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Basically the only features i may need is Sub-Out, USB-B input, DAC, Coax/Optical input and 1-2 stereo inputs maximum, output - 100W @ 8 Ohms should be enough....
... i would rather go with all-in-one device as i already have a separate streamer.
The
Parasound HINT (Halo Integrated) has lots of features, and if you plan to add a Subwoofer, the built in Bass Management is a Plus ...but... it is about DOUBLE your stated budget -
Since you have bookshelf speakers, it is possible to set the Subwoofer Crossover to the Natural Roll-Off of the speakers. For example, if the speaker are rated on the low end at roughly 40hz, then set the Subwoofer Crossover at ~40hz, and as the Front speaker naturally fade out, the Sub will step in to pick up the slack. That eliminated the need for Full Bass Management, not quite as good, but generally good enough.
If you have a Pre-Amp/Power-Amp set up, there is a way to add Bass Management between the Pre and Power Sections, either low cost fixed passive, or active bass management, but Pre-Amp/Power-Amp tends to boost the price.
As an illustration, there is a Pre-Amp and Power-Amp combination. The Rotel Power Amp has 120w/ch. The Rotel Pre-Amp has a DAC built in.
( RC-1572 Pre = ÂŁ945, RB-1552MkII Power = ÂŁ845, Total = ÂŁ1800)
Authorised Rotel stockist. Specialist independent hifi and home audio retailer based in Hereford, UK.
www.hifigear.co.uk
Authorised Rotel retailer. Free UK delivery with one-hour tracking window.
www.hifigear.co.uk
Here is the equivalent of these two in a Integrated Amp -
(RA-1572, 120w/ch, DAC, Phone - ÂŁ1395) -
www.hifigear.co.uk
www.hifigear.co.uk
If you would be satisfied with blending a Subwoofer at the natural roll-off of the Front Speakers, then you don't need Pre/Power, and integrated will do. I think both options fall within you stated budget. Doing it this way is actually pretty common especially for those with bookshelf speakers.
Here is info on the
Rotel RA-1572 Integrated Amp (120w/ch) - ~ÂŁ1400 -
The RA-1572 combines proven analog design with sophisticated digital circuits to bring all of your sources to life with amazing fidelity.
rotel.com
And here is the info on the
RC-1572 Pre-Amp. Pretty much the same as the Integrated just minus the Amps -
The RC-1572 provides an entryway into higher performing separate components with all of the analog and digital inputs required by today's sources.
rotel.com
Reasonably at or under your price range, the Rotel come pretty close to providing everything you want.
Just a few thoughts.
Steve/bluewizard