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Best system for the budding audiophile?

What began as a search for new speakers has rapidly evolved into the development of a new system. After reading many reviews (none of which are negative - Hmmm?!), I am humbly turning to this sage group for recommendations.

I am an avid listener of classical and jazz. I occasionally listen to select blues and rock, but that's not my first love. For me, I like a piano to sound like a piano, a guitar like a guitar, etc. No coloration, just the facts, so to speak. I am not a bass hound but prefer a detailed midrange and clear highs. I also look for a open spacious sound stage for symphonic pieces. I have a large room 15' by 20' but can't be too fussy with placement. I am budgeting around $5,000 for my new system.

Based on this information, what system would you build (Amp, CD player, speakers)? which is better bookshelf speakers with stands or floorstanding? I appreciate any advice you might have.

Thanks in advance,
cdilascia

Showing 1 response by ewha

ewha
80 posts
 
i'm in a similar situation... i'm about to move halfway across the country, so i'm selling my entire system. but i plan to rebuild at around the $5k range. here's what i plan on getting:

preamp: rogue audio 66 magnum ($900-$1000 used)
amp: odyssey stratos (~$1000 used with upgrades, tough to find for sale on the used market though)
speakers: meadowlark kestrel or shearwater hot rods (anywhere from $750-1500 used)
source: sony dvp-9000es sacd/cd/dvd player ($600-700 used)
cables: virtual dynamics power cords, interconnects, and speaker cables (run around $750-1000 for everything... they are worth the price!)

i've had great success with the tube pre/solid state amp combination. the meadowlark's are transmission line speakers, and i really like this design... best bass reproduction than any other speaker design i've heard. some may think it strange to spend almost as much on cabling as on other major components, but i've found the virtual dynamics line of cables to be just that--a high quality component. in my experience, the virtual dynamics' cables have made a HUGE improvement on my system.

just my thoughts... have fun with your search! i think experimenting and finding what you like is one of the most enjoyable parts of this hobby (next to the listening, of course). best of luck!
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