I'm planning a 2-channel system for use in the basement. I already have two components for it:
- Hafler DH-101 preamp - Hafler DH-200 2X100W amp They are old but were from back in the days when things were built right - the amp is considerably overbuilt. They give a nice, clean analog sound with lots of power. The audio source will, of course, be a Squeezebox. I have a Squeezebox2 for my HT. Ideally I'd like another for this setup. The speakers will likely be Axiom - M2is or M22ti for extra bass if I can afford them. The system isn't set up yet. All I have is the old Hafler stuff. I'm using the amp in my HT, I'm not using the preamp at the moment and the Squeezebox stays with my HT. Obviously if I was to use the Hafler I'd use the Squeezebox DAC. However the SB digital output sounds much better on the Marantz 8400 I use in my HT, although that could be due to the Marantz' analog handling rather than the Cirrus CS4382 DACs in the Marantz. But I see a killer deal on a new Panasonic SA-XR30, the second-generation entry-level Panny "digital" amped receiver. These have rabid audiophile fans on AVS Forum. It would be working in digital mode exclusively with the Squeezebox, which I'm told is the Panny's strength. If I was to use the SB's analog out, I should use the Hafler gear as it handles analog quite well and will have considerably more power. The XR30 seems to be either discontinued or in short supply. Questions: 1. What would sound better on Axiom bookshelves, SB digital to Panny or SB analog to Hafler? 2. Will the Panny - Axiom combo be too bright? I don't mind some brightness but will it be way too much? I'm just looking for a budget 2-channel system. Just the extra Squeezebox and the Axioms will be plenty expensive for me. The Panny will be the cheapest component of the 3. Note: I do not want to buy off eBay, so it's the new XR30 or the old Hafler. -- Mark Lanctot ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Mark Lanctot's Profile: http://forums.slimdevices.com/member.php?userid=2071 View this thread: http://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?t=19148 _______________________________________________ audiophiles mailing list [email protected] http://lists.slimdevices.com/lists/listinfo/audiophiles
