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Newbie help - Building a system from scratch

Hello all, long time lurker here, looking for advice :)

Due to the Covid-19 situation, I haven’t been able to travel around and test equipment so I’m most likely to buy completely blind. Therefore, I’ve done quite a bit of research. Here is where I’m at:

  • Monitor Audio Silver 300

  • Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum III

  • Rega Planar 3


How does this look? Do you think this would be a good match?

1. What is your budget?

I’m OK to spend about 7k to 10k on this.

2. What are you looking for?

  • Floor speakers

  • Tube Amp

  • Turntable

  • Optional: Streamer for Tidal

3. How will you typically be using the gear?

I will use them in a large room for targeted listening

4. What gear do you own?

Nada

5. What do you intend on using for a source?

Turntable and perhaps a streamer

6. What material will you be using your gear for?

Music only - I listen to Jazz, rock, soul, primarily. Some classical sometimes.

7. Are you willing to buy used?

I’m willing to buy used.


Any pointers are welcome :) 

swissified
lewm
13,095 posts
 
In addition to the idea of ordering speakers you can return, look to see whether there are any local audiophile societies or groups in your area, and then go listen to as many different systems as possible, before you start ordering speakers you might then want to return.  Similarly, if you have established friends who are also audiophiles, go and listen.  When you do listen, consider the ancillary equipment and the room you're in.  Is it like yours in size, shape, window area, curtains or lack thereof, floor covering or lack thereof?  All that stuff counts big time.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,593 posts
 
Your room size/description and and where you can realistically place the speakers would help a lot...

Surprised anyone offered REAL suggestions (not really) sans this basic/important info.

DeKay
lewm
13,095 posts
 
dekay, I mentioned the very same issues related to the room, just one post above yours. We agree.
dekay's avatar
dekay
5,593 posts
 
lewm:

Yes, we do agree...

Tired of seeing WAY uninformed suggestions in the forums for specific gear/components, especially now that it is difficult to audition such @ local shops.

DeKay
dorkwad
548 posts
 
I agree with MC on the Double Impacts.  Not a lot of WAF to them, however.  I'd have to go with the Audible Illusions 3A preamp with MM phono section.  I had one of the AI 2D's for 18 years and then the AI 3A w/ MC phono section for another 6-7 years.  This tube preamp sounds very neutral for a tube component.  The only drawback is it has no remote.  I finally went all out on my system and got a TRL DUDE preamp which also has no remote.  Get a chance to do occasional exercise instead of constant sitting--you'll have to change records anyway.  The AI preamp would be a sincere upgrade in sound if paired with say a used Nuforce Ref 9 v2 or v3 mono amps.  You could get used mono amps for close to $1000.  The AI preamp with phono would run about $1100-1200 used.  If you stick with AI tubes, the preamp just doesn't have stuff go wrong.  You could find the Double Impacts used for about $1800-2000.  With all of this, you could have the start of a super system.  A similarly priced TT/arm would be the VPI Scout.  Use very close to $1000.  

Bob


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