Getting Started
The great thing about Audiogon is buying used and minimizing potnetial downside. Your room is not too large, why not think about seom monitors (Pardigm S2, B&W 805, Totem's), Quad ESL 57's, or Magnepan MMG's. Amp will depend on which speaker you choose. What type of music do you intend to listen to most of the time? |
That sucks. I'm sorry to hear of your experience at the retail level. That kind of attitude gives the hobby a bad name, whether on the retail level or just person-to-person. The tough part of your question is the clean slate - there are literally hundreds, perhaps thousands of pairings that would fit the bill of providing a good investment in good sound. You ARE starting with some good advice (or instinct) in seeking the pairing of amp and speaker together as that is very important. You are going to get a wide variety of responses to this question, and can look up similar threads where that's proven out over and over. There's no right answer, and lots of different "flavors" as it were. A few things you might provide to hone down your possible responses is the type of music you prefer listening to, and at what volume. The room dimensions help (I'd try to put your system on the long wall, or perhaps asymmetrically in a corner if possible), indicating a moderate size listening space. I would assume that you are looking for an integrated amp (vs. separate preamp and amplifier) - you should correct this if I'm wrong. As a rule, and certainly based upon the kind of retail experience your local store is offering up, you'll get way more bang for the buck in buying used from a reliable source (someone with abundant good feedback) here on A'gon, or perhaps from some of the more friendly dealers who are willing to spend some time with a few emails or phone calls (on that front I'd recommend Walter Liederman who is Underwoodwally here - he is discriminating as to what he sells and seems to seek out some really nice starter components at good prices, as well as having good options throughout the range. No connection - only a few purchases and several happy friends who I've sent to him). There are certainly other good dealers who advertise here. Buying used can be a bit daunting as a newbie - if you have knowledgeable friends who might help it may take some concerns away. You can get some great deals buying used, but there is certainly some amount of risk involved. I've had tremendous luck over the years...really no real bad experiences to speak of buying or selling here. Ultimately it will help a whole lot if you can get out and listen to some options with the music you enjoy, whether at friends or your obnoxious dealer. Get some sense of what kind of components you prefer. I'll give you a few possible integrated amp + speaker combinations - as I said, there could be thousands: Brand new: Rega R5 (floorstanding speakers) + Rega Mira 3 - A bit over your range but good synergy, and good bang-for buck. Used: Klipsch Forte II's (old school looks - great versatile speaker for not a lot of $) or Soliloquy (no longer in business so no replacement drivers but they come very cheap for what they offer - worth the risk?) or Silverline floorstanders + Unison Unico (SE) amp or Manley Stingray or one of the PrimaLuna integrateds. Which you actually choose to combine would be important - just some broad recommendations for now. You'll get lots more. |
I know what you mean about the snobby attitudes at audio stores.They cry about business being so bad yet they still treat customers like crap.I don't get it.Keep in mind,all stores aren't like this.I also know what you mean about not having a store nearby,the closest store to me is almost 4 hours away. You say you have a budget of around 2K for amp and speakers,what will you be using for a source?Personally,if I were just starting out,I would be looking at NAD equipment and PSB speakers.This is a no miss combination in my opinion(especially since you probably can't audition the equipment).These brands seem to work together well in just about any room. For your size room I would recommend the following:NAD C355BEE Integrated Amp and PSB Image T65 speakers.If you need a CD player you can't beat the NAD C515BEE.Check out the authorized online sellers below.I think you will like their prices.Good luck. https://dmc-electronics.com/Default.htm http://www.saturdayaudio.com/ |
Thank you! I am overwhelmed. I started this thread this afternoon and I was pretty dejected. I went out to eat and returned to see your responses so I'm very pleased you guys were willing to help. First of all, I primarily listen to classic rock music. I minor in classical, big bands, and jazz. I want to stick with some floorstanding speakers because I'm pretty certain I'm only going to live in my house for another year. When I move, the space is going to be bigger. It's a strange thing about the stereo store. I'm into photography as well and the same thing has gone on in camera stores for years. The guys who "get it" will always have time for the newby. Stupid. Anyway, enough of that. I will look further afield. Or when I move, I will make it my business to get aquainted with a top notch store. As for now, I'm okay with buying new or used here on Audiogon but I was thinking new. Jax2: I am looking for an integrated but not totally opposed to pre/power. Tpreaves: Thanks for those links! Since all of my research has been from the web or Stereophile mag, I am limited to what I've read good things about. I have definitely read good things about NAD and PSB. My source is my computer or blu ray player for now. I have a question about some specific components for you guys. First, the Onkyo A-9555 amp keeps popping up as a decent budget amp. Any thoughts about that? And Tpreaves, you mention the PSB Image T65. I see that speaker on the link you sent me but when I go to PSB's website, it isn't on there. Stereophile has a review of PSB Image T6 this month. It's a different speaker though because it retails for $1200 a pair. The T65 says $799 a pair. Again, thanks everyone. |
