Complete newbie needing guidance/purchase advice


Hi folks-

First of all, let me apologize in advance for a lengthy post. I'm a brand new forum member after recently being introduced to this site by an acquaintance who heard I was looking for sound advice... As my thread title states, I'm completely ignorant when it comes to the audiophile world, but I really want to start building a system and learn something in the process. A little background on me: I've been making a living as a recording artist and studio musician for almost 20 years, but my career choice as a music-maker has somehow ironically detached me from the simple pleasure of just sitting and _listening_ to music for the sheer enjoyment of it. My wife and I are currently in the process of remodeling our bonus room into a media room, and one of my objectives is to at the very least turn it into a space where I can do some critical listening.

I currently don't have anything decent... Just some old Bose bookshelf speakers and a Yamaha surround receiver. The closest thing to 'something decent' that I own are a pair of Etymotic ER-4S headphones coupled with a Headroom headphone amplifier.

The big limiting factor is my budget. Given that fact, maybe I have no business posting here... I will probably need to build this piece-by-piece over time, so I'm content with having to stretch the process out. I'm not concerned with having to have the 'best' of anything; I would just really like to make listening to music an engaging and emotional experience for me like it was for me many years ago.

Would a speaker purchase be a good place to start? I was perusing the Audiogon classifieds today and saw that there is actually a pair of DK Designs LSA-2's for sale local to me. The asking price is at the top of my speaker budget, a little over a grand, which I realize is probably 'chump change' in the audiophile world. However, I've read some reviews and they seem mostly positive. Would be super-convenient to be able to find something nice that was used and local, but as I said before, I'm completely new to this. Another related question: Is it better to go with floor-standing speakers, or can decent sound also be accomplished with bookshelf speakers combined with a subwoofer?

Also, what are the other 'basic' components that would need to be purchased? The only other thing I know I'd love to have would be a decent turntable; I'd love to be able to go and purchase some of my favorite classic albums to listen to once again. Do I need a separate preamp and power amp combination? Are there any 'receivers' that do a decent job of covering both tasks?

Any other feedback or direction you experts could throw my way would be greatly appreciated... Thanks in advance!
renaissanceman9
Ghosthouse, unfortunately I have no idea what he had. It was back in 2000 when I heard the system, and I don't even know how to get in touch with that guy. All I remember is that he was using monitor speakers and had his turntable set up on something that looked like a glorified inner tube. :D

Toddnkaya, I just spent some time reading about the Partial Eclipses and they sound really really nice. I'll try and see if there is a new or used set anywhere close to me; would love to be able to hear them.

There is a used pair of LSA LS2's somewhat local to me and also a pair of Revel F12's. Both are in my price range. Do any of you have any experience with either of those speakers? I think I'd like to check them out to start hearing the differences between different models...
Sorry - haven't heard any of the 3 speakers you mentioned. If you do get to hear them, see if you can bring them home to audition w/your amp and in your space. OR, failing that and if it isn't too much of a pain, drag your Yamaha along and listen to 'em on that.
Renaissanceman9,

I have owned the LSA1 Statement in the past and it's a very nice speaker. Haven't heard the 2's but would expect them to be a fine starting point, if not your "forever" speaker (as if most of us have such a thing!)

FWIW!
Gee whiz...you guys are tough. I am reviewing all the money I spent on those low budget amps and value oriented crap only to upgrade, and upgrade the upgrade. I am suggesting that he wait to afford the stuff he wants, and if it is the 8000 dollar amp and 15000 dollar speakers, it is much cheaper to buy them without all the junk beforehand.
The last thing you want, is to subscribe to any forum and ask for advice or read any of the advertising (audio) magazines. Geez, forgive me but, how come as a musician you can't asses something as trivial as quality of sound of particular piece of equipment? You already know how things supposed to sound and don't need an opinion, bunch of "Boneheads " is going to express. Hi-Fi as of today is mostly fraudulent industry and less you brainwashed by internet opinions and mostly bribed magazines more you can see how the things really are. Go, listen around ,be prepared to laugh at stupidity you're going to accounter ,choose the stuff which you find you like , done. Believe me ,there is little happines in this zombieland called
audio ;0)