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Building a system from scratch (other than speakers)

Hello all! This is my first post. I am a relative newbie when it comes to hifi but have been doing some research and reading the forums for a while now. I am looking to build a two channel system with the best quality sound for the money. My budget is approx. $5K. I have a pair of Martin Logan Theos in my home theater that I will be pulling out for the dedicated hifi setup. 
Mainly I'm looking for preamp and amp advice. I know a point of contention is the tube v ss debate, but have read on this forum and others that you get the most out of electrostatics with tubes. I know virtually nothing first hand about tubes so am concerned about maintenance and high ongoing cost. I don't have a lot of listening time anyway, less time for working on components. Is this something to worry about? 
Also, brand/model suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm concerned about mismatching the speakers and amp.
For cd I am looking at the OPPO BDP 105d and for vinyl the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, but would appreciate advice here as well. 
Thank you all in advance!

arisingsound
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
As adg101 mentions in the two posts above, with your budget, a good integrated amp is the way to go. You'll get better quality spending more money on electronics, and less money on chassis', interconnects and power cords.

I'd recommend looking for a used BAT VK-300SE w/ phono card. You should be able to find one for under $3K.
mesch
3,514 posts
 
It sounds to me that when you have time to listen you want to make it a more involving session, isolating music from video. 

You have been given good advice so far. I also believe given your budget that an integrated amplifier is the way to go. However as I am not familiar with the Theos I can’t make a specific recommendation as you are correct in your concerns as to the amp speaker synergy.

If I understand correctly you are putting together a  music only system. My question is how vinyl vs. digital is partitioned regarding your listening sessions and your music library as is and as you see it in the future? If you would provide some feedback on this and the questions asked in previous posts we might be of greater help. 



  

jafant's avatar
jafant
19,798 posts
 
OP-

you are off to a nice start. Seek out ML dealers/retailers to determine the kind of gear that sounds appropriate w/ those speakers.

Do not forget the most important aspect, cables/power cords!
Keep me posted & Happy Listening!
douglas_schroeder
3,281 posts
 
The gear available now is quite different than even five years ago. There are a lot more "integrated" options, such as integrated preamp with DAC, DAC with preamp (there is a difference), even some integrated CD players with preamp function. 

Servers are a serious option and should not be overlooked. OTOH, you can use a computer such as a Mac Mini, as I do, and use a form of integrated to achieve your goal. 

Lot's of options. Do not buy hastily.  :)
sgunther
187 posts
 
Martin Logan electrostats have a pretty wicked impedance curve, so weather you chose tubes of SS get adequate power around 100 watts. I have Martin Logan Summits and have used both tubes and SS and they both sounded great just different.
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