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Newbie help - Building a system from scratch

Hello all, long time lurker here, looking for advice :)

Due to the Covid-19 situation, I haven’t been able to travel around and test equipment so I’m most likely to buy completely blind. Therefore, I’ve done quite a bit of research. Here is where I’m at:

  • Monitor Audio Silver 300

  • Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III

  • Rega Planar 3


How does this look? Do you think this would be a good match?

1. What is your budget?

I’m OK to spend about 7k to 10k on this.

2. What are you looking for?

  • Floor speakers

  • Tube Amp

  • Turntable

  • Optional: Streamer for Tidal

3. How will you typically be using the gear?

I will use them in a large room for targeted listening

4. What gear do you own?

Nada

5. What do you intend on using for a source?

Turntable and perhaps a streamer

6. What material will you be using your gear for?

Music only - I listen to Jazz, rock, soul, primarily. Some classical sometimes.

7. Are you willing to buy used?

I’m willing to buy used.


Any pointers are welcome :) 

swissified
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,593 posts
 
Your room size/description and and where you can realistically place the speakers would help a lot...

Surprised anyone offered REAL suggestions (not really) sans this basic/important info.

DeKay
lewm
13,095 posts
 
dekay, I mentioned the very same issues related to the room, just one post above yours. We agree.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,593 posts
 
lewm:

Yes, we do agree...

Tired of seeing WAY uninformed suggestions in the forums for specific gear/components, especially now that it is difficult to audition such @ local shops.

DeKay
dorkwad
548 posts
 
I agree with MC on the Double Impacts.  Not a lot of WAF to them, however.  I'd have to go with the Audible Illusions 3A preamp with MM phono section.  I had one of the AI 2D's for 18 years and then the AI 3A w/ MC phono section for another 6-7 years.  This tube preamp sounds very neutral for a tube component.  The only drawback is it has no remote.  I finally went all out on my system and got a TRL DUDE preamp which also has no remote.  Get a chance to do occasional exercise instead of constant sitting--you'll have to change records anyway.  The AI preamp would be a sincere upgrade in sound if paired with say a used Nuforce Ref 9 v2 or v3 mono amps.  You could get used mono amps for close to $1000.  The AI preamp with phono would run about $1100-1200 used.  If you stick with AI tubes, the preamp just doesn't have stuff go wrong.  You could find the Double Impacts used for about $1800-2000.  With all of this, you could have the start of a super system.  A similarly priced TT/arm would be the VPI Scout.  Use very close to $1000.  

Bob


asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,659 posts
 
@swissified, welcome to The Journey. *S* (Mind the rocks 'n roots in the trial, I mean, trail....;)...)

Suggestion on the Spouse Approval on speakers...
-A clear picture(s) of the preffered speaker(s).
-A tape measure; obvious function. ;)
-Ideally: Ones that are available in different finishes...
-Promise ANYTHING....but follow through. *S*  This may prove to be very important, unless she 'Loves how it makes Her music selections sound."

Don't giggle...it works.

Other suggestions I leave to the assembled...and it'd help if you suggest a budget for your intent.  Don't fear starting 'small', part of the enjoyment is 'growing your own', much like other 'hobbies'....;)

Enjoy, and happy shopping.
J
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