help building a new system on a budget...

Hello,

If you want to go with tubes, you'll have limited choices for your budget. You'll need both a preamp and an amp unless you choose an integrated amp, which has both the preamp and amp in one chassis. You'll save money by going with the integrated, so let's start there.

I would recommend the entry-level Jolida integrated (JD-1301?), which is $350 new, around $250 used. Mate it with some Totem Mites ($300 used), and maybe an old NAD, Rotel, or Denon CD player and you'll have a dynamite system for the price.

Good luck,

Michael

A few years ago I started along the same quest. My suggestion is to do a little research on possible equipment selections. After narrowing items, watch for your favorites in the Audiogon classifieds and make a deal. If an iyem you purchase is not to your liking it can be resold with little risk. I built a very satisfying system with this method and not only learned quite a bit about different gear but got to play with some very nice toys. Good luck.

Second the Jolida 1301. Rarely found used. Mites are great, own a pair. Cheap Toshiba DVD/CD player mated with DAC works. Used Assemblage 1.0 or Adcom 600 $125

Jolida 250
Mites 300
Toshiba 50
DAC 125
Cables/IC 50
(Signal C.)
Sp. stands 50

825

Going w/tubes does not necessarry mean you're going to get the sound you want. Some inexpensive 70-80's Solid state equipment (Rec./Int. Amps) sound great and has pretty decent phone stages as well. The finest inexpensive spk. that I've ever heard in my system is the small Tannoy Mercury MX-1M Monitor. The newer Fusion 1 is good as well but not as nearly as good the MX-1M. (I've listened the the "Mites" and was not impressed w/their sound. But, the whole name of the game is matching components which work well w/each other and the room!) A good sounding amp and source equipment will make any spk. sound better. As far as spks. go, generally a soft dome tweeter will provide a warmer sound. If you go w/a small bookshelf spk., good stands will be needed and they will be needed to be filled to make them more stable. Considering the size of your room, 5 to 6 1/2 woofer should be the enough for good bass. Good Luck!