System advice


Haven’t been in forums in years. Previous audiophile that got burned out from audio fever of chasing the grail of audio nirvana. Previous system was Merlin VSM MXE with Ars sonum filharmonia with cardas golden ref cables. Interested in getting a quality 2 channel system. Requirement are full range speakers, integrated amp which can be tube or SS, and high end streaming device. No hard media will be used. I want this to be simple with fewer components/cables. Dac in amp or streaming device. Will be used in dedicated room that shares my HT. Will buy preowned from here. Typically listen to classical, jazz, crooners, acoustic. Budget 12-15k. 

jhurst

Given what you’re looking for and budget I’d take a hard look at the Joseph Audio Perspective 2 speakers paired with a Hegel integrated amp that includes both a very good DAC and streamer so everything works together in one box, which is really nice. Joseph Audio speakers disappear and throw off an incredibly open and 3D soundstage that’s among the best out there. I heard JA speakers paired with Hegel electronics at a show and it was outstanding so there appears to be very good synergy there. Here are a couple nice Perspectives and a Hegel H390 integrated that could be a sublime match.

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb6f92-joseph-audio-perspective-2-graphene-floorstanding-sp-53631-full-range

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/650009107-joseph-audio-perspective-2-graphene-original-not-upgraded/

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisb6ci4-hegel-h390-integrated-solid-state

Hope this helps, and best of luck.

+1 for the Hegel.  Used H390 or H590. Have owned them both.  Lovely amps.  

 

The heart of your system could be as few as 2 or 3 major components.

* integrated streamer/DAC/preamp. Consider offerings from Lumin, Matrix Audio, T+A, NAD, For the OP’s situation, I might lean toward the Lumin P1.

* Kef LS60 active speakers

OR

Kef LS50 Meta speakers + Benchmark AHB2 power Amp + Rythmic F12G sub

 

The Lumin P1 new ($10K) and KEF LS60 new (~$7K) would break your budget. May be hard to find used. The Matrix Element X2 or X2 Pure offer feature sets similar to the Lumin P1, but for thousands less. Actually, I might prefer the X2 Pure new to the P1 used, especially considering warranty/return rights if you are unable to audition in a shop before buying.