Are you dizzy yet Anton? I think Jamesdowning elliot has some good advise except for the Tektons. They are garbage. Cheap Garbage. Every speaker except the best ESLs are colored more or less. Like I said, buy new and establish yourself with a dealer and you will in the end get better pricing and service. Try not to buy speakers you have not heard. Take your time and travel around. Magneplanar Speakers have been mentioned and I really like them except they will not go down well with the wife and you will have to spend much more on an amp to drive them. Just not practical in your situation. Pay attention to specs. You want speakers that are more than 90dB/1watt/1 meter
Building a new system for about 5 grand
I haven't been a member here long, so forgive me if this is a repeat question.
If I have about $5000 and want to put together a quality system, where I do put the most money? I've heard speakers; others have said power source. Some say spend about equally on all components. I'd like to hear some direct answers to the question from Audiogon members (if you have to point me to an earlier forum, great).
A few things that might help:
1. My system is in a living room that is far from audio friendly. It measures about 18'x16', with some angles and openings, along with a large open area coming off one side and leading to the dining room (where I have my study). Wood floors, French doors with lots of glass about 5 feet behind the sofa, and no chance of making any adjustments (adding thick curtains, carpet or rugs, or eliminating all furniture apart from a chair and a small bourbon table).
2. I have floor standing speakers now, and they fit the room fairly well. I'm not averse to bookshelf speakers on stands, though.
3. I play some vinyl and mostly cd's. That's not likely to change. A Bluesound streamer will likely be added down the road, but shouldn't figure in to the 5 grand limit.
4. I am willing to buy used, except perhaps the cd player (or sacd/cd), unless it's under about 3 years old. I worry about older units that have wear and won't have readily available parts. If I'm being too restrictive on this, please set me straight.
5. Our tv and Blue-ray player (on which I also play SACD's) are hooked up to my power source. I'm not at all interested in an AV receiver, surround sound, or adding a sub. Two speakers only.
6, and most important. I love listening to music; I love learning about, dreaming about, scheming about, audio. I love all the time I spending browsing on Audiogon. But I love my wife more. That directly addresses the price limit, the room set up, and the number of speakers.
Again, that first question about how to spend money is important to me, though a little puzzling. Spending more on speakers is my instinct at this point; I'm glad to be corrected.
Thanks.
If I have about $5000 and want to put together a quality system, where I do put the most money? I've heard speakers; others have said power source. Some say spend about equally on all components. I'd like to hear some direct answers to the question from Audiogon members (if you have to point me to an earlier forum, great).
A few things that might help:
1. My system is in a living room that is far from audio friendly. It measures about 18'x16', with some angles and openings, along with a large open area coming off one side and leading to the dining room (where I have my study). Wood floors, French doors with lots of glass about 5 feet behind the sofa, and no chance of making any adjustments (adding thick curtains, carpet or rugs, or eliminating all furniture apart from a chair and a small bourbon table).
2. I have floor standing speakers now, and they fit the room fairly well. I'm not averse to bookshelf speakers on stands, though.
3. I play some vinyl and mostly cd's. That's not likely to change. A Bluesound streamer will likely be added down the road, but shouldn't figure in to the 5 grand limit.
4. I am willing to buy used, except perhaps the cd player (or sacd/cd), unless it's under about 3 years old. I worry about older units that have wear and won't have readily available parts. If I'm being too restrictive on this, please set me straight.
5. Our tv and Blue-ray player (on which I also play SACD's) are hooked up to my power source. I'm not at all interested in an AV receiver, surround sound, or adding a sub. Two speakers only.
6, and most important. I love listening to music; I love learning about, dreaming about, scheming about, audio. I love all the time I spending browsing on Audiogon. But I love my wife more. That directly addresses the price limit, the room set up, and the number of speakers.
Again, that first question about how to spend money is important to me, though a little puzzling. Spending more on speakers is my instinct at this point; I'm glad to be corrected.
Thanks.
Showing 2 responses by mijostyn
Yes, speakers first. On that budget I would look at very efficient speakers as this lets you get away with less power. Klipsch Heresy's would be an example. They generally go down well with the wife also. Given that speaker you want at least 50 watts/ch. The Rega Brio would do nicely. Then get a Mobile Fidelity StudioDeck and slap on an Ortofon 2M Black. Should give BIG smiles. If you can find a shop that sells all the stuff you want you might get a package deal. The shop does not have to be local. Speak to Galen Carol at Galen Carol Audio https://www.gcaudio.com/ or Andrew at Park Avenue Audio. B https://www.parkavenueaudio.com/ Both Galen and Andrew take a personal interest in their clients and both stores take care of their repeat customers. So, if you plan on upgrading become a good customer and you will be taken care of:) |