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ISO advice for completing first hi-fi system

Hello! I'm new to this forum and I need some advice for completing my first hi-fi system, primarily amp advice...test driving locally isn't an option so I have to rely on reviews and opinions. I’ll be listening to vinyl and some lossless digital music on my computer...a variety of stuff like the White Stripes, Amy Winehouse, Elliott Smith, Joy Division, Siouxsie & the Banshees, and some hip-hop and old delta blues. Anyway, this is what I’ve got so far:

Pro-Ject Carbon Debut Esprit turntable (with a 2M red cartridge, acrylic platform and speed control) http://www.project-audio.com/main.php?prod=debutcarbonespritdc&cat=turntables&lang=en $600 (I live in a Victorian apartment with wood floors and I’m putting everything on a record cabinet instead of an audio rack so I have limited space. The turntable has anti-vibration feet but do I need better feet and/or an isolation platform?)

Monitor Audio’s new Silver 2 speakers http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/products/silver/silver-2/#/specification ($1150) on Atacama Nexus 6i stands with black gold fill and Herbie’s sticky big fat dots and cone/spike decoupling gliders $475

I want a good looking black integrated tube amp with exposed tubes and 40+ watts (recommended for my speakers). I'm leaning towards the new Cayin CS-55A http://www.brookfieldaudio.com.au/shop/cayin-cs-55a-integrated-amplifier/ ($1900) that has a built-in phono stage, 32-bit DAC, and headphone output. It won the “best amplifier 2000Euro and over” award in Germany but I haven’t found any reviews on how it sounds so I’m a little leery, but it would save on space and I don’t plan on upgrading this system (ever?) so buying a separate phono stage and DAC isn’t necessary. I'm also drawn to the Mystere ia11 (yay autio bias) http://www.upscaleaudio.com/mystere-ia11-integrated-amplifier/ ($2000) but it's pentode instead of ultralinear so it has less of the classic tube sound that I love but maybe it's more suitable for my musical tastes? Some reviews say that speaker matching for this amp is extra critical and I really don't have a good enough grasp on that subject. I'm open to other suggestions of course. I don't have a set budget but I want the price to make sense in regards to my other equipment.

I also need decent speaker and IC cables. I’ve done some research and I do believe they affect the sound somewhat but I don’t think I have to spend much to get good results. I can probably figure this out on my own but ANY product advice you can give me would be so appreciated!

Faith (Yes there ARE female audiophiles)
ghost-pepper
elevick
2,636 posts
 
You are demanding a lot from one little box. Also, all amps are not created equal. They all have different personalities. If you really want a "tubey" sound look at triode amps.

You really need to compare a bunch of different gear to figure it all out for yourself. Either borrow from friends or find a local dealer that will allow you to take pieces home.
mapman's avatar
mapman
22,314 posts
 
I'd consider Rogue Cronus Magnum for the tube integrated.
paraneer's avatar
paraneer
818 posts
 
I second the Rogue CM. Comes in black too. At 90 wpc, here is an amp that you can mate with a wide variety of speakers especially if you decide to upgrade from the MA's someday. And since you say this is your first HiFi, you'll probably be upgrading. Not many are immune.

Definitely put this one on your short list.
ghost-pepper OP
11 posts
 
The Rogue looks like a VERY good option.
lloydelee21
1,202 posts
 
Hi Ghost-Pepper,

For a first time audiophile, you certainly seem to have done some homework. Good stuff!

I just took a quick peek at your speakers' specs...http://www.monitoraudiousa.com/products/silver/silver-2/#/specification...and I would say the 40watt minimum recommendation is something you may want to consider carefully. In my own personal experience:

1. *IF* the watts are of comparable quality, having 90 watts here (vs 40) with an 88db speaker is no bad thing (see below)

2. And yes, if you switch speakers, its nice to have extra power

If these Monitor Audios are similar to other 86-88db monitors (UK, etc) that I have owned/used in the past, they will respond VERY well to the added power. And its NOT in the loudness...its in the EFFORTLESSNESS of the music (detail, not smushing notes together when music gets complex etc, the speaker does not sound like its being pushed...because the 'push' from the amp is not nearing the edge of its performance envelope so the signal has less distortion), the dynamic range being more instantly available for the loud snap of a drumstick, a flute, or a bass thwack.

Rogue makes good stuff. Good luck and pls keep us posted. Always nice to have serious first-time audiophiles join the crew. Welcome aboard and enjoy the music.
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