shaizada Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 Folks, My cousin is looking for some advice to build a computer based system for around $2000. Thats going to be some sort of DAC/Preamp/Amp, cables/wires and speakers. I'm thinking of: 1) Peachtree Nova: Signal Path International - Era Speakers & Peachtree Audio - Introducing Nova 2) Used speakers with minimum 91db efficiency. 3) Bluejean cables or Signal cables. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Chalk Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 Sounds like a good start, ... where did you hear about the Peachtree Nova? I'd get something a little cheaper and invest more in the speakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Chalk Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 Actually, I'd go even further, and just get a USB DAC and active speakers like the Quad 12L's or Mackie HR824's (which technically don't have a volume control -- only a sensitivity, which is not the same) and a USB DAC/pre like the Benchmark or the Headamp Pico or the Musical Fidelity X-CAN V8P. The Mackies will be a bit overwhelming, size-wise. The Quads, less so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grahame Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 Why not go all integrated? AVI - ADM9.1 active louspeakers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Chalk Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 That might even be best. I don't have a favorite, though, so I can't shill. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaizada Posted May 28, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 is he going to want full range speakers or monitors? She actually doesn't have a preference as she is only relying on me for good sound. I think the only concern she expressed was that her apartment is furnished in dark wood, so something that would match/enhance her decor In that budget with my concern with only sound quality, I would replicate my buddy's setup (Mackie 824 and a lavry DA10 Dac). However, that is a very pro audio look that would probably not be a good match for her. I've heard a Peachtree Decco and it sounded very nice for the price. The Nova is an upgrade so that is why I thought about it. Grahame, the AVI speakers look amazing. Though, it would be hard to recommend them without hearing them. I have a very good idea about the sound quality that can be had with Single Driver high efficiency speakers, so I'm thinking about starting with that. I really wish she would up the budget to about $3000 so I can really get the creative juices flowing. She could with the salary she makes....Harvard Business grad working for a hedge fund AND still holding on to her job so well in this market! hehe If I had my way, it would be a nice DAC, integrated tube amp and some high efficiency horns or single driver speakers. I figured it would be best to bounce ideas off this forum Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dusty Chalk Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 I really wish she would up the budget to about $3000...Ah, the classic foible...think of it as a challenge, stay under budget. In fact, don't even feel obliged to spend the entire US$2K. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nebby Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 Ah, the classic foible...think of it as a challenge, stay under budget. In fact, don't even feel obliged to spend the entire US$2K. So true! Also, once you get started bumping up the budget it's even easier to start thinking of what you could with even more! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.