Recommendations for a budget system with a digital / streaming source

[Jagged24]

I am writing to ask for advice on behalf of a friend who is ill, and has limited mobility, who wants to set up a complete system for an ~6x4 m carpeted, furnished room. His requirements are outside my own hi-fi experience – hence this request for help from the HFW community.

He needs to be able to stream music from a NAS server via iTunes or similar, to control the system with a remote (or iPad) without moving from his chair, and ideally to have no more than 1 or 2 boxes plus speakers. Musical tastes are wide, so clarity and tonal quality are most important, followed by a good soundstage. Head-banging volumes are unnecessary (but the room is a good size). Budget is ~£600 in all.

He has been thinking about a Sonos Play system, but I wondered if he could do better with his budget going for second-hand separates.

I would be grateful for recommendations for separates (a source, integrated amp and speakers) within this budget. Opinions on the Sonos Play system would also be very helpful.

Many thanks.

 

[MallyMad]

Use his ipad as a source,hook up a bluetooth receiver £11,pick an amp and speakers from the classifieds. Job done.

 

[jumpmonkey]

2nd hand AVI ADM9s plus Apple airport express? Should be just about doable for around £600.

 

[vacdac]

I am writing to ask for advice on behalf of a friend who is ill, and has limited mobility, who wants to set up a complete system for an ~6x4 m carpeted, furnished room. His requirements are outside my own hi-fi experience – hence this request for help from the HFW community.He needs to be able to stream music from a NAS server via iTunes or similar, to control the system with a remote (or iPad) without moving from his chair, and ideally to have no more than 1 or 2 boxes plus speakers. Musical tastes are wide, so clarity and tonal quality are most important, followed by a good soundstage. Head-banging volumes are unnecessary (but the room is a good size). Budget is ~£600 in all.

He has been thinking about a Sonos Play system, but I wondered if he could do better with his budget going for second-hand separates.

I would be grateful for recommendations for separates (a source, integrated amp and speakers) within this budget. Opinions on the Sonos Play system would also be very helpful.

Many thanks.

Hi Jagged.

I've just put together a second system based around ADAM F5 Active monitors & soon plan on getting several of their larger brothers the F7.

The F7's may be beyond budget @ around £450, but the F5's I have should be in reach @£330 with a 4yr warranty from DV247. These could be paired with a C.A. NP30 Streamer for £299-95, so only a smidge over budget. But a complete Hi-Rez capable streaming solution with a small footprint & a minimum of boxes. All controllable from an Apple/Android App. NP30 here>>>. http://www.richersounds.com/product/streaming-hi-fi-and-network-audio-players/cambridge-audio/sonata-np30/camb-np30-blk.

Just been checking my factoids, as although I have it's big bro' the SM6, I wasn't sure whether the NP30 offered a digital pre-amp mode. :?

Anyhoo Apparently it does. :^ See here>>

http://www.harbar.net/archive/2012/02/18/342.aspx.

19th July 2012: v266-b-354The new firmware update includes a number of upgrades and most importantly, means your Stream Magic 6 or NP30 now support gapless playback. We’ve also added a handy digital volume control feature to the NP30 to allow you to control the volume of the NP30 using the app or front panel selector.

Features of the firmware update include:

• Added gapless playback via UPnP and local USB

• Added digital pre-amp mode (digital volume control) to NP30

• Ensure mute status persists over power-cycle and idle mode

• Changes to improve interworking with iOS/Android app

• Some minor fixes to improve UPnP browsing

• Fix issue where start of playback is lost on analogue output on SM6

• Improve buffer control on Internet Radio

• Allow volume control and balance control from iPhone/Android apps

• Other miscellaneous bug fixes

The power switches + EQ controls on the ADAMs are on the rear, but these should only need setting up once. The ADAMs have auto input sensing & switch themselves into standby after 20mins being idle, so have good green credentials. Remotely switched power plug/sockets would offer greater flexibility, that your mate shouldn't struggle with.

In terms of SQ for that budget it should be capable of giving many more traditional passive speak + amp & streamer offerings a bit of a pasting.

EDIT

The ESI UNIK Active monitors that Paul @ Purite North sells would be another good option, but again the larger UNIK 08's are prolly out of budget. Of the two cheaper offerings *F5/UNIK 05 the ADAMs offer better connectivity & proper hi/Lo shelf EQ options that the ESI's don't + the useful 'auto-sensing' feature & the build is altogether more heavyweight. I can also attest on how unfussy re positioning the ADAM F5's are. Pretty extraordinary really, compared to most passive compact speaks I've encountered. They're capable of producing an impressively 'big sound' & are not lacking in 'snap/resolution. :nup: :rockin: Given their dinky dimensions/relatively modest amplification I've been seriously impressed & going all digital source/fully active speaks, for this setup has been well worth it & a real surprise. :^ :stereo:

From a specs point of view the F7/UNIK 08 are more similar.

