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Newbie seeks feedback on research

I recently decided to get "a nice audio system" and embarked on what has become a six month research journey. I had no idea how many choices I would confront, and though I'm fairly confident in my decisions, I've decided to solicit some advice before doing anything irreversible.

What I want:
o A "very nice audio system" with which I can fill my home with music and enjoy on a regular basis.

What I don't want:
o To constantly fiddle, tweak, and worry that somewhere, someone is listening to something nicer than what I have.
o To spend more than about $2500, total.
o Anything that looks really ostentacious or takes over the room that it's in.
o To replace this purchase with anything for an amount of time on the order of 10 years.

So, given those criteria, and through research online, reading user and "professional" reviews, and through my own listening, I've tentatively decided on the following.

o Meadowlark Audio Kestrel speakers
o Audio Refinement Complete Integrated amplifier
o Nakamichi DR10 cassette tape deck
o Denon DCD-65 CD changer

Why am I writing to all of you? I want a little hand-holding. I want to hear from anyone who has an opinion: am I seriously off-base on any of these choices? Are any of the components seriously mismatched? Or, on the other hand, if you think I'm on the right track, please let me know. If you feel like you've been in the place that I am right now, and you know what's coming next, I'd like to hear that too. I don't want this to become an obsession, a passion, or even a significant hobby. Is this realistic? Can I do this on my own terms, or, in your collective experience, will I doom myself to years of neuroses by taking the first step down this path?

Anyhow, I suppose that's a good start, please feel free to share any ideas or reactions you may have.

Thanks!
thelonius
sdcampbell
2,136 posts
 
Great name, Thelonius. Is that just a "handle", or did someone in your family really love Monk?

It's always a treat to welcome newbies, but be forewarned that you have chosen a dangerous hobby!!

You are definitely not off base with the components you've chosen. If I were to make any suggestions at all, it would be to question the purchase a cassette tape deck. Do you have a special reason for wanting one in your system?

If your objective is have some means to record music, then you might want to consider getting one of the recent generation audio CD burners. There are several brands to choose from, but the one I'd suggest you look at first is the new Sony CDR-W1. Recording onto a CD medium will give you MUCH better fidelity than cassette tape, even with a Nakamichi deck. The Sony CDR-W1 can be purchased from Audio-Video Direct in Florida for $350, and there is a current sales promo that includes a free 20-pack of audio CD-R's.

Welcome aboard the "A" train ("A"udiophile train, that is)!
glen's avatar
glen
714 posts
 
Don't forget to save a little for cabeling. (interconnects,speaker wire etc..) It really makes a difference in the end. I have to be honest red flags go up when I see someone here saying this is going to be their one and only system. Sounds like something i'd tell the wife. (And have many times) The key is to try and buy great speakers and components the first time out. I think you'd have a better chance of enduring ten years with the same system if you laid out a few more greenbacks. Good luck enjoy :~)
garfish
1,840 posts
 
My initial reaction to your component choices is pretty much the same as Sd's above, ie why a cassette deck? And I agree with the recommendation for a CD recorder rather than the cassette deck-- I have both and the CD-R really is a welcome advance in home recording.

It would be helpful if you'd attach some prices to the components you've listed. And of course you'll also need some decent ICs and spkr cables. BTW, only you can determine whether or not you'll get "hooked" by this affliction. Good Luck. Craig
blbloom
286 posts
 
You might consider a cd burner for your computer. Put the saved money into a better cd player, probably not a changer.
The real question will be if your chosen components match well with each other. That, you can only know by listening. If you can demo them before you buy, you will save time, money and stress. Be sure to listen to the music you like, not the audiophile discs that sound great. A system that impresses at first can become tiresome quickly after you get it home. Again, listen, listen ,listen.

I think the Kestrels are a great start in your price range.They were one of my first purchases and I loved them. I matched them with a Bryston B60. Excellent. They are fairly easy to match with a number of amps.
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