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Integrated Amp options for Elac Debut B5

17K views 20 replies 16 participants last post by  abd1 
#1 ·
Tried posting this in the Elac thread, but will try here as well :)

I have every intention of purchasing a pair of the upcoming Elac Debut B5. They will be the heart of a budget-minded, small room (10' x 15') system without a supplementing sub. As of now, I already have a Nuforce uDac-2SE that can be used as my DAC from the PC. So here are my options for amplification, after doing a ton of research (and have experienced some as well):

Option 1
DAC: Nuforce uDac-2SE
Integrated Amp: NAD c316bee

Option 2
DAC: Nuforce uDac-2SE
Integrated Amp: NAD c326bee

Option 3
DAC/Integrated: NAD d7050

Each option pushes the budget further, which the true point is to keep under $1000. Option 3 clearly pushes past that. However, my sensible side says just go for Option 1 and call it a day. Would the step up to the 326bee be worth it?

Also, if I really were to break budget, would the DAC in the d7050 be significantly better than that of the uDac-2? Likewise the amplification?

Thanks for you thoughts!
 
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#15 ·
You say it is a "budget build". I would go with the NAD c316bee and call it a day. It is a solid amp.

You could also consider a Yamaha A-S301 for about $30 less. It will do all the NAD will do and it has 60w instead of 40w and gives you optical and coaxial digital audio inputs for connecting a TV or Blu-ray player if you ever wanted to do so in the future.

To me it is a toss-up. I like extra power but could care less about the optical hookup on a 2-channel system.
 
#4 · (Edited)
I think you should consider the Music Hall 15.3 integrated amplifier.

It is available for $549, and I think it is much better than most other amps for $800 or less. It has excellent sound quality, adequate power, and
an included phono stage too.

The NAD C326BEE is also a good amp.

You need to be aware that the sensitivity of those speakers is VERY LOW (only 85 db/watt)!! This would make me think twice about them. The Cambridge SX60 is a similarly
priced speaker with 89db/watt sensitivity, which would be a much better match for an amplifier in this power range.

This means the Elac Debut B5 require 4 times the power as a speaker with a 91 db/watt sensitivity to get the same sound level (each 3 db doubles/halves the power needed). If you are going to get them, I would choose an amplifier with a MINIMUM of 80 watts per channel. 50 watts per channel or so might be OK, but it might be marginal for them.

The NAD 316 would definitely NOT have adequate power for those Elac speakers with such low sensitivity, but the 326 would probably be OK.
 
#8 ·
This is my largest argument against the higher-level amp components, and my biggest reason for most seriously considering the c316bee...it's at least on an equal playing field. So this is what makes it tough to justify the increase, but still considering even the c326bee.
 
#10 ·
I've read that Elac will be releasing a 100 w/ch 2.1 ch integrated amp with on-board DAC and bass management. Not sure about the release date or price.

Assuming sound quality and value on par with their speakers, I can see Elac selling a lot of systems consisting of this integrated amp and their Debut speakers/subs.
 
#12 ·
I saw that, and from initial word on forums the target price was around $500. Very interested to see what happens with that integrated. That being said, I think I'm straying away from the *full* integrated units, and just stick with an integrated amp w/ outboard dac. Time will tell though.
 
#13 ·
IMO that was a smart move. This enabled Andrew Jones to do two things: (1) show the Debut speakers' full capability, (2) show that despite their price point, they will scale exceptionally well with better equipment. He wanted to leave the best possible impression in the listeners' minds (especially in a show setting), and using some higher end equipment enabled that. He left zero doubt in everyone's minds what these speakers can do.
 
#16 ·
I have a set of Debut B5's on the way, should be here tomorrow.

I'm going to demo them for a while with an Emotiva mini-x A500 / Airport Express as a sub-$500 streaming music solution with and without an external DAC.