 

[68rednose]

He has been thinking about a Sonos Play system, but I wondered if he could do better with his budget going for second-hand separates.

Definitely yes.

I'd go for a used Sonos bridge with ZP80/ZP90/Connect. (approx GBP 200?).

Use the iPad to control the Sonos.

Link Sonos analog out to used amp/speakers.

Not familiar with Apple Airport Express, but if the Express has analog out (spec states 3.5 mm audio jack, so I assume you can use 3.5 mm<->RCA) that would be cheaper.

Leaves more budget for the amp and speakers.

 

[kabayiri]

A bit leftfield, but what about a Cambridge Audio Air 200?

Very neat, and lots of Richer Sounds about to get a demo.

 

[Jagged24]

Thanks all - very helpful suggestions here for my friend to work with.

Particular thanks to Chris for taking the time and trouble to provide so much detailed information. You have me tempted to change over to an active system! Cheers.

 

[eastsoutheast]

I find Sonos very intuitive to use, offers a wealth of music services and radio stations and is ultra reliable. I have tried a couple of different options and chose Sonos for the above reasons. I would also recommend a 2nd hand connect amp partnered with a pair of speakers that match the room. The iPad control is fantastic,

best of luck

 

[vacdac]

I believe Jaggeds mate be soon trying out Adam F5 Active monitors, soon to be picked up by his son. Having exchanged a couple of PM's.

>>>

Anyhoo some links to some recent threads as promised mate.

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?87509-Recommend-some-%A32-300-active-monitors!&highlight=active+speakers.

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?88255-Upgrading-to-a-better-Nas-with-more-storage&highlight=active+speakers. This uns my recent Nas thread & shows how my bedroom system has evolved to where I'm now at & the buying choices/considerations I made. Dunno whether your mate is sorted for a NAS? But you did mention streaming from A NAS if he hasn't but this is planned for then the Syno DS213J populated with a single drive & backed up with an external drive*(*if he already has one?) would be a good way of getting up & running quickly + saving a little on initial costs. The second Raid backup internal drive can always be added later.

The Syno stuff is pretty much second to none in terms of ease of setup & just works with minimal hassle. They're really quiet & unobtrusive & all the whizzy stuff like file transfer/library scans is good & fast due to well specced H/W.

Bearing in mind the bedroom placement of the new system for your mate I'm guessing stands may not be an option. If this is the case there should be nooo worries as the F5's are remarkably unfussy re placement.

Here's some tips re lessening Bass frequency transmission into furniture as I had no choice but to site mine on a large chest of drawers.

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?93659-bargain-bucket-budget-speaker-stands-an-idea-just-an-idea&p=1683843&viewfull=1#post1683843.

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/showthread.php?79301-ESi-powered-loudspeakers-at-Purit%E9-North&highlight=active+speakers.

Here's a quick link to a forum search I've just done for Active Speakers, sooo plenty more research fodder if needed. Our own Nam has posted in a fair few threads re actives, so worth checking his posts, as IIRC he's experimented with different eqpmt configurations such as passive pre's & so on.

http://www.hifiwigwam.com/search.php?searchid=1298981.

ATB

C.

 

[Pelagic]

Simplicity? It had to be sonos play 3 or 5, with iPad app. Or, sacrificing soundstage A little , but still impressive, b&w a5 or a7 with alac iTunes and iPad. Tonal quality, if you like the b&w sound, I has right blend of musicality and involvement without being too tiresome to listen to. Box count and minimal aesthetic, unbeatable . Or cheap ish active pair, I am a big audioengine fan, and sonos.

 

[Jagged24]

Thanks all. Been away a few days, but I have summarized your helpful information for my friend, who also sends his thanks.

 

[Chumpy]

All of the best to ill friend.

I know usually simpler-better-cheaper-properly context-installed is BEST.

 

[sunbeamgls]

Simplicity seems to be important here, so have a look at all in one streamers:

Just add Q2010i, Q2020i or Q2050i speakers to taste:

http://www.whathifi.com/review/marantz-m-cr610

http://www.whathifi.com/review/onkyo-cr-n755