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  3. 1379705059

Starter System Suggestions

My godson has graduated from college, gotten his first job and moved into an apartment with friends. He has asked me to help him put together a starter system. His room is a fairly large rectangle and the system will go on the long wall but pushed down toward one end. His dad (my best bud) has always had a good hifi (which I have helped him with) so, fortunately or no, he knows what good sounds like. His budget is around $2K for an integrated (with digital inputs, DAC but no phono--a headphone amp would be a bonus) and speakers. He is thinking bookshelves but could go with small floorstanders if they were within his price range. He likes speakers with a wide dispersion pattern and a slightly warm presentation. I am interested in your suggestions for synergistic combinations that meet his needs in terms of functionality. I am going to encourage him to follow the thread and maybe contribute so please keep the suggestions flowing. Some brands I've suggested he explore:

Speakers: Proac Tablettes, Nola Boxers, Gershman Sonograms, ATCs, Harbeth

Electronics: Peachtree, NAD, Rotel, Bel Canto

I haven't heard most of these nor do I know how well they would work together so please weigh on the models above as well as additional suggestions.

Many thanks.
128x128dodgealum
pdspecl
254 posts
 
I'd like to suggest an Emotiva XPA-200 amp which is not too large physically but has enough power to power most bookshelf speakers with ease. Then, the Emotiva Stealth DC-1. Has a full function preamp, nice DAC, plus has dual headphone outputs. An exceptional value for the money, really. Shipped direct, good warranty plus includes a return policy.
I have the same amp and I'm amazed at how close it compares to my much more expensive Monarchy Audio amps.
I'll leave other Agon folks to suggest speakers.
abucktwoeighty's avatar
abucktwoeighty
1,079 posts
 
Your selections are nice, but a bit high priced for a $2K budget. I paid more than that for my Sonograms alone, used.
dodgealum's avatar
dodgealum OP
1,406 posts
 
Abucktwoeghty: Agreed--there may be a little room to stretch with a sympathetic dad....How do you like your Sonograms? I heard these at a show a while back and thought they were the best value for money that day and one of the best sounding speakers I had heard all day at any price. They have a "rightness" that was very compelling. Comments would be appreciated.

Pdspecl: It check out Emotive--thank you.
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