fredaudet
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Building a new tv-free entertainment system @ home. Questions...
jackfish
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Including what the iTunes library is on. If your music is in MP3 format getting a good system will only reveal how badly compressed it is and it is likely to be disappointing. If the Apple TV is first generation it can stream audio to another AirPlay device. If it is newer than that then it is worthless for streaming audio unless you can get the reported Apple TV OS which provides this feature. An AirPort Express might be good in the mix as well. With more info from you it will be easier to craft some solution alternatives.

fredaudet
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Hey, thanks for the quick reply, I appreciate it.

The TV's going out - so is the entertainment sound system that goes with it. I like music alot and would like to get a turntable to enjoy electronic, hiphop, jazz and blues the vinyl way. It just sonds better :)

Anyways.. As I've eliminated CD's ( it's just not portable enough ), most of my library is on a iMac upstairs. I often have a Macbook Pro as I work in the web industry.

Got 2 iPhones : one I use iPhone5 and a 3GS - that could be used permenantly as a Remote).

Yep, got wifi.

I understand that Mp3's are bad quality, that's why I want to get something that sounds better. But I still need to find a way to easily play those in the room. I will digg into this option of yours, I've never considered this product.

Need turntable - didn't made my choice yet. New? Used? Worth considering a high-end -used- system? So far, I looked at Pioneer, Bang & Olufsen and Technics.

Need receiver - my knowledge is limited to surrounds sounds. Nothing fancy, 3 devices, maybe? USB? (highly for iPhone?).

Need speakers - got nothing in mind so far.

Price?

Well, like a scotch, you have very good stuff at 250$. But, you can find decent ones below 100$. They are often as good. Get it? :)

I don't want to take too much of your time, but any advice would be of help. Thanks!

-

Hope that helps. Thanks.

jackfish
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to Apple Lossless (ALAC), or if disk space is not an issue, AIFF. This will give you CD quality (16-bit, 44.1 kHz) playback of your digital music files through your iMac or MacBook Pro with an AirPort Express and a good DAC hooked up to whatever integrated amp or receiver you end up with. The AirPort Express has an optical digital output jack or you can use USB. An interesting USB DAC that would be good for your CD-quality music is the new Schiit MODI USB for $100. Otherwise, there are many possibilities for good DACs from hundreds of dollars to thousands. You could control iTunes with the Remote app on your iPhone. OK, so that is enhancing your digital situation.

For an analog system, entry level tables around $500 are the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, Pro-Ject RPM 1.3, or the Music Hall MMF-2.2. Around $1000?, look at the Sota Moonbeam II turntable with Ortofon 2M Blue, Ortofon X1-MCP, Nagaoka MP-150, Grado Gold1 Prestige, Audio Technica AT440MLa, or Goldring G 2200 cartridges; the Music Hall MMF-5.1 turntable (Music Hall Magic 3 cartridge installed); Music Hall MMF-5.1SE turntable (Ortofon Mojo cartridge installed); the Rega P3, either with the Rega Elys cartridge or one of your choice; or, Pro-Ject 2 Xperience with Sumiko Blue Point Special cartridge. You will need a phono stage, either one which is incorprated already into the integrated amp or receiver or a stand alone.

Forget about home theater receivers and only consider hifi quality stereo integrated amplifiers or receivers. The Outlaw RR2150, Denon DRA-697CIHD, Cambridge Audio Topaz SR10, Harman Kardon HK3490 and Marantz SR4023 are about the only choices for a stereo receiver. For integrated amps, consider NAD, Music Hall, Cambridge Audio, Musical Fidelity, Creek, Peachtree, Marantz or Jolida. For value proposition separates consider Emotiva, the UPA-1 or XPS-1 preamplifiers matched with XPA-200 or XPA-2 power amplifers can be auditioned in one's own room and returned within 30 days for a purchase price refund.

For speakers, I'd try to audition those in your price range as only your ears/brain can ultimately decide what sounds good to you. Good luck!

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