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
Blindjim, I suspect that progress in speaker technology is much slower than progress in electronics especially in signal processing. Starting with the speaker makes more sense to me. As for the split, I would place 45% in electronics and equal amount in speakers. Cables should account for about 10%.
Aldres , any system you put together will be "background" listening when in another part of the house, unless you were to run some smaller speakers from an amp/speaker switcher or use a wireless system like the Rocketfish (www.bestbuy.com)to the other rooms. I would first concentrate on your initial purpose, a system for the main listening room, if in fact this is the goal you originally spoke of, IMHO.
"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."

I hope this doesn't come off as too presumptuous. Typically in audio, the newbie's ear grows in its sophistication just as his system does. You're not the typical newbie, and even if you hadn't disclosed that you are a musician, it should be obvious from your posts, that you already have a discriminating ear. I would be surprised if $1000 would be enough for you. You're on the steep part of the return on investment curve. IMHO
Phaelon,

I know what you mean. I wish I had all the money in the world to be able to afford whatever sounds best to my ear. My attempt of setting a budget is more of a challenge for myself than anything else. I know the world of audiophile is the quest to get the best sound but I want to try to avoid spending a bunch of money just to gain a 2% increase in sound.

Anyone know some of the places to visit in NYC? Any also know of any clubs I might join to start listening and zeroing in to the sound I am looking?
NYC,

I would try Sound by Singer, ask for Andy, let him know you have 1K you wanna spend... :)

regards,