Getting into audio is great fun but can be very frustrating at times. You will make your share of mistakes; we all do. I don't like just telling people what they should go out and buy regarding equipment because it can bias you in a certain way and/or be just bad advice given what you like now and what you will come to like once you gain more knowledge. Looking back on all of the mistakes I have made over the years, to get where I am now and have a good sounding system, I can give you some tips as not to make some of the mistakes that I made. Below are a few things that I wish someone had told me.
1. Stop reading equipment reviews. (I know you are going to ask why but there is no one simple answer. I could write a book on the subject.)
2. Never, ever try to fix problems with tubes and/or cables. You will fail. It is much easier to just fix the system. (I am not saying that tubes and cables are not important or don't make a difference. They are valid purchases, just not band aids.)
3. Don't use your ears. (Use your head. Your ears are on your head so they can be used along with some good judgment.)
4. You will always hear people arguing about what is more important component: Speakers or the Source. The answer is the preamp. (The truth is every component is important. One bad or mismatched component messes up the whole system. I say the preamp because it is at least as important as any component and most of the systems that I see fail is because the preamp is overlooked in some way.
5. Don't set prices before buying equipment. If, for example, you allow yourself $5000 for a new CD player, you will end up getting one for $5000. Find one you like first, and then worry about the price. There is a good chance you might find one you like for less. If you like something for more, you will be selling you $5000 player the minute you hear the one you want.
Good luck with your purchases. I hope some of this info can help you out.
1. Stop reading equipment reviews. (I know you are going to ask why but there is no one simple answer. I could write a book on the subject.)
2. Never, ever try to fix problems with tubes and/or cables. You will fail. It is much easier to just fix the system. (I am not saying that tubes and cables are not important or don't make a difference. They are valid purchases, just not band aids.)
3. Don't use your ears. (Use your head. Your ears are on your head so they can be used along with some good judgment.)
4. You will always hear people arguing about what is more important component: Speakers or the Source. The answer is the preamp. (The truth is every component is important. One bad or mismatched component messes up the whole system. I say the preamp because it is at least as important as any component and most of the systems that I see fail is because the preamp is overlooked in some way.
5. Don't set prices before buying equipment. If, for example, you allow yourself $5000 for a new CD player, you will end up getting one for $5000. Find one you like first, and then worry about the price. There is a good chance you might find one you like for less. If you like something for more, you will be selling you $5000 player the minute you hear the one you want.
Good luck with your purchases. I hope some of this info can help you out.