HiFi, budget, beginner, figuring out what I need.

DampCat

DampCat

DampCat

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I know there's a ton of threads asking for advice but they feel so specific to people it's hard to apply them to myself, so I wanted to ask seperately rather than hijack.

I was looking at Evertonhero's thread so I've got a good idea about how my budget would stretch and where but I've a couple of questions.

I'd like a turntable. I've seen one I like aesthetically and I know you shouldn't base decisions on that but it's getting alright reviews. The Project Elemental.

Do I need a phono stage seperately or is built in ok?

Also the majority of my music will be digital. I have a nas for movies etc so would that be the best way to handle it? If so, I'd like to control it via a tablet docked with the hi-fi but could be moved around. Is that doable?

Finally although I'll have standmounted speakers with the hi-fi I'd like the option to connect to the Sonos I have dotted about the house for casual listening.

I don't want to just start buying stuff Willy nilly without at least asking people for their experiences and advice!
 
Hi

the turntable you are looking at doesn't have a built in phono stage so your amp will need one .

i have a Nas with a lot of music on it but ive not found a way to access it through a tablet. so i got a cheap kindle fire and a google chromecast
 
Do hi-fi amps have a nas option such as with AV receivers or are they less about pulling in different sources?
 
not really sure what you mean about nas option ? , i think you can get some amps with digital inputs , but ive never seen one
 
err no.

Line level inputs aren't phono inputs

Nas input?? I think you mean ethernet streaming features? Like on AVR's.
If you use a CD player connect it to the line level input
If you have a vinyl player you need to connect it to phono input, or require a phono stage and then connect it to a regular line level input.
 
hornetstinger;30499190 said:
err no.

Line level inputs aren't phono inputs

Nas input?? I think you mean ethernet streaming features? Like on AVR's.
If you use a CD player connect it to the line level input
If you have a vinyl player you need to connect it to phono input, or require a phono stage and then connect it to a regular line level input.
Click to expand...

yeah sorry i'm shouting instructions to a muppet from the other side of the workshop :D
 
i think you can get some amps with digital inputs , but ive never seen one
Click to expand...

Some of the newer integrateds do have digital inputs, they're combined stereo DAC & stereo integrated amp. Think some have USB so you can connect PC or ipod to get async support.

Some others have built in bass management not as advanced as AVR's but something like the the Outlaw ICBM-1 in 2 channel mode. I think Emotiva and Outlaw integrated amps have them.
 
If your music is also sitting on a NAS you could buy a Raspberry Pi and something like the HiFi Berry DAC or a USB one like a Firefly or Meridian and install Moode Audio which can then be controlled via a tablet to playback your music via your HiFi

If you want to get fancy you could buy the 7" screen for the Pi and install Picoreplayer so you have a all in one player with touchscreen
 
So many options! Project make some great entry level turntables - my Debut III has served me very well over the years.

The meat of your system will be a stereo integrated amp and stereo speakers. I would still recommend looking at a second hand amplifier from a decent manufacturer as the analogue amplifier components haven't changed much in decades. I personally love Cyrus kit, but second hand you might be able to afford something from Linn, Arcam, Rotel, Roksan etc etc. Similarly with speakers second hand allows you to get something well above your price range if you were to buy new gear. It's not for everyone but do look into it.

Digital sources become a little more complex. What tablet do you own? If you've got an iPad then an Apple TV would integrate best. A Sonos connect would be good in its own right but seems expensive to me. For android a chrome cast would work nicely. I think it's worth looking into a separate DAC. I really enjoy how my Beresford bushmaster has made even virgin media sound decent but if I were to buy another DAC I think USB input is a must these days.

In summary:
Tablet/NAS --> Apple TV/Chromecast --> DAC --> Stereo Amp + speakers.
 
tom_nieto said:
So many options! Project make some great entry level turntables - my Debut III has served me very well over the years.

The meat of your system will be a stereo integrated amp and stereo speakers. I would still recommend looking at a second hand amplifier from a decent manufacturer as the analogue amplifier components haven't changed much in decades. I personally love Cyrus kit, but second hand you might be able to afford something from Linn, Arcam, Rotel, Roksan etc etc. Similarly with speakers second hand allows you to get something well above your price range if you were to buy new gear. It's not for everyone but do look into it.

Digital sources become a little more complex. What tablet do you own? If you've got an iPad then an Apple TV would integrate best. A Sonos connect would be good in its own right but seems expensive to me. For android a chrome cast would work nicely. I think it's worth looking into a separate DAC. I really enjoy how my Beresford bushmaster has made even virgin media sound decent but if I were to buy another DAC I think USB input is a must these days.

In summary:
Tablet/NAS --> Apple TV/Chromecast --> DAC --> Stereo Amp + speakers.
Click to expand...

Very helpful thanks! I'm not against second hand at all, the MM and I go way back.

Would the turntable go to the integrated amp? Or via DAC I suppose.

I have a spare iPad but it's sloooooowwww and a spare Linx so both options are feasible, I'll just see which software I prefer I guess.
 
TT would go to the amplifier (no need for digital to analogue conversion here!). Depending on your TT and amp you might need a phono stage pre amplifier. They're easy to get hold of, my Project one works just fine.

AV forums is usually a good start for their classifieds, but I've also had decent experiences with eBay.

Good luck with it!
 
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