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 3 responses by dorkwad

dorkwad
548 posts
 
imabucfan,

I have a mega system for your money if you go used:

Nuprime MCH-K38 amp $1250 (U)
Audible Illusions 3 preamp $925 (U)     if NOT going analog
VMPS RM30, RM40 speakers $1800-2700 (U)
Modwright Sony 9000, 9100, 5400 CD/SACD player $1000-1500 (U)
Acoustic BBQ cables get the double version ICs $279 each (N)
Acoustic BBQ Duelund speaker cables $379 (N)
VPI Classic turntable/arm $1600-1900 (U)
Clearaudio Virtuoso Wood cartridge $500-600 (U)
Acoustic BBQ power cables $200 each (N)

The last 3 items only if going analog, you would need to get the AI 3A or 3B full function preamp then. $1200-2350 depending on which model (U) instead of the AI 3.

Everything in your system would be absolutely top drawer and sound great together. The AI preamps are tubed and last a LONG time and sound great--very clear and transparent. The phono section in an AI is the equal of most any separate up to $3000 of more.

The Nuprime amp can be bridge to 400 watts per channel at 8 ohms and has a very dynamic, detailed sound, with terrific bass.

VMPS speaker are no longer made, but I’ve owned at least 5 of them--I was a demonstrator for VMPS for 4 years because I asked Brian Cheney if I could be one. The speakers are that impressive. Very detailed, dynamic, transparent, with potent bass.

The Modwright CD players changed my thoughts on CD. They are VERY good sounding in all ways.

I’ve had the combo of analog things I recommended. Work great together and is very good sound for the money.

The BBQ cables are very good sounding with much texture and transparency.

Good luck,
Bob

dorkwad
548 posts
 
I have more to add, now that I have some time.  The VMPS speakers I mentioned are so good sounding and reviewed by experts that I put my speakers up for sale on Saturday last week, by Sunday had a full price offer and got another FP offer the next day from another.  Upon listening to them for the first time since I bought my idea of the speakers I couldn't afford, but got a very good deal on, I was floored at the new ability they had since going through many cable changes in the 17 months with the dream speakers.  The VMPS speakers are among the few that have amazing detail, great potent bass, and hopping dynamics, with a wide, deep soundstage, and can play at high volume, yet sound great at low volume.  They are also adjustable in levels for the treble, mids and bass.  The bass can be played with to sound anywhere from very tight to much more full and places in-between.  So your room won't be such an issue by using a big, powerful speaker.  The electronic combo I recommended has a great tube preamp, and powerful class D amp that absolutely will do what you want, allow you to hear all that is going on.  You can take a bit of those who know a component or two and what they MAY do for the sound, but this is a very high chance of being way more system than you thought you could buy.

Hey, it's your money.
Bob
dorkwad
548 posts
 
Although I have made a few recommendations, I have to agree with MrDB about living and learning about your present situation at your system--learning what it is in the music that really gets you going, and just hearing other's systems also.

Bob
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