I have 685s and no idea what to do with them

[corey]

Hello all,

I have some old, terrible Sony receiver hooked up to a brand new pair of B&W 685s. I will be using them 80% with TV/Movies with 20% mp3/CD music. I assume I need a new receiver ( perhaps not) but the real core of the issue is that I have no idea what an amp/pre amp is or what I should begin to look for.

I live in the Boston area and would prefer to avoid shopping at/asking questions at Best Buy. Please help me build a modest stereo system. Thank you so much for the input.

I am looking to spend $500.00 - $1K FYI. I can't stress enough how little I know about audio equipment ( all I knew is that I wanted B&W, but they sound so average with what they are hooked up to) so feel free to talk as down as you can. Thanks.

[sgtjim57]

Try Emotiva...

[stuofsci02]

Hello all,

I have some old, terrible Sony receiver hooked up to a brand new pair of B&W 685s. I will be using them 80% with TV/Movies with 20% mp3/CD music. I assume I need a new receiver ( perhaps not) but the real core of the issue is that I have no idea what an amp/pre amp is or what I should begin to look for.

I live in the Boston area and would prefer to avoid shopping at/asking questions at Best Buy. Please help me build a modest stereo system. Thank you so much for the input.

I am looking to spend $500.00 - $1K FYI. I can't stress enough how little I know about audio equipment ( all I knew is that I wanted B&W, but they sound so average with what they are hooked up to) so feel free to talk as down as you can. Thanks.

Is this just going to be a two speaker setup (stereo) or will you be adding center and rears?

Emotiva is good, but they have mostly discontinued the UPA series which would have fit these quite nicely..

You could go used:

Then get a UPA-2

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Emotiva-UPA-2-Stereo-Amplifier-two-channel-Original-owner-mint-/200722296396?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebbfb2e4c

And a USP-1

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Emotiva-USP-1-Stereo-Preamp-/120872322603?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c248d462b

Then you would just need a CD player... You have lots of choices here, just don't use a cheap DVD or bluray player..

This would be a two channel setup only..

If you want to stay with a reciever you have a lot of choices, but if you are only using the front two speakers your money is not being used wisely..

Tell us about the other stuff you have...

[dan87951]

685's are a great speaker. The emotiva will be great and reasonably priced setup but you need to open up the budget a little more. Otherwise try a used receiver on eBay. I really like the sound of the Harmans.

[corey]

Is this just going to be a two speaker setup (stereo) or will you be adding center and rears?

Emotiva is good, but they have mostly discontinued the UPA series which would have fit these quite nicely..

You could go used:

Then get a UPA-2

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Emotiva-UPA-2-Stereo-Amplifier-two-channel-Original-owner-mint-/200722296396?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebbfb2e4c

And a USP-1

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Emotiva-USP-1-Stereo-Preamp-/120872322603?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c248d462b

Then you would just need a CD player... You have lots of choices here, just don't use a cheap DVD or bluray player..

This would be a two channel setup only..

If you want to stay with a reciever you have a lot of choices, but if you are only using the front two speakers your money is not being used wisely..

Tell us about the other stuff you have...

I have no center channel or anything else. Here is the rest of my gear.

Sony Receiver -STRDE685
Sony Blu Ray -BPDS350
Sony CD Player - PC250Z


I have two huge Sony cabinet speakers (12") hooked up in my basement, but don't really intend on incorporating them into the living room set up.

Could I just hook an amp up to my existing receiver?

[stuofsci02]

Corey,

I do not believe your reciever has preoutput on it that you could connect to an external power amp.

Do you need video switching capability? Also do you run anything to your reciever digitally. That would be the optical or coaxial inputs on the back left side (looking at it from the rear).

[corey]

Yes my cable box (HD DVR) is hooked up to the receiver. I wouldn't mind just scrapping the receiver and starting from scratch. I'm looking to have:

TV
HD cable box
Blu Ray
CD Player
?
?
Mac Book iTunes wireless capability

I would also like to avoid ebay if possible

[stuofsci02]

Can you hook your cable box and bluray video directly to the TV?

If you can avoid running video through your audio setup you will be able to avoid AVRs (audio video recievers) and get better sound bang for your buck.

