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
thinman2 I actually talked to Bob and he helped me with a pair of Heresey's upgrading the capacitors. I didn't know about Cornscala's I'll look at them. Mario thanks I'll look at the Pass XA30.5 and the streaming gear. That is definitely a possibility, as is the streaming gear recommendation. soma70 your post is very helpful to me. Thanks for that, I needed more recommendations on streaming gear. I had no idea where to start so thank you. Now I have some good recommendations on streaming gear I can research. As one of you put it, it's going to be time to stop reading and start listening to gear, so I will try to find out where to do that. Best Buy and the Expo are on my list!!!
Everyone, I still get recommendations of selling my separates and  buying an integrated. In the words of a speaker engineer I know of he said "I want to hear the smack of the singers lips when they start to sing, and the strike if a symbol as if it came out of thin air". I know I never will get even close to the $80,000 system he plays his speakers on, but I would like to hear that as close as I can get it. And from what I've heard from others, separates are the way to get there.
If you are committed to the Pass Labs preamp then I second Mario.  Post a wanted ad on Audigon for Pass XA30.5 amp. Should Pay about $2,500, add new Cornscala speakers, about $2,000 finished and delivered, Lumin streaming DAC, about $2,000, subscription to Tidal and you have a very wonderful sounding system. You are on budget at $6,500 plus what you spent for the preamp.
What about Cornwalls? Since I can't listen to Cornscalas, can someone who has hear the difference tell me how the Cornscala compares to Cornwall besides price? The Cornwall III is on special right now for 3k. thinman2 I will look into the Pass XA30.5, but I will be going from 300wpc to 30wpc and the type of speakers I choose will determine this change I think.
Imabucfan, welcome to the ’Gon. I am about a 2 hour drive from you. You can read some of my posts. If you have interest, we can exchange phone numbers, and set up a time for you to come listen to my system, with you music selections ( my system is cd based ). You can PM me. Enjoy ! MrD.