The perfect all rounder. The impossible dream?
Hi
I'm am trying to find the perfect all rounder stereo. I would like something that has great sound to play from my iTunes library but I am afraid of giving up the option of CD and if possible something that i can plug a DVD and sky box into. It also has to be compact. Does something like that even exist?
In my search so far I've come up with 3 options but 2 don't actually have CD players.... (i've chosen these because they seem to fit the bill plus I like the design) they are:
1) Denon CEOL RCDN8 plus Focal Dome speakers (has an integrated CD player)
2) Denon Piccolo plus Focal Dome speakers
3) Focal Bird
Does anyone have any other suggestions or knowledge of the 3 above?
many thanks...
I suppose it depends upon your budget.
More expensive options might be Naim Uniti and Arcam Neo Solo.
If you want to leave out the CD player and just use the DVD player for all disc playback, then your options expand.
thanks for the replies. i didn't realise i can play cd's on my dvd player! so if that is the case what would you suggest?
thanks for the replies. i didn't realise i can play cd's on my dvd player! so if that is the case what would you suggest?
What is your budget and would you buy used?
ideally I would spend about £500 but could go up to about £750. yes i would consider used.
The Marantz MCR603 would be a good option. Try it out with a few different speakers to see which ones sound the best for you.
ideally I would spend about £500 but could go up to about £750. yes i would consider used.
THESE would be good, put in an offer at your budget limit or lower, they've been there a while and are overpriced. I bought some new recently at not much more than those.
These speakers come up every now and again for much less on the used market.Try HERE.
Epoz Actimate Maxis would fit the bill too, but wouldn't be as flexible for inputs.
Both suggestions are all in one systems including DAC and amps. Both have very good reviews.
I agree the AVI ADM9's would be a better option than the Marantz if you can find any within your budget secondhand.
but aren't the AVI ADM9's and the other suggestions just speakers? i need to find the complete system for under £750
Onkyo's TX8050 network stereo amp. Amazing bit of kit for the money.
thanks for the suggestions. do you know if i hook my sky box up to a stereo amp will there be a delay on the audio?
but aren't the AVI ADM9's and the other suggestions just speakers? i need to find the complete system for under £750
They are the complete system, as are the Epoz.
Just plug in the source of your choice. (hint, as per my sig.)
but aren't the AVI ADM9's and the other suggestions just speakers? i need to find the complete system for under £750
The ADM9's are a complete system all contined within the speakers. All you need is to add is a source such as a CD/DVD player.
You may struggle to find any for between £500-750 though.
Onkyo's TX8050 network stereo amp. Amazing bit of kit for the money.
+1
The Onkyo's TX8050 is very good value for money.
A great alternative if you want to go for speakers with everything built in are these: http://www.kef.com/html/gb/showroom/digital_music_solutions/x300a/overview/
You can get them new, with full warranty, here: http://www.audioaffair.co.uk/KEF-X300A-Active-Speakers-Pair/product_6859 New price is £599.
You may still be better off going for a separate amp, speaker and DAC, though, as the all in one options don't give you any room to upgrade later, in that you'll have to sell the lot and buy again.
The obvious alternative to your first proposal is the marantz mcr603. Pair with speakers of your choice that match your budget and tastes, after demoing some pairs with that unit.
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