first & last system


Greetings.

This may not be the right topick bracket but I'm new to the forum and joined because I'm planning to purchase my first and last "upscale" stereo system that feels my ears and my eyes. (It has to look like candy.) Seriously looking at Mcintosh ma 252 with a pair of either b&w 705 s3, used b&w 805, or kef ls50 meta. (Total budget around 7k) 

Here's the issue: My phone is my streamer and I'm not planing to spend in vinil or CDs or tape -- no offense to anyone. I know this is not the best sound for the money but as I said, it has to look pretty. I also know that I may need a DAC.

Is this a good enough setup for what i want or are there other options? 

Thanks in advanse for any imput.

 

metmoz

Showing 1 response by ghdprentice

If you want good sound, typical proportioning between components will be about 30% speakers, 15% streamer (a separate box purpose built to stream), 15% DAC, 15% Preamp (yes, even if you do not have a turntable). And 15% amp. If you would like to save space it is OK to get an integrated amp… a combined preamp and amp… but budget 30% for it. You can’t buy just anything for the price. Each company has a different house sound.

MacIntosh is heavy on the mid range and bass… B&W is sparkly and heavy on bass, so if you like rock… then a good combo.

Other “good looking” and good sounding… depending on your tastes in sound and looks.

Pass, Audio Research, Sim Moon, and Presto, Conrad Johnson, and Luxman components. Less expensive NAD and Rotel.

For speakers, Sonus Faber, Focal, Wilson, and Magico. There are hundreds more, but these are some of the big players.

Also, almost no body gets it right the first time. Best to choose speakers first then match components. I like all kinds of music and am personally not a fan of Luxman and MacIntosh. But they have a huge following and are well made.