I hope my question adds something to the endless number of first-time hifi setups already in the forum.
What I'm imagining for my system is this: a great-sounding system from day one on which I can play lossless files from my MacBook Pro with plenty of upside potential for a future turntable and other enhancements. The only component I'm totally settled on so far is a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 10.1s (thanks Steve Guttenberg and Stephen Mejias). When it comes to an integrated amp/receiver, though, I'm a little more up in the air.
Before I get into my choices, I'll lay out a little more what I want to accomplish. Priority 1 is playing digital audio, for which I'll obviously need some sort of DAC. Conveniences like streaming capability would be nice but not necessary. At some point I want to invest in a Rega RP1 to use for both playing and digitizing vinyl as well.
Getting to the integrateds/receivers, I'm trying to stay below $500 and my 3 thoughts right now are an NAD 316BEE, Marantz PM5004 or Harman Kardon HK3490. My thinking on each:
316BEE: Cheapest initial outlay with great sound, but will require more peripherials (phono preamp and DAC in the case of the HK) to match the features of the others. While it will take some cash, overall this isn't a big issue because 1) having control over each piece should allow tweaking for best sound and 2) I love gadgets, so the more the merrier. If I really turn this stereo into a hobby rather than just a stereo, this seems to be a great starting centerpiece.
PM5004: From reviews, sound quality appears on par with 316BEE and includes a phono stage. This is good until I get to digitizing vinyl, where I wonder if the 316BEE with an NAD PP3i phono preamp might better suit my needs? Can digitizing be easily done when the preamp is built into the integrated?
HK3490: All-in-one convenience with good sound. This is where my lazy self takes over and says this thing has a built-in DAC and phono preamp for the cost of the PM5004. No fuss, no extra equipment, just quick, easy audiophilia. Convenience has been the name of my listening game to now, and this receiver speaks to that. I can't find many good reviews for this though. Can anyone speak to its sound quality compared to the above two options?
Phew. Obviously a lot of my decision is personal right now: do I turn this into a hobby where I can play with all the parts or do I want an amazing plug-and-play system that I can effectively forget about. I'm leaning heavily towards hobby at the moment with a slight concern that my enthusiasm will wane as the bills start rolling in. That said, if anyone has experience with these 3 products and can comment on the validity of my thinking above it would be hugely appreciated. Any other product suggestons or comments on my general predicament would be gladly welcome.
Thanks gang.
-Sam
I hope my question adds something to the endless number of first-time hifi setups already in the forum.
What I'm imagining for my system is this: a great-sounding system from day one on which I can play lossless files from my MacBook Pro with plenty of upside potential for a future turntable and other enhancements. The only component I'm totally settled on so far is a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 10.1s (thanks Steve Guttenberg and Stephen Mejias). When it comes to an integrated amp/receiver, though, I'm a little more up in the air.
Before I get into my choices, I'll lay out a little more what I want to accomplish. Priority 1 is playing digital audio, for which I'll obviously need some sort of DAC. Conveniences like streaming capability would be nice but not necessary. At some point I want to invest in a Rega RP1 to use for both playing and digitizing vinyl as well.
Getting to the integrateds/receivers, I'm trying to stay below $500 and my 3 thoughts right now are an NAD 316BEE, Marantz PM5004 or Harman Kardon HK3490. My thinking on each:
316BEE: Cheapest initial outlay with great sound, but will require more peripherials (phono preamp and DAC in the case of the HK) to match the features of the others. While it will take some cash, overall this isn't a big issue because 1) having control over each piece should allow tweaking for best sound and 2) I love gadgets, so the more the merrier. If I really turn this stereo into a hobby rather than just a stereo, this seems to be a great starting centerpiece.
PM5004: From reviews, sound quality appears on par with 316BEE and includes a phono stage. This is good until I get to digitizing vinyl, where I wonder if the 316BEE with an NAD PP3i phono preamp might better suit my needs? Can digitizing be easily done when the preamp is built into the integrated?
HK3490: All-in-one convenience with good sound. This is where my lazy self takes over and says this thing has a built-in DAC and phono preamp for the cost of the PM5004. No fuss, no extra equipment, just quick, easy audiophilia. Convenience has been the name of my listening game to now, and this receiver speaks to that. I can't find many good reviews for this though. Can anyone speak to its sound quality compared to the above two options?
Phew. Obviously a lot of my decision is personal right now: do I turn this into a hobby where I can play with all the parts or do I want an amazing plug-and-play system that I can effectively forget about. I'm leaning heavily towards hobby at the moment with a slight concern that my enthusiasm will wane as the bills start rolling in. That said, if anyone has experience with these 3 products and can comment on the validity of my thinking above it would be hugely appreciated. Any other product suggestons or comments on my general predicament would be gladly welcome.
Thanks gang.
-Sam