First Stereo System Help

Thanks for the responses guys.

@Kotta: Not set on the Rega Fono Mini, had just read that it was a better phono stage than I'd find in integrateds. And I'm looking for bookshelfs, no room for floor standers :(
Ty for the heads up on the Brio 3.

I emailed a local store to ask if they had gear in my price range and the rep suggested a Music Hall A15.2 for $550 and the Music Hall Marimba's for $349. I think I'll hit the store sometime this week to demo them. The A15.2 was a Stereophile recommended comp last year and the Marimba's seem to have good reviews.

Hey, Prip!

You mentioned that you don't have room for floorstanding speakers (they usually have a similar footprint as a speaker stand) so I'm wondering if you are actually going to place the speakers on a bookshelf. If so, that would change the recommendations for speakers.

Either way, if you go with a ported design, I'd go with a front firing port because speakers with rear firing ports need to be pulled out from the wall a few feet.

I also agree that you might want to look at a pair of powered monitors. Less clutter, less cables (which cost $).

I'd look at a used pair of dynaudio's or adam's. It's my oppinion that you'd be better off building relationships with people here on Audiogon to help with input, rather than a brick and morter store. I have not met anyone as knowledable or passionate about true hi-fi in a brick and morter store as you'll find here on Audiogon.

Buy used at a good price (do your research) and you shouldn't lose any $ if you decide to sell and try something else.

Hi limo,

The plan for the speakers now is to have them on a credenza (didn't know what this word meant a week ago lol). They'll probably have a foot of room behind them at most. Thank you for the tip on front firing ports, I probably would've overlooked this.

Just be aware the 15.2 is the previous model. The new model which just came out is the 15.3. If I were to consider the 15.2 it would have to be around $400 new. You may be able to get a "demo" 15.3 for $420 here on AgoN. Let us know what you think of the two MH products you may audition. As far as the Rega fono pre-amp, if it's the same as what comes in the Brio, it should be a good sounding pre-amp. Good listening!

If you like Music Hall, Audiogon member Underwoodwally (Underwood Hi Fi) is a great resource, call Walter.

I have no affiliation other than having purchased several pieces from Walter over the years.