I just finished auditioning a Linn DSM in my system. This was configured as a streamer and their mid-level DAC. It was priced at $12K. The sound quality was definitely worthy of the price tag. It can be configured as a complete system and include preamp and amp… as well as phono stage if you want.
I have spent a fair amount of time listening to various combinations. I have to say that Linn has done a great job of breaking out of their niche of tutrntable maker. Their top level DSM is very impressive. They have used their model of being able to upgrade by swapping internal components. So for instance there are three levels of DAC.
I would seriously look at this, especially one box solution and upgradability.
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What sound characteristics are most important to you? Tough to make meaningful recommendations without that info as the possibilities are endless.
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That’s really fantastic of you to make suggestions
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+1 for the Hegel. Used H390 or H590. Have owned them both. Lovely amps.
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The heart of your system could be as few as 2 or 3 major components.
* integrated streamer/DAC/preamp. Consider offerings from Lumin, Matrix Audio, T+A, NAD, For the OP’s situation, I might lean toward the Lumin P1.
* Kef LS60 active speakers
OR
Kef LS50 Meta speakers + Benchmark AHB2 power Amp + Rythmic F12G sub
The Lumin P1 new ($10K) and KEF LS60 new (~$7K) would break your budget. May be hard to find used. The Matrix Element X2 or X2 Pure offer feature sets similar to the Lumin P1, but for thousands less. Actually, I might prefer the X2 Pure new to the P1 used, especially considering warranty/return rights if you are unable to audition in a shop before buying.
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I'm giving the OP kudos for simply using the word 'advice' correctly instead of 'advise'!
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@thecarpathian +1. Now let’s see if he spells “base” correctly, and curious what manufacture he goes with. Ugh.
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I know audio connection in Verona nj has a Belles Aria Signature Demo discounted. They are great sounding amps. Comparing to other amps, well I guess it’s up to individual taste.
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Room dimensions? Room acoustic properties? Any issues with speaker placement? Etc.
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We need to know if you have children in the room or pets. Is your house on a slab,.basement, or crawlspace? Do you have textured walls or smooth? How old are you (there's no need for full range if you're older and can't hear well)?
(I'm being very facetious but some people here aren't and I don't think they can ever just answer a question without trying to sound like know-it alls). For speakers, I'd take a hard look at GoldenEar Triton One.R.
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for speakers you should definitely look at the monitor audio platinum 300 G2 they're discontinued now because the G3 is now out so you can get a great price for them and the reviews on them have been stellar.
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OP,
Giving your desired sonic character… I definitely recommend auditioning the Linn.
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@mrskeptic
+1
You forgot to mention shoe size😁
@jhurst
I was thinking of recommending any of the McIntosh integrateds, but the clarity may not be up to par with your expectations. The musicality is fantastic, though, and those integrateds can power anything. Also, the DA2 module is fantastic! I have a very high-end DAC and enjoy comparing both. You need a $5K DAC to better the MAC.
As far as speakers, a previous poster mentioned the KEF LS 50 Metas. You need to have a listen. I can not believe what these speakers do, a price/performance steal.
Best of luck!
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All in one speakers (including DAC, streamer, amps, room corrections): Dutch and Dutch 8C, KEF LS 60......would be worth auditioning. Just speakers: Fyne Audio, Tannoy, and Joseph Audio (but you'd have to buy used for Joseph Audio.
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@soix ,
Yes, I hope when he decides, he doesn't 'loose' a lot of 'base'.
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I sense a robot voice. I think the best way to read this is with an "Arnold" voice in your head.
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...IQ is larger than shoe size...
If OP is a 'bot...'friendly....for now'.
Be nice to the future overlords...😏
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"I sense a robot voice."
No wonder 'advice' was spelled correctly!
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Hey guys, sorry for not getting back. I’ve been trying to combine my old account, jamesw20, and this one. It’s not so easy to accomplish. Anyway, dedicated room in basement. Dimensions approximately 25 deep by 16 wide. Fabric on walls. Bass traps in all corners. This is also my dedicated HT space. I use triad in room gold monitors for fronts and center, triad in wall gold mini monitors for surrounds and rears, and triad platinum subwoofer. The system is also great for two channel but I’d rather have a separate two channel with full range speakers. The Joseph audio speakers look great and likely exactly what I’m seeking. Unfortunately, I don’t have a great local source to listen, and therefore would like recommendations as you all have made, and I can travel to hear them. Again, thanks for all the advice!
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All will be purchased pre-owned:
Speakers: Revel Salon 2. Still world class after all these years. May be your last pair of speakers.
Integrated amp/DAC: Hegel H590. Excellent and and excellent combo with the Revels.
Suggestion: Buy an outboard DAC.
You can take it from here.
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+1 @soix great suggestions. Both Hegel and Joseph Audio have plenty of very positive reviews
This used Aesthetix Mimas is a fantastic buy. Aesthetix are known for a fantastic preamp and the DAC card got great reviews. If you don’t need the phono card you can sell it.
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Ooo! I love spending other people’s money!
Speakers: Klipsch Forte, $3,500
Int. Amp: Marantz PM-KI Ruby, $2,200
Streamer: Auralic Aries G2.1, $3,500
IC Cables: Teo Audio GC, $1,250 (new only)
Speaker Cables: Cardas Audio Clear Reflection, $2,500
Total cost is just shy of $13K. Of course, these are conservatively estimated prices in the used market. You may find better deals out there. The only new components are the IC cables (unless you already have a preferred pair lying around). But I’ve been very impressed with the Teo Audio cables. At their price point, they are impossible to beat.
Happy hunting!
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