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
dorkwad
548 posts
 
I have more to add, now that I have some time.  The VMPS speakers I mentioned are so good sounding and reviewed by experts that I put my speakers up for sale on Saturday last week, by Sunday had a full price offer and got another FP offer the next day from another.  Upon listening to them for the first time since I bought my idea of the speakers I couldn't afford, but got a very good deal on, I was floored at the new ability they had since going through many cable changes in the 17 months with the dream speakers.  The VMPS speakers are among the few that have amazing detail, great potent bass, and hopping dynamics, with a wide, deep soundstage, and can play at high volume, yet sound great at low volume.  They are also adjustable in levels for the treble, mids and bass.  The bass can be played with to sound anywhere from very tight to much more full and places in-between.  So your room won't be such an issue by using a big, powerful speaker.  The electronic combo I recommended has a great tube preamp, and powerful class D amp that absolutely will do what you want, allow you to hear all that is going on.  You can take a bit of those who know a component or two and what they MAY do for the sound, but this is a very high chance of being way more system than you thought you could buy.

Hey, it's your money.
Bob
minorl
1,016 posts
 

You already have a pretty good pre-amp and amp and they are not part of the $8000 budget, I assume.

My suggestion is to keep the pre-amp and amp and get a decent set of speakers and a music server that can rip and stream.

Leave the analog rig for a later upgrade.

enjoy your system and if you begin to feel that something is missing, then, start on the upgrade road. 

enjoy what you have, find a nice set of speakers.  Go digital for now until you are set on your system and then investigate analog later when you budget allows.

Under no circumstance would I suggest you sell everything and start from scratch.  Start with what you already have and build from their based on your taste in music, what you feel is missing and could be better and most importantly, your budget.

just my thoughts,

enjoy

minorl
1,016 posts
 

sigh, spell check.


build from there.

enjoy

mrdecibel
3,063 posts
 
Imabucfan......We have been speaking via PM, but, I want to come out in the open about what I mentioned to you. Without listening, you ordered the Pass pre and Bryston amp. You could have done worse. Maybe not even better at those prices, simply different. You have Klipsch Heresy IIIs, and a good subwoofer. You need sources ( cd player / transport / DAC / streamer, etc ). I encouraged you to connect it all, and see ( HEAR ), what it would be like. Basic cabling for now. People still do not give Klipsch a fair deal, but so many renowned reviewers, have really liked the Heresy IIIs, and as you know, I am a Klispch Heritage fan boy ( for 50 years ). They do many things right. You are making yourself crazy at this point, and despite people here trying to help, they really are not. Use the gear you have. Many folks here, when they started, did not have the level of gear you have. Tubes, different amp, different speakers ? At this point, use what you have. Get your front end ( sources ), start listening to what you have, go to the Tampa show, and then, listen, again, to what you have. Find out what kind of listener YOU are, not the listener, everyone else is. The system you currently have, will extract much information from your selected source, as it will give you ( 1 ) the ability to find out what you like and dislike, as in educating your ears ( 2 ) the ability to play around with the room acoustics / listening chair sweet spot, with this system, as this will help you with any, and every, future change you make. I am hoping someone else here agrees with me, because, I am right. You, and everyone, need to slow down. With a good source or two, you have the makings of an excellent 1st system, and, a system in which to learn, about you, as a listener. That is all.
bsohne
14 posts
 
Hi
How big is your room that you want to use?

That could direct you with size etc....

8k is either alot of $$$ or not ...depending on your tastes...

I am a Ohm Walsh 5 owner... I am friends with John and Evan at Ohm... I live and work near by the factory..

At last NYC audio show... they shown off a pair of Walsh Super 2's ( Walsh 2 that are upgraded to current Walsh 2000 technology) running with a done over Carver C-1 preamp. ( it also has MM and MC phono preamp built in) if you want to go that way....   and a Serviced Carver m1.0T Opt II mark II  upgraded by Greg Garska at Nelion Audio , Bob Carver recommends him ( letter on site ). 

see link
https://nelionaudio.com/index.php?/services.html/carver/carver-amplifiers/carver-m-10t-mkii-opt002-r...

The equipment that Ohm used at the show was my backup system .... plus for streamer we used a Bluesound Node2. and with thumb drive full of music....

Walsh 2000.  i think are 2800 pairCarver m1.ot with upgrades and service I think greg sells for 850 when he has them ( 500 wpc) .
Carver c-1 ....  seen them unupgraded for 200$ ebay.  greg does the Billd upgrade and service for I think 350...
Node2 not sold anymore now a Node2i ( slight change in its wifi).  is alike 500$ ....

My home system
as I have a large room like 13,000 cubic feet...
Walsh 5 upgraded to Super Walsh 5 LE ( original price like 6k).Amp...   Carver SevenT ( solid state mono blocks)... at i think 565 wpc... ( I really should use two m1.0t !! ( I have three... ) but I like look of the SevenT...
and a Carver c-1 w billD mod...node 2 streamer (amazon HD service...  ) currently using node 2 DAC.
(thinking of a Aries II DAC...or a Musical Paradise tube dac....  )
denon df-33f w/ denon 103D cart (MC)   I am not an audiophile... i just like gear !
well.....

Good HuntingBill





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