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My jazz collection told me to get a *real* system

So I’m determined to put together my first serious analog system, having subsisted on entry-level NAD TT, integrated and phono amp for over 10 years. My tastes are very eclectic, but I’ve put together a nice jazz collection and that’s what’s really crying out. I’m looking at a budget of about $8K over the next 12-18 months. Yeah, that’s the trick: This ain’t gonna happen over night. But I’m willing to be patient with imbalances in my system as long as I’m headed in the right direction. And I’d rather go the route of buying the gear I really want for the long term rather than stop gaps and labor intensive upgrade paths etc. My life just doesn’t have room for that.

N.B.: Looking to stay SS, likely integrated+phono preamp configuration. Really just talking about the table, cart, and amplification ... speakers and ICs are OK for now.

Questions:
1) How would you divvy up the dough?
2) In what order would you buy the components?
3) Top 3 recommendations within each component category?
4) Other crucial considerations?

Appreciate the wisdom!
128x128jazztherapist
charles1dad's avatar
charles1dad
10,250 posts
 
Hi,
I’m a jazz aficionado as well. I attend live jazz performances often and have accumulated a large collection of jazz recordings over the years. Why the aversion to tube electronics? Good quality tubes reveal the beauty and scope of this wonderful idiom.

You should mention your speakers as this will help to focus amplifier recommendations from others. Pass Labs and Gamut are 2 solid state brands that I think would be good for your stated goal. If you don’t need high power or current I would suggest First Watt amplifiers as a possibility.  You may want to consider an all in one box product such as Lyngdorf.  
Good luck
Charles
jazztherapist's avatar
jazztherapist OP
21 posts
 
Thanks, Charles. Epos M5s on the speakers. I'll get around to upgrading those but they're nice enough for now. Might just stick with that line or look at KEFs based on a jazz-loving friend's recommendation.

Honestly, the tube scene scares me. I feel like I can't afford to worry about yet one more variable ... I have a hard enough time reigning in my OCD features. But I'm sure you or someone could talk me out of that. ;-)
goheelz's avatar
goheelz
297 posts
 
Easier to discuss and advise if you go ahead a post a system, so we can see where you're at right now.

Think also about a 10-20 year budget, so that your long term goals are in view.

If it were me in the shoes you seem to be wearing, and only short term plans will do, I would spend 6K on phono rig + 2K on integrated amp.  
jazztherapist's avatar
jazztherapist OP
21 posts
 
Integrated: NAD 320BEE
Phono amp: PP-2
Table: NAD 533
Speakers: Epos M5s
IC and cables: Transparent

I'm looking to build a system that's really able to do justice to early Blue Notes and the like. And then I want to leave it alone for a long time.
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