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Help a confused newbie build his first setup...

Hello everyone,

After saving my pennies for the last few years, I have finally saved up the money to buy some speakers but to be honest I am confused with two thing and would love everyones opinion. First off, what would be a better bang for the buck, floor standers or monitors?. I am a musician by trade with good ears that listens to everything and love to hear things as truthfully as possible. To me accuracy, neutrality, musicality, and soundstage are very important. For instance, I am not concern about bloated, unrealistic bass, since I know exactly how a bass should sound like. I need a speaker that can handle different situation effectively. Additionally, my living room is connected to a dinning room and kitchen. The living room itself is 20 X 12 with 10 foot high ceiling.

My other concern is how much do I need to spend. Right now all I have is a dac going going to airport express. I was thinking of buying a good speaker first then buying a fairly cheap amp and upgrade later. Is that the right way to go about it? I do know I want to use SS amp for this setup since it is overall easier for me. All this being said, I have collected $1000 so far but am not sure if this would be enough to get a good setup. I do not mind saving up if I have to.

What would be your ideal setup for the following price points (amp included if possible).

$1000

$2000

$3000

Thank you in advance and let me know if you would like more information.
aldres
buconero117
2,311 posts
 
Put most of your budget into the speakers. I suggest looking at used ProAc, either the 1SC's or 140's. As a musician I think you would like the sound of the tube Cayin 100T, often available used for about $1800. I've paired the latter with both of the ProAc speakers and really enjoy the sound, it is warm and female vocals are stellar.
mcfarland
356 posts
 
IMHO. . . a pair of used Vandersteen 2ce's would do well for your speaker needs, and see if you can mate it with a nice integrated tube amp, or for your ss preference, consider a used YBA integra, NAD, or Creek integrated. There are many others to choose from. My first setup was a Dynaco/Rectilinear speakers, and AR TT. I remember my excitement when I first got this rig, and how well it serviced me over the years. Happy Listening
jdombrow
371 posts
 
Get out to some decent stores and listen to some systems to get an idea of the type of sound you like. See if you can find a club in your area that will provide you with some in-home listening sessions (and exposure to people in the hobby). Don't buy anything you haven't heard in own your home. Look for good deals on used gear that you can sell for close to the same price when you want to change. Take your time.
ojgalli
165 posts
 
You wanted opinions, you got it. And that's why you're confused. As a musician also, I know where you are coming from. Take your time. Read. Listen. Question everything. If you don't use your head, you'll use your wallet. You need facts, not opinions.
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
Have to take issue w jdmobrow's
Get out to some decent stores and listen to some systems to get an idea of the type of sound you like....Look for good deals on used gear.
If you buy used at 'net prices you can invest your time to read reviews and literature (intellectual equity if you will), make a decision, try it out and resell at little/no loss if you don't like it. Or you can go to a dealer, pay his mark-up and benefit from his expertise and overhead. Many will let you try things at home overnight w a credit card swipe. But remember that he has made an investment in time, equipment, rent, etc which deserves to be re-paid. If you don't like the stuff, then fine, move on. But if you don't have a realistic intention of buying from a dealer it is dishonest and basically theft of intellectual property to learn from/audition at a dealer and then buy used from the 'net. Just an audio consumer here, not a dealer or industry person, but please, be honest. And not to quibble w Ojgalli, but as a musician, you must realize that aside from obvious equipment mismatches, there are precious few facts in appreciation of music. Lots of opinions, but I'm sure you all know what opinions are like...;~)
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