2. misc-audio
  3. 168057-153821

System forclassical music

Some friends are looking to upgrade their home stereo system from something that is probably 30 years old with in-wall speakers wired throughout their house.  They are classical music buffs, which makes me leery of giving them much advice (I prefer rock, female jazz vocalists and Argentine tango).  They are discerning listeners, but probably because of their current system their expectations were low - they really didn't think that a home system could come anywhere close to a concert hall experience until I streamed Chapotier's Te Deum from Qobuz on my (modest) system and their eyebrows went up.  I told them that they could reasonably do even better, but I really wouldn't know what to advise them.  I realized that I actually don't know a dealer I would trust sending them to!  Sad, but true.

So let's say a budget of $5 to $10K for a core system (streamer, DAC, amps, sub, speakers - TT and CD transport to be added later).  Integrated is fine.  Assume a 15x20 multi-purpose room (I alerted them to room correction, but first things first).  Any suggestions as to what might be a good fit for them?  Thanks.
treepmeyer
treepmeyer OP
127 posts
 
Fredapplegate, no problem.  The YouTube performance was beautiful, even on my IEMs.  Maybe I should explore more classical...
I don't think my friends want to replace their in-wall system with another in-wall system.  My impression is  that they are quite willing to chuck the in-wall for free-standing speakers.  Sorry if that was not clear.
I, too, am intrigued by the Rogue Sphinx amps.  Haven't had the opportunity to test one yet, though.

 The comments and recommendations have been most helpful.  Again, many thanks.
treepmeyer OP
127 posts
 
JJSS49 - My friends may prefer new, but I personally would be very tempted by the Spendors and Hegel.  I would probably still add a sub, though.  Tempting.
jjss49's avatar
jjss49
6,612 posts
 
those sp9/1 being floorstanders, go quite deep, and with proper placement allowing a little bass reinforcement from the room, they can be effectively full range for all but the most ardent bass lovers (40 hz -3b)

http://ukhhsoc.torrens.org/makers/Spendor/SP9-1_hifinews_publicity_reprint.pdf

having said that, most systems even with purportedly full range speakers can still benefit from well integrated subs for subterranean atmospherics...

come back and let us know what your friends end up doing -- graduating from an in wall system certainly sets the bar low for them to pleased with any proper in room hifi rig :)
mahler123
3,502 posts
 
@pkatsuleas , I did mean Decibel Audio.  It’s been a few years since I was there and was trying to recall the name.  I think there used to be a used record store called Rogue Records on the same block.  Thanks for the correction 
mijostyn's avatar
mijostyn
8,570 posts
 
Just get them to a Best Buy/Magnolia if there is one near you. They can get a system centered on small Martin Logan's. I doubt they listen very loud. They will do a package price.
More to discover