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advice needed on 1st real stereo system

Hi everyone,

I am a 1st time "real" stereo buyer and would really appreciate some advice from a community of experts. I am looking for a system for my living room (about 20x20), for a wide range of music (jazz, classical, rock) and tv/movies etc.

1. I am looking at the Peachtree Decco/Nova amps. I get that the Nova has more power, but will the Decco suffice at 65 w per channel? I will not be blasting music at full volume, but does wattage also improve sound at low/moderate levels?

2. I am looking at a pair of Totem Rainmaker speakers, any thoughts on these or others?

3. Do expensive speaker cables make a difference?

Thanks so much in advance for your advice!
newguy1
rleff
1,065 posts
 
Will you planning on buying used here on audiogon(or other places) or from dealers in your area?
I also agree with Goheelz's advice above as well.
minkwelder
255 posts
 
More power is generally better at all volume levels. Wattage ratings can give some indication of an amplifier's capability, but an amplifier capable of higher current levels will help to eliminate distortion when the amplifier needs to reproduce sudden bursts of power. Speaker efficiency, room volume, decibel level, and other factors determine just how much power is enough.

Expensive speaker cables DO make a difference (mostly in your bank account!). There are, however, some excellent cable designs that are worth the higher price. You don't need to spend thousands of dollars on cables to get good performance, though.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
Know your total budget, know your room, begin with speakers.
philjolet's avatar
philjolet
2,306 posts
 
make sure you love your speakers first and that they will work in your room second and that the amplifier will work with them third

I like the idea of an easy to drive speaker (like Zu or Audio Note) so you can save on amplifier cost in the long run

I recommend finding some lesser costing cables that still sound good, the expensive cable obsession is one of diminishing returns
wolf_garcia
6,687 posts
 
My first good stereo was a KLH Model 20...I only mention this because it makes me happy to think about it. Note that a tubed integrated can be had relatively cheaply and they're fun to look at (Jolida, Primaluna), and great sounding cables can be found used for a huge discount over new stuff and are often in great shape. I bet that new hybrid Rogue integrated amp (tubes and a class D) sounds great and it seems inexpensive.
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