Steve, this is one reason why we should rely on brick and mortar guys. Even guys who sell out of their homes, like AT does. It's important that we know what goes good together. Most folks listen blindly to what folks tell them and chase their tails. They aren't confident in their own ears or they aren't out listening to a lot of other gear. When I go to audition for real, I use a paper and pen either during or afterwards. I make copious notes as I can't remember if I don't. use the same recordings that you personally bring in. That way you can make notes about the same portions and then you will at least be closer than if you go by memory.
The best dealers I know as well as the top audio companies who I know well say the same things about system building.
Both ends are equally important. The end product will only play what it's fed and how it's fed. As good a source as you can buy is best. Then the second for me is the preamp. It's not a control unit. It's the heart of the sound. Most speakers will scale pretty high, so you can go a line lower if needed in order to get the best pre you can afford...Then it's the speaker and last the amp. Teh cables etc... aren't for fine tuning IMHO. They are the last part of the process (and important), but you can have a great system with mid level cables and cords if you have to.
If you need to 'fine tune' with cables, then you've done something wrong in putting the system together.
Again, it's my opinion. If you are close to AT, then go to the other stores in NJ as well as some in NYC. You will figure out who you like best as well as what you like best. If there is a speaker that you fall in love with, don't think it will sound just as good if you use the lesser pre or amp or source. It won't adn you may not be happy adn will chase the tail.
All just my opinion of course.
The best dealers I know as well as the top audio companies who I know well say the same things about system building.
Both ends are equally important. The end product will only play what it's fed and how it's fed. As good a source as you can buy is best. Then the second for me is the preamp. It's not a control unit. It's the heart of the sound. Most speakers will scale pretty high, so you can go a line lower if needed in order to get the best pre you can afford...Then it's the speaker and last the amp. Teh cables etc... aren't for fine tuning IMHO. They are the last part of the process (and important), but you can have a great system with mid level cables and cords if you have to.
If you need to 'fine tune' with cables, then you've done something wrong in putting the system together.
Again, it's my opinion. If you are close to AT, then go to the other stores in NJ as well as some in NYC. You will figure out who you like best as well as what you like best. If there is a speaker that you fall in love with, don't think it will sound just as good if you use the lesser pre or amp or source. It won't adn you may not be happy adn will chase the tail.
All just my opinion of course.