You’ve got pretty neutral components so far, so the rest really depends on your sonic preferences/goals. A biggie is if you prefer a tonally warmer, fuller, richer sound or a more neutral, detailed type of sound, and are you open to tubes and are you looking for new or used? Lotsa different directions you could go here, so it really depends on what specifically you’re looking for.
Help me build out my first system
Hi All,
New Audiogon member here, been a lurker for some time; thanks for all the tremendous info! I’m in the process of building out my first system and am hoping for some recommendations on streamer/dac and preamp. A friend has been kind enough to set me up with a McCormack DNA-1 (not yet in my possession) and a pair of Focal/JM Labs Electra 926s from a client who wanted to upgrade.
At this point I’m trying to put together two sets of options: First, which components might really make the setup sing, not worrying much about budget (without going too nuts). And second, assuming a budget around $3000-$4000, what’s the best I can do?
The setup will live in a 14’x24’ room, and I’m in the process of building some panels for appropriate room treatment. Tidal is currently my preferred source, but am open to change based on compatibility req’s or being convinced of a better alternative for this application. I’d also like to allow for incorporation of a new turntable down the road.
Am I thinking about this the right way? Thanks for your thoughts
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Thanks, soix. I generally prefer a more neutral sound. As a musician with some recording and mixing experience it’s important to me to retain as much intentionality in any given production. I enjoy my Yamaha HS7 powered monitors for near-field listening, if that provides any insight. I am open to tubes, and new/used is of less concern than getting the best bang for my buck…the used path has obviously been good to me so far. |
I should add that I listen mostly to jazz and rock in all varieties (Ellington, Mingus, Weather Report, Frisell, Bowie, Jeff Beck, Grateful Dead) as well as some Devo-type stuff and especially love live recordings. I do have an extensive library of Dead shows on my hard drive/MacBook Pro with M1Pro I’d like to be able to listen to. |
I had several mentors here who helped me with a lot of decisions. It might be a silly (boyscout/AA/etc.) idea to hook people up here - the beginners with pros for these types of questions. I feel that you will get pulled in so many directions with so many people's preferences, it's hard to make sense of the feedback. You need to be very clear about what you want, there are unlimited options. I also feel that starting with a very focused, narrowly scoped question can accomplish a lot more than a wide open "request for information" |
Given that I can very highly recommend this Bryston BP-6 preamp. I used it for many years with excellent results with my McCormack DNA 0.5 (Rev A) amp and the sound was very transparent and open yet never harsh with a clear and expansive 3D soundstage. Here’s a nice used piece at a good price (with remote) for sale now… For the DAC I currently own this Musician Pegasus that would likewise work well because it’s very neutral yet as an R2R DAC is also quite musical. Here’s one used (not mine BTW) at a good price… https://www.ebay.com/itm/266870218871 If you go this route you could add something like a Denafrips Iris DDC down the road that improves both the clock and allows for a superior i2S connection with the Pegasus that provides a significant performance improvement for not much $$$ if you buy used — that’s what I did. For the streamer and if you’re trying for a lower budget I’d get a Bluesound Node (model 130 or later so you get the USB output) as it’s a good streamer for the money and has good software, and you can add a better external linear power supply again for another significant performance boost that’ll rival much more expensive streamers for relatively little $$$. If you bought all this you’d be in excellent shape for around $3000 although you’ll still need some good cables. Just one idea FWIW, and best of luck. |
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