2. amps-preamps
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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
terry9
2,354 posts
 
A different perspective - your room could be the real problem. 18x16 is almost square (bad) and a ceiling of 20 makes damn near cubic (very bad). The centre ridge might save you, but I wouldn't count on it.

In these circumstances, I would absolutely begin with speakers, Ralph's expertise notwithstanding. Your room effects look to dominate everything else. Consider real room-filling speakers, like the big Magnepans. Run them on $1000 solid state if need be, until you can afford to improve your electronics.

Can you audition somehow? Because that may make all the difference.

Just my opinion.
soundsrealaudio's avatar
soundsrealaudio
756 posts
 
I would totally change things up. Think about a nice tube integrated and some smallish speakers to pair with it. Speakers with a minimal cross over i.e. Ref 3A. They would usually be more efficient then most. Have some fun here. Sophia Electric amplifiers sound really nice, haven't heard the Jadis gear in a while but have heard good things. I wouldn't buy into the integrated that advertise heavily in TAS and Stereophile. Find a diamond or two in the huge amount of rough. 
dualmarantz
18 posts
 
Speakers first, then optimize the amp for the speakers. Makes no sense the other way around.
jahatl513
121 posts
 
Source; Amp first its the sound; the heart. Anything else is BS
parabolic
106 posts
 
I posted this some thought just recently.

Speakers. Because they’re typically the weakest link in the chain, most room dependent, add the most coloration and characteristics by virtue of their design (dipole, cone, horn, etc), and define the power demands of an amp.

So, start there and work your way backward.
Speakers
Amp
Pre
Source
Cables

Just must two cents. Make of it what you will.
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