Originally Posted by
talk 
So looks like I need your help making a decision.
I am looking to setup a small and high quality music setup next to my computer (macbook air).
I have considered the Focal XS initially, as well as the B&W MM1. I was able to demo the B&W, but wasn't able to find the Focals anywhere. During my research, I actually decided that maybe a "real" setup with passive would be better than picking something which I will want to upgrade shortly after.
I am willing to spend up to $1500 (but will surly like to spend less), which way would you recommend?
Since I'll need to buy DAC, Amp and Speakers, I decided to go for all-in-one solution. Therefore, Wadia and Peachtree have been my top choices.
I can buy the Wadia 151 for $800, which would leave ~$700 for a set of speakers. What I don't like about the Wadia is the fact that it does not have an headphone jack, nor does it come with an ipod doc. The doc is not mandatory, but its a nice perk
For the same price I can also buy the iDecco, which seems to provide the two missing pieces, and from what I saw it got great reviews overall.
Finally, there's also the Peachtree MusicBox, which is $600. Other than the cheaper cost, the MusicBox has a smaller footprint which is a positive. However, it appears that it has a weaker amp / components, so I am heaving hard time deciding if the $200 in saving is a good tradeoff.
I thought that I could put the extra $ into the speakers, but than again, I am not sure if pairing the MusicBox with better speakers actually makes sense given its lower output. As a result, a better path might be to buy the decco2 for $600 (same as the musicbox), and rather than use the dock, I can simply connect an AppleTV device and stream my ipod/iphone music.
So what do you think?
Decco2/Music Box - $600
iDecco / Wadia 151 - $800
Keep in mind that I'll be using it in a near field setting, with bookshelf speakers.
Do you think it's worth the extra $200 to have the physical doc? Will it actually sound better connected vs streaming audio via airplay? Otherwise, I think that the Decco2 offers the best bang for the buck, and my understanding that it is exactly the same device as the iDecco (minus the ipod dock).
If however the dock provides a better interface than airplay, than I'll probably do the iDecco, unless you think that the Music Box will be more than powerful enough to power a great set of bookshelf speakers.
Finally there's the question of the Wadia, but after reading the 6moons review of the iDecco, its doesn't seem to make much sense to get the 151.
I'd also appreciate hearing which speakers would be a good choice to compliment the setup. (I heard the KEF R100, and was blown away by it).
Thank you for your help and assistance.