2. amps-preamps
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Buiding listening room from scratch - need advice

I am finally in a position to build a dedicated listening room in a new addition we are building onto our home. It will be in the basement and the room will be about 12' x 18'; not huge but the most space due to some limitations. I plan to hire Rives to consult on the design of the actual space. What I am looking for is recommendations on equipment. This will be a two channel setup with a turntable, cd player and ability to play computer audio. I am looking for a new amplifier, preamp, speakers and interconnects. I will probably have about $25k to $30K to spend on equipment depending on how the rest of the renovation goes. I have listened to a few setups with Moon electronics and B&W and Sonus Faber speakers. I actually preferred the Sonus Fabers over the 802Ds even though they had a $75K stack of equipment powering them versus the Sonus Fabers that had $20K stack. Lastly, I am intrigued by Wilson Audio Sashas and Lamm hybrid amps that I have read about on Audiogon - never heard them. Okay, that is the background, please let me know your thoughts. Thank you in advance!
mmporsche

Showing 5 responses by mmporsche

mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
Thank you to all the responses. To be clear, I am looking for a replacement amp, preamp, etc.-new to me. I am certainly open to used and believe that will stretch my dollars considerably.

I also realize this is very personal, however, I would like opinions and some examples of what people have found that just blows you away. I am open to SS and tube and hybrids as I mentioned the LAMM amps. I want bang for my bucks and don't care about brand names.

Rives was recommended by my local shop and they have a number of services and price ranges ($1100 to $15K). Again the budget I proposed is just for the equipment mentioned, not the building of the room. I expect that to be at least $5K to $10K in treatments, design, etc.

So that being said, please express your opinions and tell me some example setups that you love, doesn't have to be your own. I just need to narrow the focus as the selection is a bit overwhelming.

Thank you!
mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
Thank you all for the information. I will start by choosing speakers and will attend RMAF this year to help. I hope it isn't a $1,000 to enter.
mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
I currently have an NAD 390DD integrated digital amp, DefTech Mythos ST speakers, a Project 2 Experience turntable and a MacPro running as my music server. Not bad stuff, just very ordinary and I am looking for extraordinary sound out of my new room. Rives will be as little as $1,200 so not too concerned about that cost. I just know it doesn't make sense to put great stuff in a bad room. My current room sounds terrible due to a very low ceiling, openings, windows, fireplace, etc.

I listen to all types of music from NIN to Miles Davis. It just depends on the mood I am in for my selection. I like very clean, accurate music and I do like it LOUD.
mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
We are in the early planning stages so I only have my first draft of plans. I was limited by a number of variables and 12x18 was the largest room possible. The floor will be concrete and I may use wall to wall carpet if tests the best choice. I have read about green products and thought that wax a hood step.

I have not broken down the budget for various pieces. I just know I want it to sound great. I may spend $30k or I may go to $50k if necessary. I just bought a 3-day pass to RMAF in October so that will be very helpful in my decisions.

I guess I'll have yo wait until October to make any decisions on equipment.
mmporsche's avatar
mmporsche OP
144 posts
 
Guess I should have spell checked.... Damn iPhone.
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