+1 For Emotiva.
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For surrounds you can really take it easy. I use these pioneer and they are excellent and will do double duty as very good desktop speakers.
Sp-bs22
https://www.newegg.com/pioneer-sp-bs22-lr/p/N82E16882117424?item=9SIAMA9A624232&source=region&nm_mc=knc-googlemkp-pc&cm_mmc=knc-googlemkp-pc--pla-pioneer+home+usa--home+audio+speakers-_-9SIAMA9A624232&gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYL3BRDVARIsAF9E4GdKNZHcV_KAC13ZcKdXZdEibNJlisHEhQJTw7juFlq1xwZ1Dou70mAaAmLYEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I am not going with a receiver yet because I am planning to be able to use passive speakers on a desk⌠Yes, I am planning on going 5.1 down the road, but that is not going to be for a while. I have a car to get first, and until then, I will be sticking with 2.0 in a smaller room. I have yet to decide on what amp to purchase, but I now want to do it sooner rather then later so I can actually enjoy the dam things, rather then have giant paperweights, never knowing if they arrived DOA or not.
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Unfortunatly, the Emotiva is an excersize in: how much do I fuckin hate my wallet? Already went with the C93 ii⌠Now I have $280 in the bank to go for the next couple weeks⌠I would rather have something to fuckin play withâŚ
I think you chose the wrong hobby to be friendly to your wallet. I keep telling myself, âI am done for a whileâ. Meanwhile, I have $800 in audio stuff I donât need in my amazon cart.
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Right now Im considering these:
Used SMSL SA300 off Amazon
and Topping PA3
Came across this deal this morning:
DudeâŚ
Not to mention when I finally get around to setting up a home theater, that receiver does not have any inputs beyond RCA. Unless you can explain how this could be more desirable then HDMI inputs, and having ARC connected to the TV
I read that as youâre not going with a SURROUND receiver yet, which does make sense. This Yamaha is a stereo receiver. I wasnât thinking you would move it to your HT system some day. You could keep it in some hypothetical office 2.0 system or a music listening room if you every have such a thing. My biggest concern for you is the Jamoâs sensitivity. Theyâre rated at 88dB/W, which is on the lower end for speakers. I tried running my Def Tech SM55, which are rated at 87dB sensitivity, off a Micca OriGain and it did not sound so hot. I realize the SA300 and the PA3 have more rated power than the OriGain, but theyâre not very muscular either. Yamaha has also been known for having higher quality amp stages in their receivers. I just think this will make your nice Jamos sound better. Since the PA3 is also on your list, I also figure you donât need a DAC. This Yamaha gives you plenty of power for just a few dollars more than the PA3 and a larger footprint. It also comes with a remote. If it doesnât fit on your desk, put it next to your desk and use the remote to control the volume. Itâs really up to you, but I do have reservations with pairing these insensitive Jamos with a low-power desktop amp.
Got mine here and love it
DAC is JDS Labs OL DAC. SQ was a dramatic step up from my fairly new Onkyo 2 channel receiver. Great clean sound for a starter 2 channel amp.
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So from my understanding, you are concerned about there not being enough power from the PA3 or SA300? What if I held off for another two weeks (giant paper weight route) and got the Emotiva A-100?
That is correct. I have a Zen DAC I am planing to use for now.
The Emotiva will give you plenty of power too. Itâs 40W rating is probably closer to an actual 40W. Plus itâs class A(/B?) topology will freak out and distort less if youâre pushing it close to its max. Another bonus is you can jumper it and have that massive headphone amp if you want. The Emotiva is also most likely the best sound quality match for the Jamos. The Jamos were something like $650 before the sale, right? The Emotiva is much closer to being on the same sound tier. The Yamaha wonât be far beyond, probably. So if you want to move now I think the Yamaha is your best bet. If youâre happy waiting, hold out for the Emotiva.
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Happy with waiting? No. Can I deal with it? Sure.
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Dude, you pull that offâŚIâm jealous. Thatâs a hellavu starter HiFi system.
Iâve been considering swapping my TA-10 with a TA-20 and running it balanced from the Zen. Perhaps down the road Iâll invest in a full blown tube amp.
Either way, I now get to wait for everything to arrive.
My consideration right now if I do go with the BasX is grab a desk like this:
rip out the drawer, and put the A-100 in itâs place (either find a way to rack mount it, or build a shelf there, if I donât grab a different desk that uses shelves instead).
I know the timing is poor but if there are ANY furniture consignment shops or goodwill shops around you open take a quick look for used desk. You can haggle at consignment shops who are desperate for any money at the moment and goodwill usually has the best deals for stuff like this. Again if possible and if you have the time and inclinationâŚ
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That is something I am taking into consideration as well, just using that as an example⌠I need to stop thinking about shit though, as now Iâm comparing the Emotiva with the Topping TP-60
I really like my Emotiva very much, it is NOT perfect by any means but offers up so much value and the HP sound is reminiscent of an old school âVintageâ sound which is pretty cool, just a little bit of hiss, but warm and inviting and can push just about any headphone you throw at it. I love mine for use with speakers and you would have to spend a disproportionate amount more money to get âbetterâ. Yes it is limited in its connections and features but such a solid value for under $250. IMO
Good luck on whatever you decide
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