I’m going to make a few radical observations that are borne out of the many threads of this type on this forum and others:
First, the equipment suggestions are invariably a reflection of how the person making the recommendations would spend your money, allocate budget, prioritize one component over another and what that person might want out of a system. I wouldn’t dare argue with anyone’s choice. But, what do YOU want? The only way to know is to listen. That means seat time at a dealer or four (don’t know what your locale has to offer); friends or colleagues that can let you hear their systems; travel to other places to hear systems, etc.
Second, the amp and speaker have a symbiotic relationship and are often chosen together. That isn’t to say you can’t buy an all purpose amp or speaker, but the two are interconnected in ways that go beyond the literal; and from that, the type of amp (tube/solid state), power and to some degree, price and budget allocation are intertwined.
Used is good if from a reputable source, particularly someone who is a dealer who will stand behind the product along with the manufacturer-not someone who is blowing the product line out because they lost the franchise or switched to another brand to feature;
A good dealer should be a quiet guide to let you make choices, not someone pitching you. There are some good dealers but no one of them will carry all the brands you might consider. It is possible to put together a very good system from more than one dealer.
Shopping dealers to go out to buy from individual sellers is an ethical sore point- while I’ve had some bad experiences with dealers over the years, a good dealer should be treasured- for help, tech support, trade-ins, and price breaks.
Two final observations; one about gear and one about "vinyl."
Gear: I have two systems. One is ’high end’ vinyl only system; the other is a vintage system (based on old Quad ESLs and matching amps). I get as much joy from one as the other. This isn’t about the money, it’s about putting together a "system" that works together synergistically and draws on the strengths of the gear to present music in a way that you as the owner like.
Records: vinyl is a b-----. I say this as someone as dedicated to the medium as anyone. Unless you are planning on buying new audiophile reissues of classic warhorses, you are going to wind up in a world cluttered with shitty pressings and/or used records, where the grade "very good" means precisely the opposite. Not trying to discourage you- record hunting is fun particularly if your taste isn’t limited to the latest "audiophile" picks, but it’s a whole other world of things to know and learn: preferred pressings of older records; sources to acquire stuff beyond the usual, trusted sellers that won’t charge you top dollar for a valued copy.
The primary point of my missive is that you have to educate yourself, no matter how well meaning others’ advice is. And that means seat time, listening to some different kinds of speakers, amps, etc. I could go on, but I think it is unnecessary. (PS: I can appreciate a friend’s system that is entirely different from my "big" system, and really enjoy it. It is just different, but well chosen, thoughtfully put together to achieve a certain objective for that owner).
After all, you are the one paying for it and listening to it. Choose wisely based on experience you should gain before you spend.
And congrats on retirement.
bill hart
