2. misc-audio
  3. 123046-72960

First system advice, new to hobby...

Looking to put together my first system in the next year. Will primarily be for 2 channel music but would not mind leaving the door open to multichannel. I listen to all types of music...classic rock, jazz, blues, folk, and classical as well as a lot of live concert recordings when done well. My current listening room is my sunken living room (carpeted) which is 14' wide x 17' long x 10' high and the left side of the room is open into the dining room and kitchen (I realize, not ideal). My initial thoughts are to get a decent pair of speakers first which I can temporarily power with an NAD receiver that my friend will loan me until I can save up for a good integrated or separates. Budget is fairly flexible but would like to keep it around $8000. Here is the current list of components I have listened to or am interested in:

Speakers: Golden Ear Triton 1 or 2, Spendor D7, Focal Aria 948 or 936, Wharfedale Jade 7, Revel Performa3 F206, PSB Imagine T2, Tekton Enzo XL, Monitor Audio Silver 8, KEF Q900

Amplification: LSA Statement (used), Accuphase E-450 (used), Luxman L-550AX (used), VAC Avatar SE, Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP, Ayre AX-7e, Zen Torii mk4, Parasound Halo, Rogue Cronus Magnum 2

Most likely use Oppo BDP 105D as source and would like to find a decent turntable down the road.

Looking for opinions and/or advice from those familiar with the above components or with components I should also be looking at. Right now my first choice is probably the Triton 1s with the Primaluna Dialogue Premium HP though that is on the very high end of my budget. Thanks for your time and advice.

Paul


ifmywordsdidglow

Showing 3 responses by inna

inna
7,187 posts
 
Speakers first is a classical approach. It will work.
However, since you are not quite sure what you are looking for, you might first want to figure out whether you want tube amp, transistor or hybrid, or it doesn't really matter. Some speakers will sound good with any of them, some won't. Within this amp first approach I would listen to Vac Avatar and Vac Sigma to begin with, then Rogue tube and hybrid, then Accuphase.
NAD receiver won't give you a gateway into the high end audio.
inna
7,187 posts
 
No I haven't heard Primaluna. I believe, that if you want tubes you will most likely want VAC, it is among the best tube designs, but many here really like both Rogue and Primaluna as well.
Yeah, VAC and LAMM are top level.
inna
7,187 posts
 
I saw Avatar SE here a few days ago for I think $3200. It sold quickly. Some pieces show up rarely and go quickly, that might've been one of them.
More to discover