Return to Audio: What Products to Consider?

Depends on how old you are willing to consider going and how much you ultimately want to spend, but older Threshold and Conrad/Sonographe gear is very nice overall. I have a Sonographe SA 250 amp mated with an old Threshold FET 2 preamp and it works great with a total investment of about $900. Add to that a Sony ES CD player or the Rega mentioned above and you have a pretty solid front end.

The Sonographe was much smoother than the Adcom GFA 555 it replaced. There are also some great reviews out on the Adcom GFP 750 line pre amp but that piece alone will probably set you back $800 used.

Good luck,

Phil

Dear Jeff, Ivor may be insufferable and egotistical, but "moron" is not a term applicable to him. Also, in many cases that I have personally seen, the "Ivor Koolaid" was the antidote for the poison and belly-ache that audiophiles got when they bought inferior equipment at higher prices from other dealers. I understand the frustration people show at the arrogance of many Linn dealers, especially in the early days. But the products are very good. Not the absolute ultimate, but better that alot of stuff that costs more and has high "salon appeal". I usually try to mention this when the subject comes up. Too many blame the products for the sins of the company owner/dealers.
I, too, would recommend that Linn/Naim gear that Lugnut saw in the Audiogon classified.

What about the speakers? Don't we need to know what sort of speakers this guy is going to try to drive first before we can carry on with a slew of amp recommendations?

Have you set a budget?
If so how much?
Cables and innerconnectors (power cords maybe also) need to considered. Depending on the system I'd recommend at least trying to figure out a minimum wiring budget right from the get go.
Is it unreasonable to say a minimum of $500 for a beginning set of cables and innerconnects?

Should you choose the speakers first?

I belive that when you're building a system you first need to get a quality source. Put a large chunk of your budget there. Then move on to a good solid amp. If you've puchased the best sounding source and amp you can afford it's possible to use a pair of well designed, but inexpensive speakers. This type of system should be one based on expensive speakers with a lesser source and amp.

-patrick