2. amps-preamps
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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
 
Thanks jsautter, why is that? and what is your recommended speaker?
Also, soma70 recommended the Innuos Zen Mini  streamer. It has an internal DAC and accepts rca inputs. Is there a streamer that would use xlr cables or is that only between amp/preamp? Can the DAC be used for all inputs or just the streamer? I know this post is getting long in the tooth, but you all are helping me a lot, I really appreciate everything. I know ultimately it is my decision. but it will be a decision based on your knowledge and invaluable recommendations. Thank you!!!!!!!
4krowme's avatar
4krowme
542 posts
 
Man, imagine the fun you could have with an 8K budget and buying used equipment as well! I will offer little advice that hasn't already been given, but just say I am envious and don't worry so much about mistakes that you might make. A lot of the joy of this hobby for me is in the auditioning of new/different equipment.
audition__audio
1,494 posts
 
I have digital but I am really a analog guy. As the Klipsch fans on this forum already know, I do not like Klipsch speakers. However I also believe that if a person likes a speaker then this is the correct speaker for this listener. With this in mind, the only thing I think Klipsch do well is play loud. With solid state amplification, you may be in for migraine city. The main advantage of horn designs is high efficiency so this type of design lends itself to tubes. In fact if a speaker reacts well to tube amplification I cant think of single reason not to use a tube amp. 

I have never been able to live without an active preamp so I would discourage building a system without one. In terms of speakers you need to decide what is most important to you in terms of sonics and then determine the design. I think you need to narrow things down a bit and then perhaps I can help with the speakers.
imabucfan's avatar
imabucfan OP
52 posts
 
Speakers aside, I think I need to figure out how to implement a DAC, music streamer, headphone amp, and possibly my lifetime Sirius subscription into my system. I'm starting to visualize stacks of gear on my audio rack or lack of because of my budget.
dawkimi
28 posts
 
For digital, I would potentially try out Schiit Yggdrasil GS or Chord Qutest - both can be had for around $1,600 new.
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