Setting up a system - What to buy WHEN?


Hello audiogon gurus!

I've been a long time browser over the years, but only just signed up today. I'd like to get some advice. I'll try to be brief as possible.

So I'm going to be putting together a system in Q1 once I get moved into a house and have a listening space. But I'm just not sure in which order to buy these pieces. I have a cheap setup now that'll serve as the starting point. It's just some cheap bang-for-the-buck type stuff I've picked up on Amazon and at Best Buy. Nothing really worth talking about except for the Pre-Amp. It's "decent" but not Audiophile by any means. It's a Rotel unit that set me back around $700. I mention this because given this one piece being better than the rest, well, I think it might just move the pre-amp purchase to one of the later ones.

Here's a list of what I need to buy (Sorted alphabetically):

  • DAC      
  • Main Amp 1
  • Main Amp 2
  • Main Speakers  
  • Phono PreAmp  
  • Power Conditioner
  • Pre-Amp    
  • Turntable + Stylus

note: My plan is to hopefully be able to buy an amp that'll power both mains on it's own. Then circle back later, buy another of the same unit. Then I'll swap each over to monoblock mode - one driving each main.

So because of the cost of these items, Basically each line in my list will be a separate purchase spaced out over time. How long? I'm not sure. something something "money don't grown on trees . . . "

So I ask you all, what's the order of operations here? What should get bought first???? I currently have all of these units - now it's time to upgrade! I look forward to hearing from you.

ps. This thread isn't about brands ;)

128x128bigslacker
Agree with @inna in that I would start with speakers. Speaker choice will dictate the requisite type of amp that will mate with them properly. A satisfactory experience relies on understanding the codependent relationship that speakers/amps necessarily have with each other. A preamp must also pair with the amp in terms of its gain structure and ability to interface with the amp impedance wise in a copascetic(?) manner.
Everything else will be less finicky as regards to its "fitting in" with the aforementioned items.

I personally favor high sensitivity speakers as these typically open up more opportunities to experience the uniquely seductive amplifiers out there and they are perfectly at home with lower power (read less expensive). Many other would take a different path.
Yes, start with speakers, yet at the same time keep in mind the type of amp you will pair with it. 
Try to audition and see what amp works well with each speaker.

I disagree with the approach of buying components for the short term, then upgrading them after a year.
  Buying used will get you more bang for the buck. The result is a higher-end component for your allotted budget.

bigslacker

My plan is to hopefully be able to buy an amp that'll power both mains on it's own. Then circle back later, buy another of the same unit. Then I'll swap each over to monoblock mode - one driving each main.
It's really always a compromise to use bridged amplifiers, which is what it sounds like you're planning. A bridged amp is limited into low impedance loads.
Wow, Great!
Speakers first it is! Thanks to all who replied with their tips and suggestions. (Especially Big Joe with his 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc list.)
I've auditioned some speakers and have some more to listen to.
Thanks again, all!