Also demo'ing a pair of Vanatoo T1's ($500 with built in DAC & amp), had them a few days and they sound pretty impressive, but I think there is a good chance I'll like the B5/Emotiva combo a bit better.

I also have a pair of Debut F5's and an S10 and will try them in a few different combo's.

The F5/B5/S10 is destined to ultimately be my home theater setup, but I need some streaming small/medium setups in three additional rooms and might order more Debut's if they sound as good in my house as they did at RMAF.
 
#17 ·
The NAD 316BEE should be fine in the smaller room depending on how loud you like to listen. A moderately priced AVR and a subwoofer would also be a good combo. I know you said that you can't use a subwoofer but it would enhance the listening experience. Bass management and perhaps a subwoofer pad (SubDude or similar) could help control structural vibrations.
 
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#18 ·
Can you wait for Elac's Integrated

If you're looking for an Integrated can you wait for Elac's coming out at the beginning of the year.

Google it for a few pics and specs. Either 100 or 150 watts; I've read both and it looks promising.
 
#20 · (Edited)
...

I have every intention of purchasing a pair of the upcoming Elac Debut B5. ...

Each option pushes the budget further, which the true point is to keep under $1000. ...

Thanks for you thoughts!

$1000 System price, or $1000 for the Amp+DAC, and don't you already have the DAC?

I'm assuming up to $1000 for just the amp since you already have the DAC.

I'm curious, if you have $1000 to spend, why are you looking at low-end NAD. Nothing wrong with NAD, but why these low end amps?

Again, what is the $1000 for? I'm assuming Amp even though that doesn't make sense.

Next, as there any features you would prefer in an amp?

Yamaha AS301, 60w/ch, w/ DAC - $350 -

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS301B/Yamaha-A-S301.html?tp=34948

Yamaha AS501, 85w/ch, w/ DAC - $550 -

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS501S/Yamaha-A-S501-Silver.html?tp=34948

Yamaha AS701, 100w/ch. w/ DAC - $800 -

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS701B/Yamaha-A-S701-Black.html?tp=34948

Yamaha AS801, 100w/ch, w/ DAC, w/ USB - $900 -


http://www.crutchfield.com/p_022AS801B/Yamaha-A-S801-Black.html?tp=34948

Yamaha RN500 AM/FM Network Receiver, 80w/ch, DAC, Network Streaming - $550 -

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RN500/Yamaha-R-N500.html?tp=47041


For Reference -

NAD C316, 40w/ch, - $380 -

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_745C316BEE/NAD-C-316BEE.html?tp=34948

NAD C326, 50w/ch - $550 -

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_745C326BEE/NAD-C-326BEE.html?tp=34948

NAD C356, 80w/ch - $800 -

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_745C356BEE/NAD-C-356BEE.html?tp=34948

Also -

Marantz PM6005, w/ DAC, 45w/ch - $700 -


http://www.crutchfield.com/p_642PM6005/Marantz-PM6005.html?tp=34948

Marantz PM7005, 70w/ch, w/ DAC - $1000 -

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_642PM7005/Marantz-PM-7005.html?tp=34948

The ELAC Debut B5 are bookshelf selling for about $229/pr -

http://www.musicdirect.com/p-360898-elac-debut-b5-bookshelf-speakers-pr.aspx?source=igodigital&

With those speakers, I would say you need an amp in roughly the $300 to $500 price range, though that is certainly not etched in stone.

Steve/bluewizard
 
#21 ·
I would look for a used Peachtree Nova or Decco. I've seen them priced in the $500 range. I'm using a Peachtree Nova 125 with some Wharfedale Diamond 10.1's and it sounds great. Its overkill for these speakers but I sold my main towers because I was moving and decided to keep the Peachtree. I also have an Emotiva X-100, or whatever the model is, and it used to power the Wharfedales. It sounded good too, but nothing compared to the Peachtree. The ELAC integrated sounds promising for $500 and will probably match the speakers well.
 
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