New Audiophile - Upgrade Amp First or CDP First?

The whole soldering/tweaking thing is a bit beyond me, and honestly isn't an avenue I want to pursue as a novice. I'm already breaking my previous $1,000 budget as is with the equipment I plan to get which will be around $1,500 considering I get the Ah! 4000 used. With that I don't mind the upgrades as they'll likely already be installed new or if not it sounds like easy instructions to install, including upgrading the tubes. When it comes to the idea of soldering, I get pretty freaked out. For a $1,500 budget and for it being my first audiophile system, do the units I described really sound like bad choices? I decided on them after tons of research and suggestions from othes at audiogon on other threads...

Also I'm going to have to decide on a very affordable connecting cable and speaker wires at some point. I'm really starting from scratch here except for the fact that I've got the Paradigm speakers which I love...

Are there high-end stores in your area? If so, I would stop in at a shop and listen to some gear. Find a CDP or amplifier that you like and try it in your system. The reason I say this is because it will be difficult to determine which would make the bigger upgrade.

If you're eager to buy gear, I would direct you to a used integrated amplifier. From what I could find in a quick Google search, the 11se is 89 dB/1W/1m sensitive, so a mid-power tube unit could drive them to reasonable levels. I'm thinking Jolida.... For a CD player, Rotel, Arcam, and Music Hall are good units to look at.

Cables - It's really easy (and cheap!) to make your own using great materials. You sounded averse to soldering in equipment, but it's almost impossible to screw up basic ICs. Good wire and connectors can be had from Michael Percy Audio or Parts Connexion. If you'd prefer to buy, entry-level Kimber Kable, Cardas, and XLO are tough to beat.

Soulgoober,

Samujohn is correct, in my opinion, about starting with the amp over the digital front end (if you have to choose the biggest impact). I would have to disagree on his point of going with a power amp and adding a 'shack volume control.

I am of the opinion that amps of 6-8 years of age vary little from the most current amps (changes in this arena have been much, much more gradual than the digital front end changes). The better the power supply the better off you are (IMO).

It would not be a bad idea to consider a used integrated amplifier as well. Unless you listen to radio, I would avoid the receiver route. Is Outlaw really that great? Personally, I would suggest not. Perhaps comparing it to the Technics it will be a good improvement, but I think you can get much farther along without any more money (possibly even less). The Outlaw stuff is good when comparing it to new stuff and considering the "features" you get. Sound quality is fine, just not as good as you can get used for less money.

If I understand correctly, your budget is increased to $1500 for both pieces of equipment. You should be able to arrive at very good used equipment within this budget. Be careful about buying used CD players, unlike the amps they have seen much improvement in recent years and also unlike the amps, they wear out. While I have never had a toe job, this whole concept is intriguing to me (ha ha). I have also read positive comments on these units. My suggestion would be to do a litte more research on good used integrated amps and then come up with a short list of both amps and acceptable CD players. Buy the best deal that comes up first, regardless of which component it is.

This will give you a chance to determine yourself what you like and don't like about the sound of the new equipment. Based on this, you can then adjust your demands for the remaining piece of equipment. For example if you get the amp first and find it is a bit brighter than you are seeking, you can adjust the CDP accordingly (or obviously other sound issues you want to adjust for).

There are many good used CDP in the $500-$800 range that can work here. I think looking at the price breakdowns of different CDPs may be a good move here. What level of equipment can you get within your budget for each of the two items. In my opinion, you need to really spend a lot of money to get a phenomal CDP (well beyond your budget) and there is a big difference between a phenom. CDP and a good CDP (you are likely to be looking at a good CDP). To get the most out of a truly great CDP you need very, very good components everyplace else. This is not going to happen at this budget.

At your budget, you can get a very satisfying rig together and in a couple of years look to upgrade you speakers. Perhaps you should consider what are the most important sonic characteristics you are seeking. At these price points, there will be sonic characteristics (which is not necessarily bad, just should be thought out). Also, keep in mind your speaker's sound.

Unfortunately, I don't have an audiophile store in my area or I probably would have started there. I live in Ashland, OR and I think the closest one is Eugene, about a 3 hour drive.

I know that at this price range my options are limited and it won't sound like truly high end gear, but I know it will be a vast improvement over what I have, and that's great with me for awhile. Hey, everyone's gotta start somewhere!

Thanks for the responses, and please keep them coming. :-)