A rookie with 10K, seeking advise


I'm new to the HiFi world. I listen to a lot of female vocal and classical music. I like both digital and vinyl. I am using a pair of Wharfedale Linton heritage and PS Audio Stellar Strata. 

I know this is too broad a question, but with 10K budget, where can I wisely spend my money? I don't mind tubes and I don't mind used either.

Any advise is greatly appreciated!

llid2

Showing 1 response by carlsbad

I'd hate to be a newbie looking for advice on this forum.  Lots of crap in this thread.  

For the OP listening preferences, a tube amp would be great.  But his speakers are not sensitive enough to take full advantage. 

Good full size speakers with great midrange would be your best bet--Tekton is a controversial brand, bashed by those who have never heard it, but they are very linear with great midrange and pair well with tube amps.  Awesome for classical music, jazz, and vocals.  Just don't post here that you bought them.

For a tube amp I highly recommend Decware.  There is a 2 yr wait but they pop up on the used market about twice a month and sell immediately.  I've been alert and bought 2 in the past 6 months.  

You can get the speakers and amp for under $10k.  You won't need a preamp.

On the other end of the spectrum is electrostats, also excellent with your music choices but a power hog.  I have a pair of CLSs and a Kinki Studios integraged amp which is an undiscovered gem.  You'll need a sub with CLSs.  There are a lot of used MLs on the market. Try hard to listen to them before you buy them and do your research.

Jerry