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Novice here with questions

We Just moved into a townhome. The top floor has hardwood floors, three very large windows (4' x 6') and a slanted ceiling that at its highest point is 16 feet. Because of all the glass and the sloped ceiling the acoustics are what I would consider weird. The room dimensions are 27' long by 16' across, and there is no way to add ceiling speakers or any speakers in the rear. My budget for a receiver, cd player, and two speakers is $2000. I am aware the options are limitless, but would like your opinion on what percentage to spend on receiver vs speakers to get the most bang for my $, as well as what kind or type of speaker might best handle this room.
garyandmary
swampwalker's avatar
swampwalker
5,138 posts
 
If you are only going to be listening to stereo from a CDP, then I would stick w an integrated amp (power amp and control or pre-amp in one box), CDP and speakers. If you give us an idea about the kind of music you like to listen to, relative volume, and musically what is most important to you, we can help better. You should also consider buying Robert Hartley's Guide to Hi End Stereo and Jim Smith's book on Better Sound to help you move forward.
millicurie999
57 posts
 
Don't rule out magnepan. Magnepan MMG $600.00 new (60 days refund if you are not satisfied); less if you buy used.

Classic power amp (Aragon, parasound, etc) between $300-500. Still leave you with enough for a decent used preamp and a used CD player, methinks. Maybe a CDP with volume control to go directly to the power amp.

It's not so much that magnepan needs high power than it needs solid clean power (stable high current). Maggie is such an overachiever that you will keep hearing improvement as you upgrade your upstream components.

Can you tell I love my maggie?
vandermeulen
191 posts
 
I second the Magnepan option, but with a used pair of 1.6's. Those will perform better in that room, better with more power. They run approx. 900-1200 used. I would spend half your budget on the speaker. I would then look at an integrated with AT LEAST 100W per channel...clean. You dont need too much power to appreciate the 1.6's. A tubed integrated would be ideal, but for the money a solid state will give you more power. Also, you will be looking to upgrade everything except the 1.6's in the future. Those are keepers. CDP's can be had for 200-400 used. There are many good brands out there.
drdennis
165 posts
 
Magnepans driven by a NAD intergrated or receiver rated at 100 w will do the job. If you buy used, there will be enough for a good CD player. Used, or Anti Cables will help you stay on budget.
I agree that the Magnepans will respond to better amplification, but with a budget of $2000, I don't think you will get better sound for your money. You'll also have the ability to trade up in the future as Millicurie points out.
jult52
155 posts
 
Whatever you do, buy name-brand interconnects!! Using the OEMs is literally diluting your music - they are a disaster. Participate in one of the Agon ic auctions or buy the bottom-tier Kimber ics. It will be the best $50 you spend on your audio system.

BTW, I love the Magnepan recommendation but they require good upstream components. A receiver would probably not do.
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