2. amps-preamps
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Help in putting together my system with used equipment on Audiogon and eBay.

I’m looking for the best bang for the buck. What equipment can I find that would make the best system for my budget ($8000)? I'm starting out with:

Pass Labs X1 Preamp, my rock to start with. I got it for $2500 This is where you can help me the most. Let me know your best match for this pre-amp, or the ones you have found to be the best you have heard!

Bryston 4B SST amp for about $1700. It’s been my experience that more power wakes up a speaker and pins it’s ears back. At 300wpc and the reviews on this amp I picked it, but just to start. I really need some experienced people to give me recommendations for the amp, or if the Bryston is a winner. I can sell this for a better amp.

Do I need a DAC?

Phono. I’ve realized that might be a big reason why people go to separates isn’t it? I’d like to hear some comments on this. If you have separates and no phono, what do you use? Stream music? CD’s?

CD player? I do have a lot of CD’s. With separates, it’s either phono, cd, or streaming correct?

I’m not really a phono guy, but I know which albums I would buy so it is an option. I wouldn’t know a good phono if you hit me with it. Please recommend a few.

I’m leaning toward B&W speakers just because of their reputation. I may spend up to 5k on a good pair of speakers, but I want them to be used and costing much more when bought new. I know how to spot a good deal and not buy speakers on their death bed (from reputable sellers), but I need your recommendations too. You all have heard more speakers than I ever have and will.

**I’m going to check this post often and answer any questions and write down your recommendations.
I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE FOR THIS, IT IS A BIG DEAL FOR ME!
128x128imabucfan
luisma31
516 posts
 

@imabucfan Do yourself a favor, register for the Florida audio expo, in less than a month, it is free, you just have to drive to Tampa, I went last year and going this one as well, from Miami I go and comeback the same day, last year was their first, this year seems it will twice as big as last, it is a small audio show considering others but you will have the chance to try all sorts of equipment and listen to it.
It will give you a great exposure to what's out there, you just have to wait 25 days or so. I guarantee you it will be worth your wait, then if you want to purchase new or used that's entirely up to you but you will have the reference of what you like.

By the way, after every audio show, even the small ones, the used gear sites will AGon, usaudiomart etc get flooded with used equipment from owners who just purchased new gear so it will be the perfect opportunity for you to grab something of the used market.

Just my 2c, that's what I did when I setup my gear, but I had to flight to Denver at that time.


luisma31
516 posts
 
I am not associated with the expo in any way nor I am in the audio industry as a manufacturer or dealer (yet)
Here is the list of exhibitors

https://floridaaudioexpo.com/exhibitors-2020/
February 7th, free admission

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/florida-audio-expo-tickets-69940837929?utm-medium=discovery&utm-cam...

arichison's avatar
arichison
81 posts
 
Have you checked out Kef, ADS or PSB loudspeakers? I know they are old school but they sound good. New KEF is not cheap but they have amazing towers that are full range. I own ADS and if you get the flagship tower model it will give you all the bass and sweet highs you would ever want. Unfortunately some of these brands are getting old and hard to find in good shape. Good luck!
moofoo
292 posts
 
I will be 65 this year and after many years of rock concerts my ears are in great shape, but I am very careful with listening volume these days. I also for many, many years had integrated amps, both solid state and tube. Several years ago I went to separates and am so glad I did. I know there are integrateds that rival separates, but you can’t customize your sound as easily, and you have flexibility to try combinations of tube and ss components. Personally if your main source is digital I would put tubes somewhere in the system. They add a richness, fullness and naturalness to music and vocals. I also have a pair of used EgglestonWorks Fontaine Signature speakers from a fellow Agoner on a great deal. I would look into Spendors also. Have fun putting your system together. It is a great hobby!! Just my thoughts if I were starting from your point. 
jburidan
803 posts
 
You can do much better than B&W, whose reputation is the result of massive advertising rather than real merit.  
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