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Another amateur in need of advice

Hello all. I'm basically as green as they come, and am looking for some advice in putting together my first 2- channel audio system. Looking to keep it analog, with vinyl playback being the primary purpose of this whole escapade. If I feel compelled to stream something, i would just get a decent bluetooth receiver to appease the crowd of an informal get-together. 

I am looking to experience an "audiophile-grade" sound, but one that is also a giddy and involving listen. Some bass presence would be welcome (newb). In any case, I would prefer to keep the budget under $5k. First question - do I need an integrated amplifier? Can I just get an amplifier and connect the Lounge phono stage that I'm leaning towards? Or connect a CD player or radio tuner? Basically, does a power amp require a pre-amp, which it seems that an integrated provides? As far as integrated amps, I was first leaning towards the newer Rega Brio, but then I heard about the Rogue Sphinx V2. But then I read about all the noise issues with the Sphinx, which really turned me off from it. Noise issues would really steal the jam from my doughnut. The Heed Elixir seems to tick a lot of boxes, but it also seems that it really imparts it's own texture to the music. Maybe that's a good thing? A budgetary stretch - the Croft integrated looks pretty dang cool. If I only need an amplifier rather than an integrated for my purposes, any opinions on the Croft Series 7? 

As far as speakers, I'm as lost as the previous paragraph suggests. Right now leaning towards the Quad S-2, but was considering the KEF LS50 until I read that they sound best with a more powerful amp. Ditto for the Dynaudio Excite X14. And apparently the LS50s are rather bright sounding? Was not considering floor-standers until I found out that the Monitor Audio Silver 300s are pretty easy to drive. Every gosh-darn review I read only sends me deeper down the spiral of confusion and indecisiveness. 

My turntable choice is pretty set - the Mofi ultra deck with the better cartridge. Since it's $2200, it kind of eats up the budget considering the additional costs of cabling and, potentially, speaker stands. But it seems that it's the sort of component that I'll keep for life. 

I'd appreciate any words of guidance and wisdom! Have a good one! 
cleanshirt
jbhiller's avatar
jbhiller
1,399 posts
 
How big is your room and how loud do you like to listen?  

I own the LS50s.  They are superb.  I had them in a small media room--10' x 15'--powered by a Creek 100A and they were dynamite.  I have them in a large living room now (same integrated)--16 x 26--and they sound great but only near field.  They do like some juice. 

I like the advice you got above.  If I were you I would take that advice and when buying the integrated I would go used--Exposure, Creek, NAD, etc.  
dweller's avatar
dweller
3,781 posts
 
Buying quality speakers up-front means they only sound better as your system improves. Sound advice.
chrshanl37
835 posts
 
Maybe  the wireless LS50’s? 
inna
7,296 posts
 
I think, we are all in essence in agreement.
Just don't rush with purchases - sound you will hear next might be even better for similar price, or less.
inna
7,296 posts
 
What may complicate auditioning, besides less than ideal match of components and cables, is that the speakers and equipment need time to fully break in, sometimes hundreds of hours. Ask the dealers questions about this. And don't let them push you, they usually can figure out an inexperienced person.
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