[corey]

Yes, I have an HDMI input on the TV

[stuofsci02]

Yes, I have an HDMI input on the TV

Then you can go with a strictly analog setup with a preamp + amp, or an integrated amp.

Something like a NAD C 356BEE might fit the bill.

[Alaric]

The last time I looked Marantz had some nice options within your budget.

[corey]

that NAD looks very nice I'm just not sure how I would go about hooking everything up properly. I'll look around for a good price, in the meantime can you recommend any photos or guides as to how I could incorporate the NAD?

I'll look into the Marantz too. Thanks for all the support.

[stuofsci02]

that NAD looks very nice I'm just not sure how I would go about hooking everything up properly. I'll look around for a good price, in the meantime can you recommend any photos or guides as to how I could incorporate the NAD?

I'll look into the Marantz too. Thanks for all the support.

If you went the NAD route (or something similar) you would only be able to connect analog into the AMP. So you would have to run the analog stereo outputs on your blu-ray into the NAD, and the HDMI port from the blu-ray into the TV. You would then turn the volume down on the TV so that the TV speakers do not play.

You would do the exact same thing with your cable box.

You would also hook the CD player up to the NAD using the analog stereo outputs on the CD player.. CD player quality can make a big difference in sound. Especially if you are using the analog outputs. So at some point this will be a spot you might want to upgrade..

I would also get a Harmony Programmable remote so that you can operate everything with a single push of a button. This will mean you won't need your TV remote to switch HDMI inputs and your amp remote to switch audio inputs etc..

[stuofsci02]

You might also want to look at these in similar price range:

Cambridge Audio Azur 651A
Marantz PM8004
Rotel RA-1520

[corey]

yeah I'm kinda torn now, because that Rotel gear seems real nice.......how does NAD standup vs Rotel?

[stuofsci02]

I have had several NAD pieces and a few Rotel pieces.

In my opinion both are good.. Between the two that I linked you to, I would probably go the NAD, but an audition would be best to see what you like.

In general both NAD and Rotel are upper Mid-Fi gear. They are not at the top, but they offer great value and performance and would match well with the level of your 685.

Cheers!

[corey]

I may order the NAD from Cruthfield and see how it works out.

[stuofsci02]

I may order the NAD from Cruthfield and see how it works out.

You indicated that you play some MP3 files. How do you currently do this?

Also, as you may be aware, MP3 files are lossey.. So they will never sound as good as the CD.. Your best bet would be to get some audiophile level CD's to do your testing with. If you tell me your musical preference I can tell you some CD's that are well mastered and recorded and will show you how things should sound.

Cheers,

Stuart

[stuofsci02]

BTW.. If you need digital inputs you can get the NAD C 356DAC which is the NAD C 356BEE which a DAC module added to it.. I believe you can add this later on too.

Cheers

[corey]

My wife (who is vastly more competent with hooking this stuff up that I am) plugged some wire from our wireless router to the receiver. My iTunes runs through the wireless internet through the receiver. yes its nowhere near the quality, but its my largest compilation of music and very convenient.

I listen to anything from Pink Floyd to Neurosis.

You have accurately summed up why I have not gone ahead and purchased the NAD at this point, I'm not sure what is compatible with what. My TV is very new, as is my blu ray and cable box so I assume that could all connect. Then I could hook up the wireless router, CD player and speakers to the NAD and it should all be good right?

[stuofsci02]

The wireless router will not connect to the NAD..

It sounds like your Sony might have a built in music server. This is not going to be the case with most "audio quality first" integrated amp like the NAD.

You can get external devices that do this however, and surely do a much better job. The best I have used is the Logitech Squeeze Box Touch (also available from Crutchfield). If you go this route you can do away with CDs completely. Simply rip the CD onto your computer using iTunes into Apple Lossless format (this is much better then MP3). The squeezebox can play these files, and with the quality level of a $500 CD player..

[corey]

Damn. I also have 2 exterior speakers on my back porch that I have hooked up to the Sony receiver and play music through outside simply by clicking speaker B setting.

