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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
zenblaster
504 posts
 
Hello NG1 and welcome. I would try and listen to as many systems as I could before making a decision. If you could get to a show that would be ideal. Systems tend to have characteristics that some like, some don't. You will hear terms like "musical", "analytical", "warm", "bright", etc to describe components and systems.
As far as cables, component isolation, etc. remember that a system can only be as good as it's weakest link. You don't have to spend foolishly but all parts of the system should be addressed. If you stay focused on great music and ht and forget about the bling you should be ok.
harri009
100 posts
 
I would go with the Nova over the Decca. You are correct that added power helps with dynamics especially with you liking classical music. Also looking at the ohm power ratings of the two the Nova being more powerful comes much closer to doubling its power into 4 ohms. This generally means that the power supply is a little more robust. As far as totems Inhabe not heard them but they generally receive good reviews. I wouldn't bother with cables until all your other componets are a little closer to being topped out. While cables do make a difference it's nothing comparable to upgrading your speakers.
audioconnection
1,271 posts
 
Take a listen to the new 1295 Rogue Sphinx tube hybrid Integrated amp offers flexibility headphone section ,phono ready it is a real nice machine.
You mentioned ( looking for your first real system.)
In a world filled with sizzle, these are the steak Vandersteen 2CE Sig 2
These full range form following function speakers offer in my opinion a far better attempt at reproducing the venue. Both Rogue and Vandersteen are made in USA if that's important to you.
Dealer for both Johnnyr
jburidan
803 posts
 
Welcome Newguy1:
With inefficient (low-sensitivity) speakers, a tube hybrid integrated amp is a good way to go. Also, rear-ported speakers should sit at least one yard away from the wall to avoid boom in the bass.
csontos
1,311 posts
 
Go with the amp that sounds the best. 3db is all you're going to gain by doubling the power. As Elizabeth noted, we typically listen in watts and milliwatts, not tens and hundreds of watts. That first watt is the largest increase in spl you will ever experience no matter how powerful the amp is. In fact, a 1000 watt amp is only about twice as loud as a 100 watt amp. Smaller amps of quality tend to be better than their big brothers in terms of overall performance imo. They're quieter, faster, with more resolution.
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