2. amps-preamps
  3. 134153-1398

Where do I start-amp or speakers ?

While in the midst of downsizing I sold all my gear: Krell monos, Thiel CS6’s, Thiel 2.4’s, EAD Powermaster 2000, Thiel MCS1, etc.
I am now left with a headphone system based on the entry level Schitt headphone amp, Freya preamp,& a very nice Vinyl NIrvana Thorens 125 turntable,
So how’s that working out for you, you ask? Not so well. I need speakers & amp!
 I went from 2900 sq ft. To 1600 sq ft; a 25x24 room to an 18 x 16 room (high 20-24 ft cathedral ceiling, though, at least.)
I’m now on the way to build a new system , one component at a time; Ceiling is 4K per unit. Every time I see a nice amp, then I see a fine pair of speakers. Back and forth. Do I start with an amp or with speakers? Input, input........
michaeljbrown
bluesy41
211 posts
 
@michaeljbrown

I would start with the speakers and then amp and Preamp. Based on speakers you may decide to go with a good integrated amplifier. PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium HP for $4300 would be a great addition.

Cheers
helomech
1,535 posts
 
I'd put about 2/3 of the budget toward speakers.


david_ten
5,480 posts
 
Every time I see a nice amp, then I see a fine pair of speakers. Back and forth.

Go with what you love or have a strong interest in. If it is an amp that comes up first and you can move on it, so be it. Same with the speakers.

Or,

If you are keeping the Thorens, and it will be central to your system, then start working downstream from there.

As a counterpoint and in contrast, my speakers comprise 20% (in spend) of my total system. I'm in the process of upgrading components and cabling...and they will settle at around 15%. : )
wtf's avatar
wtf
307 posts
 
I think it's a good idea to get the speakers sorted out first. Say, for example, you find a nice efficient speaker which needs only a few wpc to make them sing (i.e. Zu, Tekton, Omega) - this gives you amp options which would never work with power/current-hungry inefficient speakers (i.e., Magnepan, etc.). 
timlub
2,039 posts
 
@michaeljbrown 
It really depends on your experience.  If you are comfortable with enough equipment and know the sound of many components,  start shopping,  when you find a value out there that you know you will love, snatch it up.  If you are not comfortable with that,  your safest path is to start the yellow brick road to speakers. Once you find those, search for an amp that complements your Freya and speakers.  Even that can be a problem...If you know that you'd like to try tubes in an amp for instance.... a fair amount of speakers are not tube friendly.  So,  a high current solid state amp is a safe bet for almost any speaker... You've got some homework to do. Good Luck.  Tim 
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