I am currently in the market to start out my system.
My audio source is a computer (flac files from CD). I have a EMU-0202 as a sound card but also have optical output. I hesitate between two paths.
While I haven't choosen my speakers yet, I really liked the Kef iQ90 and the PSB Image T60.
1- Go for a power amp (emotiva upa-2) only and plug the sound card directly into the power amp. Eventually I can upgrade to a better preamp and the emotiva upa-2 should be a keeper for a long time given the specs and the reviews of the amp. Then I can put my money on a better preamp & dac, or when a good and cheap remote controlable preamp-dac combo gets out I can buy it.
2- Go for a integrated amp (I had the music hall a25.2 in mind). However I have no upgrade path without selling the a25.2 and I feel the power amp stage (50W) might not be enough in the long run.
Currently I am leaning more toward the emotiva upa-2 and the EMU-0202 as a preamp since it's cheaper and provides more power & headroom for the same price. Also I've read excellent reviews about the emotiva and it's easily available.
On the other hand, I don't know if the EMU-0202 is going to be able to easily drive the emotiva. If the EMU-0202 as a preamp is so bad that I'll want to buy a preamp right away than the whole point of going for an upgrade path is pointless because I need to upgrade right away.
What do you recommend ?
Eric
I am currently in the market to start out my system.
My audio source is a computer (flac files from CD). I have a EMU-0202 as a sound card but also have optical output. I hesitate between two paths.
While I haven't choosen my speakers yet, I really liked the Kef iQ90 and the PSB Image T60.
1- Go for a power amp (emotiva upa-2) only and plug the sound card directly into the power amp. Eventually I can upgrade to a better preamp and the emotiva upa-2 should be a keeper for a long time given the specs and the reviews of the amp. Then I can put my money on a better preamp & dac, or when a good and cheap remote controlable preamp-dac combo gets out I can buy it.
2- Go for a integrated amp (I had the music hall a25.2 in mind). However I have no upgrade path without selling the a25.2 and I feel the power amp stage (50W) might not be enough in the long run.
Currently I am leaning more toward the emotiva upa-2 and the EMU-0202 as a preamp since it's cheaper and provides more power & headroom for the same price. Also I've read excellent reviews about the emotiva and it's easily available.
On the other hand, I don't know if the EMU-0202 is going to be able to easily drive the emotiva. If the EMU-0202 as a preamp is so bad that I'll want to buy a preamp right away than the whole point of going for an upgrade path is pointless because I need to upgrade right away.
What do you recommend ?
Eric