@randy-11 lol....ignore the tweekers!!! Got it!
@gdnrbob John did play the Ayre amp for me. It was stupid good. But it was also like 12k. Thanks also for the excellent suggestions.
@gawdbless Thanks. Will check out the Nuforce STA200
Looking to build a system for under $5k
Hello,
I am brand new to audio and looking to put a system together for around/under $5k all in. Any recommendations?
This would be mainly for CD audio but expandable for phono in the future. I have a small bedroom that I am dedicating as a music room upstairs in a cape cod style home. So it has angled walls that follow the roof line.
Looking for components that offer the biggest bang for the buck. I've done some research over the last couple of months and it seems like the Vandersteen 1Ci might be a good cornerstone to design a system around.
Thanks,
Joe
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Here’s an alternative suggestion from a bottom up (bass reproduction) perspective vs. the source/amp first viewpoint: Get 1 (or 2) SVS SB12-NSD subwoofers. Currently at $399 each, shipped. 45 day trial period with return shipping included. 5 year unconditional warranty. The real value of this somewhat reversed approach - is that you could then focus on any amp/speaker combo best matches SONICALLY, without worrying (too much) about how the amp will ’drive’ the speakers - because you have relieved the amp of bass duties. A decent sub will also make your midrange and highs sound better as well. You could even consider single ended tubes and high efficiency designs at that point. Another integrated amp I did not hear above that I would recommend you consider is a Jolida tube integrated. Decent as a low/mid budget alternative. Or a Wyred4Sound M-Int for higher (class D) power. If you like the Vandersteen house sound, and don’t mind older/used, you could get into these 2CEs for around a $1000. http://www.tmraudio.com/product/tj-791. As an alternative, try to listen to the new Elac speakers designed by Andrew Jones. Cables - Belden 8402 or WE or Duelund 16 guage. Finally, consider adding a network player/streamer to expand your access to content. Good luck and have fun! |
So a quick update... I have placed an order for the following: - Vandersteen 1ci speakers To start I’ll be using an existing Kenwood CD player with an optical line out into the Rotel and also a PC connected via USB w/ Tidal. I’m super excited and can’t thank this forum enough for all the great commentary and suggestions. I literally knew nothing about this stuff a month ago and feel like I made informed decisions based on advice and due diligence. Many thanks to the great folks at Quest for Sound, Dave and Troy from Audio Doctors, and of course Johnny R. from Audio Connection. Cheers, |
You did well my friend. Please get back to us once system is set up in your room and you have spent some time with it. I believe you made some wise choices all around. I wasn't sure if you intended on using a computer for streaming and did not know you had a player with digital out. Knowing that I would have more strongly suggested you purchase a DAC. That is one thing about a DAC with appropriate inputs, it can serve two sources. I am not sure if I mentioned this on your thread but I also like to spin a disc, even though I rip my CDa as files onto my MAC mini computer. Enjoy the music! |
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