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Help in putting together my system with used equipment on Audiogon and eBay.

I’m looking for the best bang for the buck. What equipment can I find that would make the best system for my budget ($8000)? I'm starting out with:

Pass Labs X1 Preamp, my rock to start with. I got it for $2500 This is where you can help me the most. Let me know your best match for this pre-amp, or the ones you have found to be the best you have heard!

Bryston 4B SST amp for about $1700. It’s been my experience that more power wakes up a speaker and pins it’s ears back. At 300wpc and the reviews on this amp I picked it, but just to start. I really need some experienced people to give me recommendations for the amp, or if the Bryston is a winner. I can sell this for a better amp.

Do I need a DAC?

Phono. I’ve realized that might be a big reason why people go to separates isn’t it? I’d like to hear some comments on this. If you have separates and no phono, what do you use? Stream music? CD’s?

CD player? I do have a lot of CD’s. With separates, it’s either phono, cd, or streaming correct?

I’m not really a phono guy, but I know which albums I would buy so it is an option. I wouldn’t know a good phono if you hit me with it. Please recommend a few.

I’m leaning toward B&W speakers just because of their reputation. I may spend up to 5k on a good pair of speakers, but I want them to be used and costing much more when bought new. I know how to spot a good deal and not buy speakers on their death bed (from reputable sellers), but I need your recommendations too. You all have heard more speakers than I ever have and will.

**I’m going to check this post often and answer any questions and write down your recommendations.
I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE FOR THIS, IT IS A BIG DEAL FOR ME!
128x128imabucfan
imabucfan's avatar
imabucfan OP
52 posts
 
It used to be that you could go to your local audio store and audition a lot of gear and find what you like. Now there just aren’t many audio stores around, maybe because of eBay/Amazon? It makes putting a system together much harder.

As far as speakers are concerned, I'm going off your recommendations and online reviews. I do want a full range speaker since it's a stereo system.
geof3
1,129 posts
 
Wow, this forum is nuts... but whatever. At some point you've got to dive in. Get solid basics, whether separates or integrated. These days, a good integrated can be as good, if not better, than some separates combos. Either way, start there and make sure your preamp has all the inputs you might want to grow into. If you aren't into vinyl yet, don't spend the money. That's an easy add later when the desire and budget allows. Regarding tweaks? Those can wait as well. Gotta start with a solid foundation and build. Tweaks can be, and are, a slippery slope. YMMV. Picking speakers is tough too, and as mentioned, if you have access to a good shop see if you can demo some in your price range. Speakers can be very personal. One's fatigue is another's nirvana. Have some fun with it, that's the key.
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,318 posts
 
The Pass is a great starting point.  But you need to settle on speakers before (or at minimum at the same time as) you choose a power amp.  You might be able to do low watts, you might not.  B&W IMHO is overrated, and will need a lot of watts.  There are lots of better choices out there.  But you really need to work toward a decision on speakers, because they are the large tail that's wagging the rest of the dog.
imabucfan's avatar
imabucfan OP
52 posts
 
I am wanting a full range speaker. B&W 802 is my reference point, I might be able to get a pair at some point under 3k. I need suggestions though, I like to hear the bass in my music. It doesn't need to pound, just good tight bass.
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