Jvaidya
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Integrated amp with DAC for under $400;$350 for extra credit
commsysman
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I think you would be very disappointed with the sound quality of the Yamaha or Onkyo units; not very good.

I personally think that the Monitor Audio BX2 speakers are the best ones on your list, although the Wharfdales are also very good. In either case I think you really want a better amplifier than the ones on your list in order to get the most from the speakers.

I personally think that it is a mistake, from an engineer's standpoint, to have the DAC and amplifier on the same chassis; noise/isolation problems are hard to avoid. I suggest that separate units would be better.

Audio Advisor has reduced the price of the Cambridge Audio 351A amplifier from $600 to $399, and that is the amplifier I would suggest; good amp; good deal.

The Audioengine D1 DAC is $169, and it would be a good choice.

Extra credit? Does that mean I can drop my lowest test score?

Jvaidya
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Thanks for the suggestion. Though the cambridge audio amp also has a DAC onboard right? Also you mentioned that i should probably get a better amp than the ones on my list . What would you suggest I up my budget to? And what amps would you suggest?

bierfeldt
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Has that same Cambridge Audio Azur 351a for $299 as a refurb. It does have a USB input and an onboard DAC.

commsysman
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The Music Hall 15.3 integrated amplifier is outstanding, and runs $549.

That would be my recommendation.

The NAD C326BEE amplifier would also be a good choice.

geekonstereo
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If you want a built-in DAC, check out the Marantz PM6005. It offers strong performance and will go well with the Monitor Audio BX2. Should be well within your budget.
The NAD D 3020 is also a versatile amp with very nice performance, but has a slightly lower power output rating. It should be more than enough for any of the bookshelf options you've listed though, unless you plan to crank up the volume to wake the neighbors.
If you can afford to go for a stereo amp with a separate DAC, go for the Music Hall 15.3 as commsysman suggests. It really is very good.
For DAC, you could buy the Audioengine D1 suggested earlier or the Musical Fidelity V90-DAC, which is better but more expensive than the D1.
And yes, avoid the Yamahas and Onkyos. All the suggestions above offer better sound and value.

Jvaidya
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Thanks for your inputs.
Will add those to my list to check out.

Jvaidya
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I also happened upon the Monitor Audio A100 which seems like it might be perfect for my needs atleast in theory since I have an iOS/Marcos ecosystem and the AirPlay would help a lot
What gift gave it five stars. Any actual user reviews or experiences though would be great to hear

Jvaidya
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At this point I am really thinking hard between the NAD D 3020/ Monitor Audio A100/Marantz M-CR510.
As long as they are adequately musical I think the streaming + integ amp aspect really appeal to me. Are there other similar products i should consider?

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