OT: Please spend my money ;-) Update

[ssb94]

Originally Posted by C40_guy

That's why I recommended a Denon (or similar) networkable receiver. You could add an Amazon box or Apple TV for streaming too...

It's a good suggestion if OP can find one within budget. Most of their network receivers will blow way past it. If I were only going to be streaming, I would probably go with something like the Wiim Pro or Pro Plus and a good (used) set of powered speakers like the ELAC Debut ConneX DCB41, Q Acoustics M20, or the AE options mentioned above.

[jh_on_the_cape]

Sometimes I sit outside on the beach with my friends having a beer and watching the sunset and listen to music from the little speaker in my phone. It's awesome.
Especially with a bag of chips.

OP please share what you end up with.

I did get a used Bose speakers and a nice yamaha receiver with BT a while back and rarely use it. Almost always use the little BT speaker. They are so good now and you can move it to where you are. Cooking. Sofa. Outside. Working out.

[C40_guy]

Originally Posted by jh_on_the_cape

Sometimes I sit outside on the beach with my friends having a beer and watching the sunset and listen to music from the little speaker in my phone. It's awesome.

We pick up sushi from Misaki Sushi and have a picnic on this beach near you. (Craigville Beach)

[vav]

Originally Posted by pinkshogun

http://www.sdcav.com/

this place has been around for decades in various locations

I am going to start here. Hope to make it there Wednesday or Thursday

[glepore]

Originally Posted by ssb94

Keep in mind that you won't get much benefit out of higher res audio if you're using a cheap Bluetooth dongle. To see any benefit, you'll need a network player or streamer with a nice DAC on board or with digital outputs to feed into the receiver's DAC.

Of course. I stream to an early gen airport express (have several) and out of their digital/optical output to a standalone DAC-then to tube preamp/Cary sla75 or Adcom GFA 555, Ohm 4's on the main system.

[ssb94]

Originally Posted by glepore

Of course. I stream to an early gen airport express (have several) and out of their digital/optical output to a standalone DAC-then to tube preamp/Cary sla75 or Adcom GFA 555, Ohm 4's on the main system.

Nice set-up! This advice was more for OP, didn't mean to imply that you were incorrect or uninformed.

[vav]

Well, thanks all for the great suggestions and tips.

I ended up with an integrated amp Denon PMA - 600NE, B&W 685 bookshelf speakers and a Paradigm Defiance V8 sub. All open box and used of course but still blew my budget

Like I said all my music is via stream right now but a turntable is on the works down the road.

Cheers