What's the best approach?

I'd go out and find a really nice pair of speakers first - even if you hadn't posted a price, I would have suggested $2-3K used. Then I'd build up behind it until you were convinced they are the weakest link. This should take a while, and every step you'll hear a significant improvement.

By ARC I was referring to Audio Research products. There is wonderful synergy between these two product lines.

Source first v. Speaker - amp first. This will always be debated. Most Naimers tend to be first source folk. You should visit their forum at Naim-audio.com for some interesting discussions on this topic. My view is that within a budget the law of diminishing returns occurs at a lower price point with digital products than with other gear. For instance, the sonic differences between my Audio Note CD3.1x cdp($2400) and the CD2.1x($1400)are minimal. In retrospect I could have used that extra $1000 elsewhere in my system.

Likewise, It would not be unreasonable to allocate 40-50% of your total budget on the amp/speaker combination.

I would like to add that I have auditioned the D15 with a Manley Stingray. This was an extremely musical combination.

Matt

Find a pair of speakers that the very thought of puts a smile on your face. Pick the right amp to drive it. Since you are building from scratch it may be a good idea to build a passsive preamp system. Some people talk down a passive preamp setup and say that it compromises sound. I think all a matter putting together a balanced system, I've had it both ways and a well designed passive pre system will blow away an active pre system any day. To build a passive pre system you will want a power amp with high gain, high voltage sensitivity, high input impedence, and low output impedence. Sim Audio Moon W-3 or W-5 is an example for the power amp. Going passive preamp allows you to spend the money somewhere else. If you find that you don't care for the passive preamp setup, you can always add a pre later. Then pick a source with enough output voltage to drive the power amp, maybe with a volume control too. Select IC's and speaker cables last. Sorry to get on the passive preamp rant but I couldn't resist. I wish someone had given me that advice when I first got into this hobby.

Your budget looks very reasonable. I am sure you will find success.

Matt,
Thanks for clarifying ARC...feel kind of dumb. One question, is the ARC-Proac synergy found with the SS amps or tube? I've never had tube amps and really don't want to go there. Thanks for your additional thoughts on source vs. speaker as well, very helpful. My feeling at this point is to focus on the best pair of speakers and digital source near my price points. Then I'll fill-in the middle as required by the other two. Will definitely look at ARC.

Regards,

Todd

Jazzdude,
Thanks for your thoughts on the "speakers first" methodology. With all the input, lots of listening and mulling it all over, I'm inclined to agree, with one tweak - pursue the speakers and source together. Some might consider this a hybrid approach, others a confused approach ;-)

No need to apologize for the rant, interesting info on the passive preamp route. Hadn't really considered it before, but on the surface it clearly has merit. Thanks again for your thoughts.

Regards,

Todd