I use my iphone to control my Macbook (iTunes) remotely and play my mp3 files through some crappy KLH outdoor speakers. Its not much but I enjoy it. That is pretty much a deal breaker on the NAD then.

Is there a receiver that can do all these existing things I do BUT it has a built in amp to give more power to the B&W 685s? I'm happy with the entire set up, just need more juice through the speakers.


I'm sorry Stuart, I know I am being a nuisance, but I really do appreciate the help.

[stuofsci02]

Ok,

Not to worry.. The NAD has a speaker "B" also... So you are just fine with connecting your outdoor speakers the same as you do now... Simply pushing the "B" speaker button will play through your outdoor speakers..

If you added the Squeezebox, which I strongly recommend, you can get an iphone app called iPeng which will allow you to control your squeezebox remotely over wifi.. I think these two items would put you about $50 over your budget, but it would be a very nice setup with your 685s..

[Blindamood]

If you added the Squeezebox, which I strongly recommend, you can get an iphone app called iPeng which will allow you to control your squeezebox remotely over wifi.. ..

Actually, you don't need the third-party app (iPeng) anymore. You can now get the 'official' Squeezebox app directly from Logitech. I've been using it for a while and kinda like it.

Logitech Squeezebox Controller App

[stuofsci02]

Actually, you don't need the third-party app (iPeng) anymore. You can now get the 'official' Squeezebox app directly from Logitech. I've been using it for a while and kinda like it.

Logitech Squeezebox Controller App

Cool.. I am going to check that out right now..

[corey]

two last questions, I can't hook the wireless router up to the NAD and play iTunes, but could I hook the Macbook up to the NAD and play iTunes through it? I'd like to eventually get the squeezebox, but that will have to wait.


would this unit suit my needs better?

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS500/Yamaha-A-S500.html?tp=34948

thank you.

[stuofsci02]

Corey,

You will have the same issues with that Yahama. It has a similar setup to all the integrated amps. It does have an Ipod port for an Ipod doc, but unless you already have the doc you would have to buy that.

Although I have not heard the Yahama, I would assume that it is not as high quality for playback as the NAD, Rotel or Marantz.

If you got the NAD C 356DAC which is the 356BEE with the DAC madule you would be able to hook up any digital source that uses optical or USB.. So this would include your Macbook..

I would recommend this setup as it sounds like you have the need for it and it is only $100 more..

[corey]

I went ahead and ordered the NAD 356 BEE. I hope it works out for me. I am curious about all of the available ports, could anyone give me a breakdown about what is what? Thank you.

[stuofsci02]

Hi Corey,

Congrats on your purchase. Keep in mind with the NAD 356 BEE it will not support digital inputs from computers etc. You would have needed to get the NAD C 356DAC for this.

Now on to your question. The back of this NAD is very standard analog intergrated amp. First you have your 12V trigger out. This will allow you to connect anything with a 12V trigger in (CD player perhaps) so that it will turn on with the NAD.

Next you have an IR in and out. This will let you plug in an Infrared Extender in case you are placing the NAD where you cannot point the remote at it. Next you have 5 analog inputs. This is where you would plug in the stereo audio from your CD, Blu-Ray, Cable Box, media player, etc. Next you have a tape input, which you will not use unless you are running a cassette player. After that you have a tape monitor, which you will not use unless you are dubbing cassettes. After that you have pre-outs 1. This will let you connect an external amp and control it using the NAD as a pre-amp only. Next you have the pre-out 2 which is the same as the preout 1. Last you have the Main In which would let you use your NAD amp section by itself. You will notice that the pre-out 2 is connected to the Main In. This is the normal setup which connects the NAD preamp to the NAD internal amp to use the whole unit as an integrated amp (this is how you want to leave it).

Next you have your phono input for a turntable. You have MM (moving magnet) or MC (moving coil) depending on what type of turn table you are using. If you have no turn table, then you will not use these.

Finally you have your A/B speaker connection posts.

There is also a soft clipping switch on the back.. Keep this ON.. This will prevent you from clipping the amp in case the volume gets too high...

Cheers

Stuart

[madmac]

yeah I'm kinda torn now, because that Rotel gear seems real nice.......how does NAD standup vs Rotel?

