Help me build a 2 channel set-up!

[rumonkey2]

OK, I've been meaning to start this thread for a few weeks now.
My ultimate goal is to have a dedicated 2 channel system in a different room.
But, for now, it makes since to slowly integrate components into my "HT" room.

My thought process:
Gonna be "upgrading" HT while I also work on 2 channel - and always on a tight budget.
Just in case you don't know what I'm working with:
XLS classics across the front driven by HK AVR240.
Not looking for product recommendations, just seeing what you folk think about this "building" process....

This is the basic plan:
step 1: Ninja the XLS (likely Elite Encore version) Get the most outta my music & HT in this room!
step 2: Monoblocks for L/R - using the HK as a pre for now.1st step towards 2 channel system
step 3: DAC - for my music only days. My current DVD player has both Coax & Optical
out. Can't I use 1 for movies/HT, the other for music?? As long as my
AVR is set right, it doesn't matter, right??? 2nd step towards 2 channel
step 4: TT & phono pre - wanting to integrate Vinyl
step 5: New CD player - my current changer is analog out only!!!
Final step(s): Pre Amp & Speakers for 2 channel system - move 2 channel gear to new room

Of course, SCAMPs and likely a larger "TV" and "music server" are in the mix too, but actually already accounted for. This is a 1-1/2 to 2 year plan, budget wise and the likes...

give me some input!!!!:hissyfit::dizzy:

Do ya even get what I'm trying to do???:crazy::eyebrows:

[bunnyma357]

Sounds like a good plan, except I'd probably skip step 5 New CD, and go with a Music Server type set-up. Unless you need a player that will also do SACD or DVD-A.

Have you tried your DVD player as a CD player going digital into the HK?


Jim C

[rumonkey2]

Sounds like a good plan, except I'd probably skip step 5 New CD, and go with a Music Server type set-up. Unless you need a player that will also do SACD or DVD-A.

Have you tried your DVD player as a CD player going digital into the HK?


Jim C

Thanks Jim!!!
That step is still "up in the air"
I prefer the sound of my current CD changer (analog) to my DVD player (digital)
Guess that tells me my older Onky Changer has a better DAC than my HK AVR??
At least to my ears. So that "step" is up for grabs, but you get the "building" process. I plan to put a "server" in current room at some point to "physically" get rid of CDs down here. Actual Disc will be used on 2 channel system....that make sense??? When I listen to music, it's a whole album/disc all the way through...so I have no problem with the "labor" involved....:eyebrows:



EDIT: And re-reading this, I'm obviously very "vague" as I like to use quotes alot!!!:fryingpan:

[dvenardos]

I would look at getting a two channel preamp with HT bypass after you get the monoblocks. That should make a big difference in your two channel and you can take it with you when you move out the two channel system.

http://www.goldpt.com/sa2.html

http://www.goldpt.com/prices.html

Another option would be going with an integrated and switch. I am really found of the Virtue integrated.

https://www.virtueaudio.com

[rumonkey2]

OK, my "ignorance"

Would the HT bypass mean I'm using the 5 "amps" in my AVR when doing HT??
I guess I need to investigate my HK capabilities more...is this "necessary"???

LOL - quotes again....:nervous:


EDIT: ARGHHHHH...just looked at the links in depth.
Help!!! Once my "2 channel" is complete, it will NEVER need HT...
More explanation please!!:snaggletooth:

EDIT2: Guess it would help by saying I'm leaning amps/preamp NAD, Emotiva, and a few others....TBD according to budget/timing....
And I'm not ruling out "budget" tubes as I want Vinyl to be a major player in 2 channel...:dizzy: confused yet????
It's more (right now) the process than the product....:shiftyeyes:

[dvenardos]

What HT bypass does is it acts as a straight pass through (bypasses the volume pot) so that when listening to music you use the volume pot on the two channel preamp but when watching movies you select the ht bypass and your avr controls the volume regardless of where you left the volume knob on your two channel preamp. The avr would be powering three channels and your mono blocks would power the l/r channels. Does that make sense.

I have only one listening area, so since I am 90% music I have decided to go all analog for my music/ht. Instead of buying a pre/pro with all the latest codecs I will pick up the new Oppo BD player and use its analog outs to my diy preamp.

http://www.tweakcityaudio.com/forum/showthread.php?t=545

The owner of Virtue Audio is getting us a demo Virtue One that we can pass around for review. dweekie and emac are first inline, but you can be next if you want. I really like the Virtue Two with my Minis, it is what I was expecting out of the x-amp.

https://www.virtueaudio.com

[NekoAudio]

Is there any reason you want to go with a pair of monos instead of a single stereo? You can save money on a single stereo, even if internally they're built like monos.

If your player has both coax and optical outputs, then yeah you can send one to a DAC and the other to an AVR. Just make sure you don't try to play the DAC when you're outputting DD or DTS unless it will mute itself.

[rumonkey2]

Thanks for the input!

DV - thanks for the simple explanation!
Neko - thanks for keeping me "grounded"
And yes, knowing my budget - I will likely go 2 channel amp and maybe even integrated. I have a feeling I will go separates though - a 2 channel that can be bridged. That way I can pick up a "mate" down the line.
I have looked at the Virtue before, probably from your post DV:eyebrows:
And still holding on to hope that AV123/TCA will have something that fits my needs.
I do like the "small form factor" of alot of what's out there right now. And that's a $$ range I'm very pleased with....
Part of my leaning NAD is "sentiment" - just remembering the early days of NAD , hanging out in a shop listening a lot of their gear - my "introduction" to hi-fi in my early teens....:huge:

[rumonkey2]

First things first though....

Not gonna spend a penny 'til I get the Ninja upgrades.
I'm itching though. I've learned making a plan, sticking to budget yields great returns. And if I break my "plan" for 1 thing, I get impulsive.

DISCLAIMER: I have been waiting for SCAMP since it's "inception".
If it were available tomorrow, it would be "first" :poke::biglaugh: (I have spent my SCAMP money I had set aside - gave it to my daughter. But the "toy budget" is still intact)

[kip]

Room treatments! They will make a far bigger difference to your sound than a DAC or preamp imo. Bass traps and first reflection points for starters.

[dvenardos]

Room treatments! They will make a far bigger difference to your sound than a DAC or preamp imo. Bass traps and first reflection points for starters.

Depends on your setup. My channel islands vda-2 made a huge difference.