Recommend an AVR/amp for digital music & network audio system

[pergoi]

my first post, so do excuse and highlight errors.

My goal : To setup a quality entry level audio system for my son - 13 year old, learns hindustani vocal, like classic rock. Beyond setting up the target system , I also want this to be a learning project - understanding the technical features, appreciating the value of good engineering , looking beyond brand and hype.

I would like your advise/recommendation for a good avr/amp/dac system.

Here are my parameters
1) budget - 20K to 35K overall.
2) Speakers - some decent floor standers, I definitely want to go in for some used speakers . I like wharfdales , but will see what comes up for sale around 15K over the next couple of months.
3) music source - all digital , from itunes or ripped. Also from internet-radio. NO CD - not against CDs, just dont have too many.
4) Wireless/bluetooth/airplay interface is highly, highly desirable

My questions are
1) Is its possible to get a decent system DAC+amp+network receiver in 12-20K , new or used. What are your recommendations?
2) I prefer a single box, but i'm OK to drop the network/internet-radio requirement (than can be an extra box or an old PC) .

thanks
Pervez
bangalore

 

[elangoas]

my first post, so do excuse and highlight errors.

My goal : To setup a quality entry level audio system for my son - 13 year old, learns hindustani vocal, like classic rock. Beyond setting up the target system , I also want this to be a learning project - understanding the technical features, appreciating the value of good engineering , looking beyond brand and hype.

I would like your advise/recommendation for a good avr/amp/dac system.

Here are my parameters
1) budget - 20K to 35K overall.
2) Speakers - some decent floor standers, I definitely want to go in for some used speakers . I like wharfdales , but will see what comes up for sale around 15K over the next couple of months.
3) music source - all digital , from itunes or ripped. Also from internet-radio. NO CD - not against CDs, just dont have too many.
4) Wireless/bluetooth/airplay interface is highly, highly desirable

My questions are
1) Is its possible to get a decent system DAC+amp+network receiver in 12-20K , new or used. What are your recommendations?
2) I prefer a single box, but i'm OK to drop the network/internet-radio requirement (than can be an extra box or an old PC) .

thanks
Pervez
bangalore

Take a look @ Onkyo TX 8050 / Yamaha R-N 500 modern stereo receivers... They have most of your requirements....

My suggestion is to get a new one from Middle east which has the same voltage as India & almost 50 ~ 60% priced less than india....

Onkyo TX 8050 retails for roughly 22K in dubai....

 

[kneo]

There's a thread running about Android tabs being used as transports. You can have an android tab which is wifi enabled and can stream your digital content. Since it's a budget system, look at some cheap DAC like Muse mini/Dragonfly/ODAC and use a TA2020 based amp (Topping TP20). Get some good used bookshelves (CA S30/Pioneer BS21). I think spirovirous has a set of BS21 that he wanted to sell. That would be a good system in your budget.

 

[pergoi]

Thanks elangoas. I agree that a good network player with integrated amp like the ones u mentioned are would be ideal

kneo
I'm sort of coming to the a similar conclusion. Start with bookshelfs or FS and a mini-amp and then add a DAC/media player later.


I dont get where the DAC would fit in this chain.
1) if i use a tablet as a permanent part of the setup , then it feeds analogue audio directly to the amp.
2) Say I want to stream from my ipad or galaxy then I need some combo box that has network + DAC features.

 

[kneo]

The quality of analogue audio from a tab is not going to be great. In that case, you'd be better off with a portable MP3 player like Sansa Clip/iPod. DAC was meant for taking the digital output off the tab via USB and then feeding it to the amp. I too started with a Sansa Clip + Topping TP20 as my first setup. In fact there's a Topping amp which has an inbuilt DAC (but it's not having the TA2020 chip). I think FM madbullram owns one and he personally feels that the output is as good as a TP2020 chip. I'd suggest invest the most in speakers to begin with. Rest of the cheaper components can be upgraded/added later. Even if you begin with a portable amp and a pair of good bookshelves, you'll enjoy your music.

 

[pergoi]

Kneo

I'm with you - dont want to use a tab for DAC . A tab may be suitable as a control unit and may be for voice podcasts but definitely not for streaming music .

I guess I need to get more familiar with DAC options.

Appreciate your guidance.