Rotel is better. It costs more though but you truly get your money's worth!! :T

[stuofsci02]

Rotel is better. It costs more though but you truly get your money's worth!! :T

That is a blanket statement.. Which model are you comparing to which model?

[madmac]

That is a blanket statement.. Which model are you comparing to which model?

I admit that this is a 'blanket' statement. However, my opinion is that if you compare equally powered amps or receivers (In the same range and ability), the Rotel will produce better quality sound. And yes, I have heard NAD products before and they are good, but not quite up the the standard of Rotel products, that's all. :W

[stuofsci02]

I admit that this is a 'blanket' statement. However, my opinion is that if you compare equally powered amps or receivers (In the same range and ability), the Rotel will produce better quality sound. And yes, I have heard NAD products before and they are good, but not quite up the the standard of Rotel products, that's all. :W

Well.. Rotel only offers one integrated amp which is 60 wpc.. So not much to compare here..

[madmac]

Well.. Rotel only offers one integrated amp which is 60 wpc.. So not much to compare here..

Rotel's 60 watts per channel is REAL watts with REAL amperage!!. Let me tell you, that makes one helluva' difference in the real world. Notwithstanding the overall better internal componentry as well.

I had a 100 watt/ channel Yamaha amp and my 75 watt Rotel blows it away in every way!!. Just sayin' !!!. :W

[stuofsci02]

Rotel's 60 watts per channel is REAL watts with REAL amperage!!. Let me tell you, that makes one helluva' difference in the real world. Notwithstanding the overall better internal componentry as well.

I had a 100 watt/ channel Yamaha amp and my 75 watt Rotel blows it away in every way!!. Just sayin' !!!. :W

Yes I agree if we are comparing to a Sony AVR or Yamaha etc... But we are comparing to NAD which measure their output at 0.007% THD from 20-20,000Hz with all channels driven. Not at 0.1% THD @ 1khz with one channel driven, as lesser designs do..

Like Rotel, NAD watts are real world...

But again, while NAD has a whole range of integrated amps ranging from 40 watts to 250 watts per channel, Rotel only has one 60 wpc model.. This definately gives NAD an advantage for someone looking for an integrated with more power.

This is not a knock against Rotel.. Just a fact.. I assume they expect more people to go with separates..

The Rotel gear definately looks better... But you are paying at least 30% more..

[madmac]

Yes I agree if we are comparing to a Sony AVR or Yamaha etc... But we are comparing to NAD which measure their output at 0.007% THD from 20-20,000Hz with all channels driven. Not at 0.1% THD @ 1khz with one channel driven, as lesser designs do..

Like Rotel, NAD watts are real world...

But again, while NAD has a whole range of integrated amps ranging from 40 watts to 250 watts per channel, Rotel only has one 60 wpc model.. This definately gives NAD an advantage for someone looking for an integrated with more power.

This is not a knock against Rotel.. Just a fact.. I assume they expect more people to go with separates..

The Rotel gear definately looks better... But you are paying at least 30% more..

Truthfully, I have not heard NAD gear for quite some time. My initial reaction when I did hear it was balanced, natural sound. It did lack a little of the punch and depth you seem to get from Rotel gear however. That might have changed over the years though. So ok......I stop now :lol:

[corey]

Thank you to everyone, particularly Stuart. I connected the NAD this morning and it has already exceeded my expectations. Everything has transitioned perfectly and all systems go. One hiccup has been the Rocketfish banana clips. Man, is that a poor design. I'll post some pix in a bit.

[stuofsci02]

Corey,

Glad you are enjoying! Keep us in the loop.. I am looking forward to pics..

BTW if you want a decent, but inexpensive banana plug, give these a whirl..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14-Nakamichi-Speaker-banana-plug-connector-24K-Gold-Plated-USA-Fast-Shipping-/280748620350?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item415debfa3e

[leej]

Corey,

Glad you are enjoying! Keep us in the loop.. I am looking forward to pics..

BTW if you want a decent, but inexpensive banana plug, give these a whirl..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14-Nakamichi...item415debfa3e

Thanks for the link to this good deal.
Lee