Help me choose...

[-E-]

A system for my office - I'm dying with just these junk computer speakers and sub.

I have a spare pair of XLS320's and can eventually move the XLS112 in here once I replace it for some JL's.

So - that being said, what would be a good either integrated or separate system, used is OK - at $1k or less.

Right now I've found a Meridian combo (561 and 555) a YBA YA201, or an Opera Audio Consonance C-100. I am familiar with both Meridian and YBA - but have never heard Opera. What other options do I have?

Recommendations and/or links are appreciated.

Thanks.

[matt_zak]

I'd recommend looking at a used Bel Canto S300iu. It has an internall dac w/ usb input so it'd be easy to hook up to your computer. It's also compact so it wouldn't take up too much room on your desk. They usually go for about $1.2k used and they're $2.2k new.

[-E-]

I saw the used one for $1200 - I like it; unfortunately it's sale pending... Very neat little unit, though.

[cmalak]

Emille...How difficult are the XLS320s to drive (sensitivity? nominal impedance? any major dips in the impedance curve across the frequency spectrum)? Also do you want to stick with SS or consider tubes as well?

[-E-]

87db, 8ohm, no.

I'd prefer SS; I love tubes but don't want the hassle of replacement/burnout(etc.) on a small office system. Unless you know of a really kick-ass tube setup that won't break me now or later. I've never owned a tube system so I'd be considered a tube-nub.

[cmalak]

Emile...this is what I was thinking about:



Signal Path International - Era Speakers & Peachtree Audio - Nova

Reviews:

SoundStage! Equipment Review - Peachtree Audio Nova Integrated Amplifier-DAC (2/2010)
6moons audio reviews: Peachtree Audio Nova
PLAYBACK: Peachtree Audio Nova Hybrid Integrated Amp/USB DAC | AVguide
Stereophile: The Fifth Element #55

It is a hybrid integrated amp with a single 6922 tube in the input of the preamp stage with Class A output from pre to power output stage, which is SS Mosfet design with 80wpc. It has a headphone amp as well as a built-in DAC using the ESS Sabre 24/192 DAC chip set. No fuss, no muss. Brand new it is $1199 and you can get it for under $1K on Agon. Never heard it but reviews seem to be complimentary and looks like a very nice one-stop box that should be quite nice for an office set-up. Good luck.

[schaefer11]

Are we setting this up as a desktop system or in a more conventional 2 channel layout?

[-E-]

It will be on my desktop, plenty of space there, but I will be close ~3ft to the speakers.

The monitor will split them to remain symmetrical and I will be in a center position.

[Face]

The Nova would be fine powering a pair of near-field 8ohm speakers. It has a smooth, warm sound to it.

My only concern is how well those speakers would image up close.

[-E-]

I've had the same concern - but it will still be a huge improvement over this crap desktop system I have... I'm seriously dying in here, and the XRT1K's are too far away to really hear without blasting them (and potentially my neighbors).