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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
dtc's avatar
dtc
1,047 posts
 
I recently demoed the 683 and 684. Honestly, I liked the 684 better, for $500 less. The 3 way implementation just seemed disjointed. The 2 way was much more integrated. This was for a home theater and music setup and we paired the 684 with a NAD T 757 and I liked the sound a lot. A NAD stereo integrated would make a nice match, however this setup was for classical, folk, jazz, not rock. PSB and Paradigm are other contenders in this price range.

Personally, I stay away from Rotel. I find them forward and bright. But, that might be what you want for rock. I just find them fatiguing.

The NAD C356 (or C375) includes a DAC and USB input so it would be easy to also do computer music, but it does not have a phone input. You can also add a phono input, but I am not sure of the details. Spearit Sound sells new and refurbished NAD amps online.

I also like the Naim Nat 5-i2 (or its replacement), but it is more money and does not have phono or DAC. But it is a great integrated for the price. I have used it with Totem, but not with the other speakers you mention.

Both the Nad and Naim will be less "analytical" than the Bryston. That is all about your tastes.

Personally, I would start with simple interconnects/speaker wires and add those on over time.

Good luck! Building this system is hard work but also fun.
johnrva OP
7 posts
 
Listened to a classe cap 151 today with a project xpression iii and vandersteen 1c. Sounded awesome. I'm wondering what I would hear differently between the project xpression and the debut?
bmdduck
99 posts
 
If you are still looking and willing to travel to the DC area then check out Gifted Listener Audio in Centreville.

Great shop and great owner. He carries several of the brands mentioned including Rega and Marantz. The shop is focused on music first and should be able to demo a number of options. The shop always has Rega and Linn turntables on display.

I think he recently started carrying Vandersteen speakers. I think those would do the job on rock!
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