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Best system for the budding audiophile?

What began as a search for new speakers has rapidly evolved into the development of a new system. After reading many reviews (none of which are negative - Hmmm?!), I am humbly turning to this sage group for recommendations.

I am an avid listener of classical and jazz. I occasionally listen to select blues and rock, but that's not my first love. For me, I like a piano to sound like a piano, a guitar like a guitar, etc. No coloration, just the facts, so to speak. I am not a bass hound but prefer a detailed midrange and clear highs. I also look for a open spacious sound stage for symphonic pieces. I have a large room 15' by 20' but can't be too fussy with placement. I am budgeting around $5,000 for my new system.

Based on this information, what system would you build (Amp, CD player, speakers)? which is better bookshelf speakers with stands or floorstanding? I appreciate any advice you might have.

Thanks in advance,
cdilascia

Showing 1 response by garfish

garfish
1,840 posts
 
C; Lot'sa good advice above, but Neubilder makes a good point, ie don't make things too complicated to begin with. While recognizing the importance of good source components, I'd pick out speakers that I liked first and build my system around them. Why? Because speakers are the most "colored" of all components you'll be dealing with, and they are usually the most conspicuous too. AND it sounds like you might have speaker placement issues, but as Physicanimal notes, speaker placement really is important (critical?)-- so get some you like and can live with sonically and aesthetically. After you've settled on speakers, go from there.

If you like big, near full range floor standers, either Vandersteen 2Ce/sig or PSB Stratus Silver/Gold are a good choice (new or used makes a big difference in price for all this stuff). and for stand mounted, I like the Proacs too-- if you can live with the bass limitations. Good Luck
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