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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
cb108
2 posts
 
Going back to your first idea to buy speakers that are very expensive new and get them for about half price on audiogon, my suggestion is to take a look at the reviews for Sonus Faber Olympica line of speakers. They Olympica 2's cost $10,000 new but there are 2 pairs for sale right now on Agon for $4500-$5000 (or make a lower offer). Sonus Faber is renowned for the fit and finish and superb beauty of their fine wood and leather cabinets - they will likely be the best looking piece of furniture in your house - but also for musicality that matches the look. I owned the slightly larger Olympica 3's ($13K) for 5 years and loved them, and the 2's are similar in all respects except for size and number of woofers. I upgraded to Sonus Faber Cremonese which are unbelievable and like all Sonus Faber perfect for those who love music made with acoustic instruments - jazz and classical for instance. They can also rock but the sheer beauty of their sound for acoustic piano, guitars, cello, standup bass and voices is hard to beat at this price range. Note that Sonus Faber just introduced the new line of Olympica Nova speakers to replace the original Olympics which means you can find some great deals on the original line such as this one for a new pair at $6500
https://upscaleaudio.com/products/sonus-faber-olympica-ii-loudspeaker?variant=31551768461372&utm...

Just a thought. Good luck on your audio adventure.
dnok
4 posts
 
So I have a Yamaha Mx-800 with an MU 800 using a Denon DP62L with MM or  Rega Planar 3 with MC
B&W Matrix 802 series 3 speakers.  Wondering if a ModWright SWL 9.0 stereo phono preamplifier (Anniversary edition)
or a Audio Research SP-14 with upgrades and great phono stage would make my vinyl sound the best. Thanks
imabucfan's avatar
imabucfan OP
52 posts
 
Well I settled on speakers at least. I found a pair of Von Schweikert VR4JR speakers for 2000 which included shipping. It was a great decision, the speakers sound incredible. I feel their decision to have the beautiful enclosure done in China by a furniture store made these much less expensive. Truly a full range speaker with excellent bass response. I would not have been happy to just hear a minimal gain in sound quality over my Klipsch Heresy III's and these did not disappoint.
Some have recommended I go to stereo stores and listen to speakers, but speaker stores are not going to carry older speaker models being sold for half the price. You really have to research the reviews and listen to ordinary audiophiles and their views on the speakers. I was actually sold on the VR4SR version of this model but those were a bit out of my budget and a bigger speaker to find the room for. The VR4JR was smaller and I was hoping the full range was represented in them as well, and I was right. Maybe not the ideal way to find speakers but it worked for me. The fact that they were recommended in a post or two to me helped my decision!
imabucfan's avatar
imabucfan OP
52 posts
 
I think I am going to stay with an integrated amplifier. Whether it is my hearing or there isn't enough details in the music I am playing with the Pass Labs X1 and Bryston 4b SST over my Yamaha 5250 it just doesn't sound that different to me. I will be selling the separates and buying a new integrated amplifier. It will be used for music and home theatre. I will also be selling my Audeze LCD-2's as I have discovered I like open air music over headphones. If anyone is interested please let me know, but I will be listing these here and other selling places.
If anyone has a good recommendation for a great integrated amplifier please let me know!!!
daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
570 posts
 
If you were to go with more efficient speakers, then you can save some money on amps.  For example, I just saw a First Watt J2 "open box" for $2500. It is rated at 25W but Pass stuff usually does much better in tests. If you bought the Tektons for $3000 you would have pretty good setup.  It just depends on how loud you like to listen.  The Rogue stuff also sounds good for a good price.  Lots of choices but speaker efficiency is a key point I think.  I bought a Topping D90 DAC for $630 and it is wonderful.  Got a Bluesound 2i for 419 refurbished.  Blue Jeans cable will save you lots of money on cable but I bought Pine Tree Audio and have all my wire and cords for about $700. 
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