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Audiophilia Newbie Looking to Expand System

Hello Everyone,

I am a newbie to Sterephile equipment and I wanted to get advice on some possible Speakers and maybe an amp or receiver. Here is the equipment I have so far:

Pioneer PL-514 modified with some insulation upgrades and a Shure V-15 3 with Ed Saunders Needle.

Pioneer BDP-51FD Blu-Ray player (it has 4 Wolfson DAC's)

Sony STR-DA1E 5.1 Channel Receive running 2 Pansonic bookshelfs in stereo and a center and 2 rear surround Sony's (All horrid speakers).

Polk Audio RM1000W 10" subwoofer (no amp yet).

Cables:
DH Labs Silver BL-1 (Silver over copper)
Zu Audio Oxyfuel
HomeGrown Audio Super Silver (Pure silver)
BlueJeansCable Belden with Canare connectors.

I am debating whether to just leave the 5.1 Channel Receiver and get a good stereo amp for the Turntable that I can also run a SACD transport on. I would love to get a Tube amp but unfortunately all of them seem to be stratospheric in price. My price range is in the $100-$200 range I want something used that's not been outsourced to a developing country (AKA Made in Europe, USA, or Japan).

I have seen many B&K receivers sell in this range and I really like the Onkyo TX-NR5000E although I have yet to see one used anywhere. Another option is a Marantz SR 8000 or 9000. So these might be an option but I don't know how much of a sound difference they would give.

As far as speakers go I have seen many on craigslist for the $100-200 range, especially Polk Audio. Any recommendations as far as speakers? I want them to be aesthetically pleasing as well as for them to sound good.

Any advice you can give this newbie would be great. I have been reading Good Sound by Laura Dearbourne and it has really been an eye opener for me! Thank you all in advance and I am very much looking forward to all your replies.
baronkatz
zaphodbeeblebrox
78 posts
 
I would go with 2 channel seperates rather than staying with 5.1 system, you will get much better sound when properly setup and also get more for your money. Multi channel requires more speakers, more amps, more cables etc, all which is more money.

I would also recommend you hold off on upgrading or expanding your system, save your money. Once you get a little more money saved you could enlarge your budget to maybe the 500 dollar range. You will have more options in this range.

If you can go with Tubes, go with Tubes! I love tubes myself, I always felt your gear should look at least as good as it sounds and tubes look cool.

Always remember that you get what you pay for.
Don't always buy something because it's cheaper, in the long run it usually cost more.
Alway remember the big picture.
I wouldn't be to concerned about outsourced gear, Americans make junk just as easy as anyone. Be more concered about how the gear sounds to your ears. Most high end company have their entry level gear made in some emerging third world country.
tbromgard
814 posts
 
I agree with above-go for two channel system. However, I recommend an integrated amp rather than separates. I like NAD but many like Cambridge too. Good used pieces can be found for $200 on Agon, ebay and CL.

Some Polk speakers are considered good buys, although I have little experience with this speaker. IMO, I would look for a used Klipsch speaker from the classic series (I think). Check out the kg4 and Heresy, both can be found used. They are very efficient and can be powered with 20 watts-and will play loud and clean. Plus they can be upgrade3d with new drivers and x-overs down th road. If you are into small speakers, look for paradigm, energy or usher. But you will need more power and stands for them. Good luck.
phaelon
1,053 posts
 
I agree with the the posters above. You’re at the stage of system development where it is advisable to spend every additional dollar on quality rather than features. A simple, synergistically chosen - two speakers, integrated amp & source - combo is how I would go.
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