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Everyone has different performance expectations, required features, placement issues and other needs for a music or home theater system, so there is no perfect universal system. Even more important, the combination of components is very critical to getting a good result. One can easily select a good CD player, receiver, and pair of speakers, each in isolation, and have them perform poorly together. Even the choice in cables makes a difference. The system approach is the key. Here are a few rough starting points, a few favorites that we think really stand out. Please stop by and we can fill in the blanks or fine-tune something just right for you! Please note, prices do not include custom installation where necessary.
Please read our note about audio systems vs. audio/video systems.
A word about audio systems vs. audio/video systems:
Most people come in the store today assuming they should get a surround sound system. This is probably because the media and most other stores bombard us with the wonderful abilities of surround sound. The truth is, unless you rent at least a couple of movies a week, you may be better off with a good stereo two-channel system.
Surround sound is only really useful for information that has been recorded in a surround format- which is primarily movies and some TV broadcasts, but not the vast majority of music on CDs, records, etc. You'll also get a higher quality sound from a two channel system than a five channel system for the same amount of money. This should be obvious, if you consider that you can spend x amount of dollars and allocate it over either two amplifier channels and two speakers, or five amplifier channels, five speakers, and additional processing. It's a bit like a single disc CD player vs. a CD changer. You'll generally get better sound for the same investment from a single disc player, since there's no requirement to spend part of the money on the additional mechanics and features of a changer.
In fact, many people find that they are happier with the sound of their movies played back through a superior two channel system than a lesser multi-channel system. Plus they get better performance for their music listening. We think this is something that you should consider. Of course, we do sell both the best possible home stereo systems and multi-channel audio/video systems.
A Fine Starting Point
NAD C515BEE CD player
NAD C316BEE integrated amplifier
PSB Alpha B1 bookshelf speakers
Total price: less than $1000
This is the entry level system that we all agree is the minimum for enriching your musical experience. For the money you would spend at an electronics mega store, you can have a system that actually sounds good. If you have a tight budget but want something that performs, give this a listen. You'll be pleasantly surprised.
Better Living Through Vinyl
Rega RP1 turntable and cartridge
Rega Brio-R integrated amp
Rega RS3 speakers
Total price: about $2600
A terrific budget system that lets you discover how good vinyl records can sound, and is flexible enough to enjoy a wide range of music. For even better sound from LPs, add the Rega Performance Pack upgrade which includes better cartridge, mat, and belt, for $195. Add the Rega Apollo CD player or Rega DAC for excellent digital playback. This system ranks very high on our fun factor.
NAD C515BEE CD player
NAD C356 integrated amp
Magnepan MG1.7 speakers
Total price: about $3000
Our NAD / Magnepan system pushes performance to a surprising level. Few speakers can deliver a sense of life-like scale and realism as the Maggies, and none pull it off anywhere near the price of the new 1.7s. The Magnepans do require a fair amount of power to live up to their potential, and that's where NAD comes in. The C356 integrated delivers 80 watts per channel and has a smooth, transparent sound that's a perfect match for these speakers. Add the NAD C515 CD player, easily the best bargain under $1000, and you have a system that screams high performance and value. For an upgrade, consider the superior NAD C545 or C565 CD players, and the more powerful NAD C375 integrated. You can also add an optional internal phono stage module to the C356 or C375 for playing records.
The Naim Game
Naim CD5 XS CD player
Naim Nait XS integrated amplifier
ProAc Tablette Anniversary bookshelf speakers
Typical system price: about $8300
A staff favorite, this is a system that delivers lots of enjoyment with all types of music. The latest Naim 'XS' pieces are beautifully styled and a delight to use, and the compact, elegant ProAc speakers will fit in anywhere. Warm, rich beautiful sound from all of your favorite CDs that will keep your feet tapping well into the night. There are plenty of easy upgrades to make from here. Consider Naim's SuperNait integrated if you want higher performance and digital inputs, which are great for music servers / hard disk audio systems. For larger rooms or more bass performance, upgrade to the ProAc D2 bookshelf or D18 floorstanding speakers. The Nait XS also has a power supply built in for Naim's Stageline phono stage, so this system is also a great choice for vinyl lovers.
