DIRAC for all sources?
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Post by pedrocols on May 18, 2015 9:09:43 GMT -5
Firstly, I said " good and cheaper." Secondly, " as good and cheaper" can be very subjective. Fair enough but "good and cheaper" can be as subjective. So secondly, what is the "good and cheaper" alternative where you can have DIRAC for all sources? Personally, I do not need Dirac or a 2k processor for my two channel listening. Moreover, I do not even use a preamp for my two channel set up. Maybe one day my preferences will change as I am an open-minded individual.
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Post by qdtjni on May 18, 2015 9:13:48 GMT -5
Fair enough but "good and cheaper" can be as subjective. So secondly, what is the "good and cheaper" alternative where you can have DIRAC for all sources? Personally, I do not need Dirac or a 2k processor for my two channel listening. Moreover, I do not even use a preamp for my two channel set up. Maybe one day my preferences will change as I am an open-minded individual. So no alternatives good and cheaper alternatives with Dirac in the same context as you suggested earlier? FWIW, I have nothing against SWs in general and in particular SVS SB-13, I even have one myself.
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