Hi everyone, first post here on stereophile but have been reading the website for about a year.
A couple of years ago when I started university I bought a pair of M-Audio BX5a and I was amazed by how good music sounded compared to generic 20$ computer speakers. I felt like I needed to re-listen to every album that I had.
I am able finally to afford an entry-level audio system and I plan to spend a maximum of 1500$.I am looking for an integrated amplifier and for the moment am very tempted by the Cambridge Audio Azur 351a. Having a USB DAC is mandatory as my music is mainly on my computer. I was also looking into entry level NAD amp like the NAD 316BEE and NAD 326BEE but I would need to add a separate USB DAC.
For speakers I was thinking about B&W 685 and I've stumbled upon the Paradigm Studio 10 but I think they would easily push my system beyond 1500$.
I listen to rock, solo piano, spanish guitar / flamenco and orchestral music and some popular music with vocals.
What are your thoughts on the Azur 351a and B&W 685 paired together? Any other suggestions that would fit my budget ? As I said earlier a USB DAC is mandatory. Should I consider a differente integrated amp and add a standalone DAC like the Dragonfly?
I am searching to have the same feeling I had a couple of years , to feel that I need to re-listen to all my albums :)
Hi everyone, first post here on stereophile but have been reading the website for about a year.
A couple of years ago when I started university I bought a pair of M-Audio BX5a and I was amazed by how good music sounded compared to generic 20$ computer speakers. I felt like I needed to re-listen to every album that I had.
I am able finally to afford an entry-level audio system and I plan to spend a maximum of 1500$.I am looking for an integrated amplifier and for the moment am very tempted by the Cambridge Audio Azur 351a. Having a USB DAC is mandatory as my music is mainly on my computer. I was also looking into entry level NAD amp like the NAD 316BEE and NAD 326BEE but I would need to add a separate USB DAC.
For speakers I was thinking about B&W 685 and I've stumbled upon the Paradigm Studio 10 but I think they would easily push my system beyond 1500$.
I listen to rock, solo piano, spanish guitar / flamenco and orchestral music and some popular music with vocals.
What are your thoughts on the Azur 351a and B&W 685 paired together? Any other suggestions that would fit my budget ? As I said earlier a USB DAC is mandatory. Should I consider a differente integrated amp and add a standalone DAC like the Dragonfly?
I am searching to have the same feeling I had a couple of years , to feel that I need to re-listen to all my albums :)