Linn Majik System
Linn Majik DS-M Integrated Amp / Digital Streaming player
Linn Majik 140 speakers
Total price: about $7,200
Linn is a distinguished manufacturer of some of the world's finest audio components, and the same company that created the ground breaking SONDEK CD12 CD player, and the SONDEK LP12 turntable which continues as a reference product today. Stemming from 35 successful years of pitch accurate sound reproduction, the Majik System brings new levels of excitement to music playback. Linn's Majik DS-M integrated amp is one of the most versatile and fully featured products available, with accommodations for digital inputs, analog inputs, a phono stage for a turntable, a headphone amp, and Linn's Digital Streaming technology for serious performance. The beautifully designed Majik 140 floor standing speakers are a popular choice for their great sound and ease of placement, and also come in several handsome real wood finishes including oak, walnut, rosenut, cherry, black ash, and white, making them easy to integrate into any decor. If you need smaller speakers, there's also a bookshelf version of the 140, the Majik 109.
Entry Level Audio Research
Audio Research CD5 CD player
Audio Research DSi200 integrated amp
ProAc Response D28 speakers
Total price: about $18,000
Audio Research has been the most respected manufacturer of high performance stereo electronics in America for over forty years. The new ARC DSi200 integrated amp delivers an astounding amount of power at 200 watts into 8 ohms, runs cool enough to be placed in even the most confined cabinet space, and competes favorably with many costlier two box options. The CD5 is an overachieving work horse, featuring near-indestructible Audio Research build quality and unmatched performance for the price, making the CD5 one of our favorite disk spinners. Audio Research components have always been a great match for the handsome British-made ProAc speakers. We've chosen the latest version of the classic Response D28s for this system because they're a terrific value and deliver a very neutral, full-range, studio monitor type sound that won't limit the types of music you can enjoy. If you have transitioned into playing back your music from a computer or music server consider the new DAC 8 from Audio Research instead of the CD5. As a speaker upgrade, consider the Wilson Audio models- the Audio Research components are well up to the task.
Ayre and PSB
Ayre C-5xe CD / SACD player
Ayre K-5xe preamplifier
Ayre V-5xe power amplifier
PSB Synchrony One speakers
Total price: about $19,500
Colorado-based Ayre Acoustics makes some of the most musical sounding solid state gear available. Each of their components are hand assembled and use only state-of-the-art materials and assembly techniques. The Ayre electronics are easily paired with numerous different types of speakers but one pairing that has been a favorite here at the store is the PSB Synchrony Ones, a full range floor standing speaker that manages to deliver great resolution and detail while never sounding bright or fatiguing.
Boulder and Wilson
Esoteric X-05 CD / SACD player
Boulder 810 preamplifier
Boulder 860 power amplifier
Wilson Audio Sophia3 speakers
Total price: about $40,000
The first thing that you'll notice about these components is the incredible precision manufacturing and acute attention to detail. Solidly built and gorgeous to look at, but designed entirely around form following function, the performance of this system is very compelling. Precise, detailed, even spectacular, but most important it's extremely fun to listen to, and not for just one or two great recordings but for a whole diverse music collection. Sensible upgrades to this system would include the Esoteric X-01Limited disc player and the Boulder 1000-series preamp and power amp.
State of the Art
Audio Research REF CD8 CD player
Audio Research REF 5 preamplifier
Audio Research REF150 power amplifier
Wilson Audio Sasha speakers
Total price: about $60,000
What do you get when you pair one of the top models from the world’s most highly respected speaker designer with components built by the leading manufacturer of high-end electronics? A truly amazing system that delivers more pleasure and enjoyment than someone could ever dream possible from anything other than a live performance. This system satisfies the disappointment that sometimes occurs after leaving a great concert and realizing that no audio system will ever sound as good the show you just attended. Just one listen and you will immediately understand why Wilson speakers are THE speaker to have if you really want to enjoy the best sound possible in your home, and why Audio Research is an American legend in state of the art electronics. You'll be transported to the live event, while remaining comfortably seated in your own living room. Vinyl lovers can add a Linn LP12 turntable and Audio Research phono stage and enjoy an even more staggering experience. We can assemble many different Audio Research and Wilson systems, all optimized for your room, placement considerations, and budget. Just stop by and ask.
