2. analog
  3. 159233-149759

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
asvjerry's avatar
asvjerry
4,560 posts
 
@swissified, welcome to The Journey. *S* (Mind the rocks 'n roots in the trial, I mean, trail....;)...)

Suggestion on the Spouse Approval on speakers...
-A clear picture(s) of the preffered speaker(s).
-A tape measure; obvious function. ;)
-Ideally: Ones that are available in different finishes...
-Promise ANYTHING....but follow through. *S*  This may prove to be very important, unless she 'Loves how it makes Her music selections sound."

Don't giggle...it works.

Other suggestions I leave to the assembled...and it'd help if you suggest a budget for your intent.  Don't fear starting 'small', part of the enjoyment is 'growing your own', much like other 'hobbies'....;)

Enjoy, and happy shopping.
J
swissified OP
2 posts
 
You guys are truly awesome, so much good advice and great insights. 

I've had some other business to take care of today but wanted to say that I've read all the answers.

I'll ask further questions tomorrow :) Just wanted to express my gratitude for now. 
paulcreed
556 posts
 
That's risky not able to demo gear. I'm sure you can find shops open and some by appointment only. Take a road trip. I would not buy speakers without hearing them. I owned a rogue 99 magnum long ago. It was a nice Preamp but not the most tubey sounding gear if that's what you are looking for. I had it matched with McCormack rev a mono blocks and Vanersteen speaker, I thought it was a nice match. Rega's are nice but is not the most analog sounding table to me. If your budget can go to 10k Find a used Well tempered Amadeus for $1000, VPI hw19 Mark 4 with a nice arm, used PS Audio GCPH for $500, older Pass Labs phono pre, these are monitors but I saw a used pair of Joseph Audio Pulars for $3000 or $3500 they go down to 35db. I saw some Usher tiny dancers for  cheap the other day. Some LSA statements floorstanders maybe $1000 and monitors couple days ago cheap, those are killer for the money, can't remember web sight. $2000 or $3000 on an integrated amp, some Acoustic Zen or even some Morrow wire. All this under $10,000.I own the Joseph Audio floorstanders and don't think I will ever sell them. I think speakers are most important. Good luck, you don't have to spend 10,000 to get good sound it just has to mate well together.

More to discover