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Looking to get my first amp, speakers and turntabl

Looking to upgrade my set up and take my music listening to the next level. Unfortunately there's only one shop in town I'm aware of and I'm not 100% sure the sales dude is on the same page as me or has the same appreciation for music that I do. He's knowledgable, just not sure we're on the same page.

So far he suggested either the Rotel RA 1570 amp or Anthem MRX 700. There are two sets of speakers I've listened to so far, Bowers and Wilkins 683 and Paradigm Studio 20. I like the B & Ws but I'm a little disappointed that a sub would be necessary for either of those. i guess that's typical?

To recap, I'm looking to use the system exclusively for music, mostly vinyl, but also CDs and digital formats. Should I entertain something that can work with the TV as well? Drawbacks to that?

I listen to rock mostly. Today I took with me Jack White's Blunder Bus, two My Morning Jacket albums, Beastie Boy's Paul's Botique, Dark Side of the Moon and Radiohead Kid A.

I currently have a Sony turntable, a Sony receiver / amp from the 90's, Bose bookshelf speakers and some Cerwin Vega floor speakers.

Looking to take the whole set up to the next level. Budget would be around $3K, but would like to keep it under. Any advice or places to get info would be appreciated?
johnrva
jtcf's avatar
jtcf
1,620 posts
 
The sales dude is pushing you towards a home theater set up.Is that the route you want to go?If you want a really nice music only system,use your current system for the TV.Then find some speakers you love for a music only system.Then choose the amp that can drive them properly.
Once you choose the speakers many folks here can give advice on a good amp or integrated that would be a good match from their experience.Do a lot of research yourself on the internet.
IMO smaller speakers and a sub are easier to position than most large floor standers for best quality sound.I listen mostly to rock and blues also,love Jack White and Pink Floyd!
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 
For 3K budget , I would look at a great pair of stand mounted speakers...maybe Epos or Paradigm or Totem,Dynaudio, with a sub a Rel B3. And find a well reviewed Integrated Amp to drive the speakers.Used gear for all of this might get you under 3K. I would look at a Tube based Integrated by Cayin or Primaluna. Get a Used phono preamp..for around $300 you can get a $600 Musical surroundings phono pre on this site. This is a very important stage for Vinyl,Dont over look it and stay away from the $200 models they all sound horrible.I would go with a REGA table,most bang for the $$,something with a RB-250 or better tonearm. You will be blown away at how great this little system will sound over your old Sony reciever system. Cables should be from Kimber or Morrow audio. Call me when it's put together I'll come listen with you!
mesch
3,501 posts
 
The Rega turntable is a good recommendation. I believe it is the RP-1 that sells for $450.

Music Direct and Audio Advisor are two on line stores that will also send catalogues. Music direct currently has Focal and Epos speakers on sale if any are left. Reviews from TAS and Stereophile are available.

It is difficult to make a sound recommendation without knowing more about the room size/architecture, and placement of equipment therein. Also, The interaction between amp and speakers is important.

Take your time, a well thought out 3K system can sound great.
johnrva OP
7 posts
 
Excellent. Thanks for the feedback. My sole purpose of this system is to play music. The room is 12.5' x 26'. Carpeted with an 8ft ceiling except where a finished duct runs through the middle. Setting it up lengthwise.
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