I focused on the system and the room and specifically how I wanted to use it.
When I started to build my system I decided on a 2 channel stereo system in the living room in order to encourage conversation - no TV.
And then I created a budget and based on my personal experience and taste decided in building using a NAD integrated receiver and chose speakers that I felt produced the best sound (Sonus faber was selected over B&W and PSB).
The system was analogy (turntable, tuner and tapedeck), I added a DAC/streamer.
When I upgraded - I started with a separate pre-amp to improve the DAC and phono stage. Then I upgraded the amp and then improved the sources and the speakers.
In retrospect the best thing I did was establish a budget and identify my goals and then enjoy the system.
If I was given an opportunity to start over from scratch again. I'd build off my current speakers (Sonus faber Olympica Nova V) and turntable (Rega P8) and evaluate amplification, phono stage and DAC. I currently have McIntosh amps and Moon by Simaudio DAC/Streamer and I'd add Audio Research into the audition mix.
The lesson I learned is the value of cables. And the value of cables is dependent on the system and I noticed significant improvements in details and clarity when upgrading from what I would consider value priced items to 'specialized products' where the product design and production are core competencies of the company. Some may say its snake oil - I heard and liked the differences and would encourage experimenting before dismissing the idea.
When I started to build my system I decided on a 2 channel stereo system in the living room in order to encourage conversation - no TV.
And then I created a budget and based on my personal experience and taste decided in building using a NAD integrated receiver and chose speakers that I felt produced the best sound (Sonus faber was selected over B&W and PSB).
The system was analogy (turntable, tuner and tapedeck), I added a DAC/streamer.
When I upgraded - I started with a separate pre-amp to improve the DAC and phono stage. Then I upgraded the amp and then improved the sources and the speakers.
In retrospect the best thing I did was establish a budget and identify my goals and then enjoy the system.
If I was given an opportunity to start over from scratch again. I'd build off my current speakers (Sonus faber Olympica Nova V) and turntable (Rega P8) and evaluate amplification, phono stage and DAC. I currently have McIntosh amps and Moon by Simaudio DAC/Streamer and I'd add Audio Research into the audition mix.
The lesson I learned is the value of cables. And the value of cables is dependent on the system and I noticed significant improvements in details and clarity when upgrading from what I would consider value priced items to 'specialized products' where the product design and production are core competencies of the company. Some may say its snake oil - I heard and liked the differences and would encourage experimenting before dismissing the idea.