Simple Two Channel On-Wall Solution
NAD T748 AV receiver
NAD Blu Ray disc player
Vienna Acoustics Waltz on-wall speakers
REL T-5 subwoofer
Total price: about $3700
If like many people you're facing a room design that doesn't allow floorstanding or even bookshelf speakers, but you still want good sound to accompany your film and TV viewing, the Vienna Acoustics Waltz on-wall speakers may be a perfect solution. They're far better than any in-wall or in-ceiling speaker system and yet are still very unobtrusive. We like them paired with NAD's AV receiver and Blu-Ray disc player- the combination is ideal for the typical above the fireplace location or for any clean installation based around a flat panel display. And the compact REL subwoofer makes the system sound like a much bigger one. If you want the complete surround sound experience, you can add a pair of modest in-ceiling rear speakers and another Waltz for the center. Available in a gloss white, gloss black, and rich cherry finish, the Vienna Waltz speakers are a nice solution that keeps the decorators happy and doesn't compromise on performance.
A Fine Starting Point
NAD T757 AV receiver
NAD Blu-ray disc player
PSB Image T6 front speakers
PSB Image C5 center channel speaker
PSB Image B5 rear speakers
REL T7 powered subwoofer
Total price: about $5100
This NAD / PSB system makes up our most affordable home theater setup that features full range floorstanding speakers. Compared to other similarly priced combinations in the market, this one will sound far more natural and realistic, and do an equally good job at reproducing music. The new NAD receiver has all the latest HDMI features allowing you to take full advantage of the performance Blu-ray discs can deliver, and includes NAD's MDC modular design concept which lets you change out card slot audio and video modules as technology changes, reducing the risk of obsolescence.
NAD T765HD2 AV receiver
NAD Blu-ray disc player
Magnepan MG1.7 front speakers
Magnepan MC1 rear speakers
Magnepan CC3 center channel speaker
REL T-9 Subwoofer
Total price: about $8300
Magnepans have long been known for their fantastic sound, and they're also great for home theater applications. The MC1 surround speakers mount to your rear or side walls, and can be folded flush against the wall when not in use. With the proper center channel and subwoofer, the Magnepan system delivers a remarkable sound that is rich, clear, and open- whether you're listening to Terminator 2, Ben Webster, or Beethoven. The NAD electronics complete the package, providing the right kind of power and all the current surround sound modes available. NAD's MDC modular design construction in the new HD-series of receivers also puts all audio and video circuitry on individual replaceable modules, and the operating and processing software are also upgradable via a serial port connection.
Masters Series Theater
NAD M15HD2 A/V preamplifier
NAD M25 seven channel power amp
NAD M56 Blu-ray player
PSB Synchrony One front speakers
PSB Synchrony One C center channel speaker
PSB Synchrony One S surround speakers
REL Britannia subwoofer
Total price: about $22,000
Recommended display device: Runco front projection system.
A perfect choice for a more serious system for movie watching. The NAD surround sound processor offers a fantastic combination of audio quality, video switching, and functionality for the price, and can be configured to make operation extremely easy. NAD's multichannel amp serves up 160 watts per channel, and the elegant, slim PSB Synchrony speakers look great in any environment and deliver a natural, full range sound. For a smaller room or smaller visual impact, the Synchrony Two speaker range is a great substitute. This is a system any of us could spend a lot of time enjoying!
Wilson Audio WATCH System
Wilson Audio Sophia 3 front speakers
Wilson Audio WATCH center channel speaker
Wilson Audio WATCH wall mount rear speakers
REL Britannia subwoofer
McIntosh MVP881 universal disc / Blu Ray player
McIntosh MX150 A/V preamp and processor
McIntosh MC205 five channel power amplifier
Total price: about $60,000
Recommended display device: Runco QuantumColor 750i 1080p LED projector and Stewart screen.
“For over a decade more award winning film scores have been mixed, composed, or recorded with Wilson Audio than any other loudspeaker.” – Wilson Audio
Some of the best sounding movies ever are on the long list of those produced on Wilson Audio speakers. With this system you can be absolutely sure that you are hearing every detail, every whisper, and every dinosaur roar that the director wanted you to hear. Your favorite music will also make you sit up and be amazed. With the new McIntosh player, all of your DVD, CD, SACD, DVD-Audio and Blu Ray discs will look and sound their best, and the awesome new McIntosh MX150 preamp delivers fabulous performance and makes the system simple for anyone in the family to operate. Built in Lyngdorf room correction raises the sound quality even further, diminishing any room acoustics issues. With this reference quality sound system, the only choice to consider for a matching video display should come from the company that created the entire front projection home theater industry, Runco. The new QuantumColor 750i uses LEDs as a light source so there are no bulbs to replace and no noisy fan to cool the bulb. Colors are stunning, and black backgrounds are truly dark, deep black. This new Runco is sets a new standard for large-screen home viewing.
Copyright © 2011 Dallas Audio Concepts Inc.
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