Just noticed @moofoo reply, +1 I share his opinion on tubes and separates completely.
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!
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!
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- 132 posts total
Here is a pair of Magnepan 20.1s for $5995:
https://www.ebay.com/i/333448059064?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&itemid=333448059064&targetid=593772165813&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9014962&poi=&campaignid=2086087905&mkgroupid=76935344123&rlsatarget=pla-593772165813&abcId=1141016&merchantid=101828666&gclid=CjwKCAiApOvwBRBUEiwAcZGdGO6KfucfaXqEAwqv4Rwk3MLKGFLiM0fWHPQchZdcUxj6BWXU4Da3rBoCRScQAvD_BwE With the Bryston putting out 500 watts per channel into 4 ohms, you won't have any trouble driving the Maggies. You'll need a decent sized room, you'll need to be able to place them at least 3 feet from a wall, and you'll most likely want to add a sub. But when you get them set up properly, no other speakers at even twice the price will compare. |
Thanks geof3, I actually almost bought a Parasound pre and amp! I will definitely keep a Parasound amp in mind if the Bryston doesn't work out! liamowen, it's posts like yours that make me want to venture into vinyl and I may at some point if streaming doesn't work for me. I think you have to like entire albums to get into vinyl. I like a few from start to finish I just don't now how many complete albums I like. luisma31 HELL YES! I am going to do just that! Thanks for telling me. I already feel like my budget is going to be shot to hell going there! arichison I played a pair of KEF LS50's using 100wpc and they didn't impress me. I will try to find ADS to give them a listen. moofoo so you are in my position of a new hobby late in years! I want to give tubes a try sometime in the future. I just don't know about their maintenance and if they give out enough power to get as loud as I like. I definitely will be looking into that. jburidan I have heard that from more than one person so you all have steered me away. I also heard B&W don't put out enough bass so that is a negative for me. I am looking at Klipsch Cornwalls and some other suggestions my fellow audio enthusiasts have recommended. It's the biggest deal in my audio system, so I need to get it right! Thanks and please keep up the posts everyone, you have been very helpful!!!!! |
Consider Bob Crites Cornscala floor speakers. Very efficient and a lot of speaker for under $2000. Reduces your power demand requirement. Forget vinyl for a while. Get a streaming DAC and stream Tidal with MQA. Something simple to use like a Lumin D2. Sell your preamp and buy a Pass Labs integrated Amp...something like the INT30A. Total value of the deal around $7,000 or less if you buy off Audigon. |
- 132 posts total