Building a system from scratch (other than speakers)


Hello all! This is my first post. I am a relative newbie when it comes to hifi but have been doing some research and reading the forums for a while now. I am looking to build a two channel system with the best quality sound for the money. My budget is approx. $5K. I have a pair of Martin Logan Theos in my home theater that I will be pulling out for the dedicated hifi setup. 
Mainly I'm looking for preamp and amp advice. I know a point of contention is the tube v ss debate, but have read on this forum and others that you get the most out of electrostatics with tubes. I know virtually nothing first hand about tubes so am concerned about maintenance and high ongoing cost. I don't have a lot of listening time anyway, less time for working on components. Is this something to worry about? 
Also, brand/model suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I'm concerned about mismatching the speakers and amp.
For cd I am looking at the OPPO BDP 105d and for vinyl the Pro-Ject Debut Carbon, but would appreciate advice here as well. 
Thank you all in advance!

arisingsound

Showing 2 responses by marktomaras

Hello,

If you nee to purchase amp, preamp, digital source, and phono source, I agree with one of the posters above, I would look at a integrated amplifier for sure.  I would go heavier duty on the turntable/arm/cartridge than I would on amplification.  Usually the sources and the speakers are the most important.  I would also avoid the oppo CD player.

Not sure if this this enough power, but this integrated from Conrad Johnson ($1350) looks great:  https://www.audiogon.com/listings/tube-conrad-johnson-cav-50-tube-integrated-amplifier-2016-02-01-in...

This Krell sold state integrated is also worth considering, at the same price, it has significantly more power if your speakers need it.
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/solid-state-krell-kav-400xi-2016-01-25-integrateds-85701-tucson-az

Perhaps a little tube phono pre such as this one $700:
http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject-Tube-Box-DS?sc=2&category=36638

I would step it up a bit with the table and cartridge.  this $1000 table seems like a pretty solid deal.  Its a higher end table than the one you were looking at, and it even comes with a $450 cartridge, versus some $30 cheap starter.
link:  http://www.needledoctor.com/Pro-Ject-RPM-3-Carbon-Turntable?sc=2&category=352

This one on audiogon also looks interesting:
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/turntables-thorens-td-160-super-package-with-audioquest-pt-5-arm-a...

As for digital, personally, I would advise against a CD player.  The move to hard drive storage, digital player, and DAC is the way to go, and it is the way the industry is moving.  All you need to do is rip all of your CDs to a basic NAS hard drive with your computer.  Rip them in a lossless format such as WAV or AIF, and you will have fully uncompressed CD quality music, and you never have to worry about scratching another CD!  Cambridge makes a player called: Cambridge Audio Azur 851N that sells for about $1700; you may find it used for $1100?  Cambridge also makes a similar unit that is a step down the chain for about $1000. These are players that will access your networked hard drive, organize the music, and play it through its high quality DAC, and output to your amplifier.  For the price, these cambridge units (or similar ones from Marantz and Sony ES) is excellent.  They all have a smart phone / tablet app to control them, which is excellent, and also allow access to streaming services like Tidal.

NAS hard drive $160:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1007531-REG/wd_wdbctl0040hwt_nesn_4tb_my_cloud_drive.html

Amp 1350
Phono Pre $700
Table & Cartridge $1000
Digital $1000
NAS Drive $160
Cables $800

total $5000

Cables are a whole different topic of conversation.  You won't get the best available if you need speaker cables, and 2 pairs of interconnect for $800, but its a good starter budget.  definitely get used.  The cable company has a used section that is great, and of course Audiogon has a ton.  Hope this is helpful!

Good Luck,
Mark

Nice job on the amp, that Rogue looks great!  I still say kill off the CD player.  Rip your CDs, play them through a player such as the Bluesound Node and feed that to your great DAC.  That will eliminate the CD tick.  You ought to be able to get a refund if there is a tick.  Not only that, but you will be able to stream Tidal, and even purchase high res music from places like HD Tracks.  I couldn't imagine using a CD player anymore.