One piece of the puzzle missing

Running a media computer system with a large system drive and lossless audio painstakingly ripped under EAC. Signal moves over coaxial to a MSB DAC Link III (Full Nelson) and eventually to a pair of Amphion Helium2's that I though sounded best in my space... I've roughly $400 left out of a $2000 budget (not particularly poor considering how that's 2 speakers + stands + DAC) -- but something obviously needs to go in the middle between the Helium2's and the DAC but what? Space is very small and I have neighbors in the apartments above, below, and beside mine so musical clarity is of the utmost importance, not strength -- what's the piece I'm missing?

Thoughts? Thanks!

~Chad

January 11, 2006 - 5:19pm

Jim Tavegia

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Re: One piece of the puzzle missing

If this is a quiz...I think what you need is an integrated amp that will power the speakers and give you Level "volumn" control from the DAC. If this is right let me know and we'll go from there.

January 12, 2006 - 10:11am

Jim Tavegia

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Re: One piece of the puzzle missing

John Marks gave a good rating to the $300+ Harmon Kardon reciever (100 watts/ch I believe) www.jr.com . Cambridge Audio has some gear in the range as well www.audioadvisor.com . The Jolida hybrid integrated will run slightly more with tubes and mosfets www.underwoodhifi.com

January 12, 2006 - 10:13am

Jim Tavegia

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Re: One piece of the puzzle missing

John Marks gave a good rating to the $300+ Harmon Kardon reciever (100 watts/ch I believe) www.jr.com .

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Cambridge Audio has some gear in the range as well www.audioadvisor.com . The Jolida hybrid JD1701 integrated will run slightly more with tubes and mosfets www.underwoodhifi.com

January 18, 2006 - 1:33pm

Jeff Wong

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Joined: Sep 6 2005 - 3:28am

Re: One piece of the puzzle missing

I lived very happily with Creek gear for years and don't think you could go wrong with an SE version of one of their amps. They're punchy, natural and reliable. Plus, you've got the option of a phono card should you ever decide to explore vinyl.

I haven't heard the Jolida... it might be very nice. But, I imagine you'll need to consider if you're willing to deal with retubing every few years. Is there a way to listen to both and hear which gives you more pleasure? Our opinions mean little compared to yours in your situation.

January 18, 2006 - 2:11pm

cheuschober

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Joined: Oct 12 2005 - 8:23pm

Re: One piece of the puzzle missing

Ugh! I only wish I could -- one piece is in Minnesota (the creek) the other in Jersey. The idea of re-tubing doesn't necessarily scare me but I've heard a rather large variance of opinions on SS vs. Tube and without the ability to really audition this last piece of the puzzle I'm down to guessing with numbers and other reviews with similar equipment.

It's difficult to find reviews on the Helium2 speakers being paired with anything so I'm quite confused at this point which way to go. The listening room is quite small (about 6 feet between speakers and listener -- hence small bookshelves like the Heliums) ... Do you think I have an cause for worry that the creek would produce too sharp a sound for that?

~Chad

January 18, 2006 - 2:24pm

Jeff Wong

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Joined: Sep 6 2005 - 3:28am

Re: One piece of the puzzle missing

I'm not at all familiar with the Helium speakers. Maybe someone else can offer some info that will help you. What I can tell you is the Creek amps of the last 10 years have a nice tonal balance and are relatively neutral.

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