2. amps-preamps
  3. 153739-140688

Help in putting together my system with used equipment on Audiogon and eBay.

I’m looking for the best bang for the buck. What equipment can I find that would make the best system for my budget ($8000)? I'm starting out with:

Pass Labs X1 Preamp, my rock to start with. I got it for $2500 This is where you can help me the most. Let me know your best match for this pre-amp, or the ones you have found to be the best you have heard!

Bryston 4B SST amp for about $1700. It’s been my experience that more power wakes up a speaker and pins it’s ears back. At 300wpc and the reviews on this amp I picked it, but just to start. I really need some experienced people to give me recommendations for the amp, or if the Bryston is a winner. I can sell this for a better amp.

Do I need a DAC?

Phono. I’ve realized that might be a big reason why people go to separates isn’t it? I’d like to hear some comments on this. If you have separates and no phono, what do you use? Stream music? CD’s?

CD player? I do have a lot of CD’s. With separates, it’s either phono, cd, or streaming correct?

I’m not really a phono guy, but I know which albums I would buy so it is an option. I wouldn’t know a good phono if you hit me with it. Please recommend a few.

I’m leaning toward B&W speakers just because of their reputation. I may spend up to 5k on a good pair of speakers, but I want them to be used and costing much more when bought new. I know how to spot a good deal and not buy speakers on their death bed (from reputable sellers), but I need your recommendations too. You all have heard more speakers than I ever have and will.

**I’m going to check this post often and answer any questions and write down your recommendations.
I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE FOR THIS, IT IS A BIG DEAL FOR ME!
imabucfan

Showing 1 response by bhd72

bhd72
11 posts
 
Your post reminds me of my re-entry into hifi about twelve years ago, and I'd hope you wouldn't repeat my mistake: since I lived in a backwater, I read everything and then spent tons experimenting and upgrading and downgrading.  If I had it to do all over again, I would have first spent money to travel to a large city with several good hi-end dealers and auditioned speakers.  While it is fact that ultimately what we all do is find a system that suits our listening rooms and tastes, speakers lock in the biggest chunk of what a system can do.  I also would not require expensive speakers: I've been quite happy with Tannoy Revolution XT8 speakers that cost $2400/pr. new, some of the least expensive speakers I've owned.

I would say the next step is choosing solid state vs. tubes.  The best system I ever owned used a tube preamp (Audio Research Reference 3) with a SS power amp (McIntosh MC-150);  speakers were Sonus Faber Cermona Ms.  Tubes give you flexibility in tailoring the sound after your purchase; changing tubes can radically change the sound.
A final remark: while I love vinyl and consider its unique sound irreplaceable, getting into vinyl would be the most expensive single choice you could make.  Far more cost effective to get a CD player for your existing music and then add streaming, assuming your internet connection supports it and you don't mind messing with computer stuff.
Enjoy the journey!
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