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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
ccmman
3 posts
 
For $5,000 for a 2-channel system, you clearly want the Magnepan 1.6QR's as your speakers. Gigantic soundstage, stunning transparency, life-like tonal balance, and totally seamless sound down to around 40Hz makes these true giant-killers. Buy a pair used at around $1,200 (new $1,700). Next get a Bryston 3B-ST amp, an Adcom GFP-750 pre-amp, and a cheap Denon dvd player/changer connected to a Bel Canto Design upsampler/jitter reducer/DAC 1.1 (or the new 192 Hz model). That would be a KILLER $5k system. Good luck.
joeldoss
94 posts
 
I second Ccmman's recommendations but would encourage you to install one to two dedicated 20 amp circuits using 10 gauge wire. Include a hospital or audio grade outlet. Next, save a few bucks for power cords, ICs and speaker wire. In your price range, Harmonic Technology Truthlinks may not fit, but I have enjoyed mine.
Happy listening,
Joel
john_l
782 posts
 
I agree with Garfish and all about the speakers being the first choice. They define the voice and the amplification/source needs. For your type of music I recommend the following used system:

1. Audio Physic Virgo speakers (2500)
2. Audio Research CA-50 integrated amp ( 1600)
3. Harmonic tech truthlink interconnect (125)
4. Acoustic Zen Satori speaker cables $350
5. Sony XA7ES CD player (950) or Perpetual tech p1/p3 w/modwright upgrade and an old CD player (1200). You might even want to pony up for an used sony 777 SACD player at 1600. I would.

This comes to about 5500, but lowering by 500 will take a big bite out of performance. It will be a great system with a beautiful midrange and very natural sounding instruments. It will also be fairly small and very nice looking. If you want to go solid state, I would go with a pass labs aleph 5 amp (1500) and direct drive it from the sony XA7ES (you don't need a preamp with these cd players).

The virgo speakers are narrow floorstanders. They should be well out into the room to sound good. A good way to use these is NOT spike them so you can slide them out into the room when you want superior performance. The move quite easily over carpet or hardwood (with felt pads on the base).
tacs
220 posts
 
I agree the Maggies sound great, but if someone wants ease of placement and wants to hear all of the music when he's off in the kitchen somewhere, Maggies aren't the best choice...they're so directional at the higher frequencies. Pick soemthing with wider dispersion.
xcskinbike09b8
17 posts
 
I have just upgraded my system and have everyhing but my new speakers.

Rega Planet CD 2000 $875
Creek 5350SE Int. Amp $1,495
Cambridge Audio T500 Tuner $279
Carda Cross Interconnect $322
Kimber 4TC Speaker Cable $313 (20 ft. pair)

This combo works real well with my older speakers. This still leaves you with $1700 for a decent set of speakers. Have fun!
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