Here's where I'm at. I just hooked up my gear and it's a bit late so I can't turn it up until tomorrow or so. The Pass Labs X1/Bryston 4B SST is working perfectly and in low volume with my Marantz PMD-526C cd player I could tell the Bryston's 300wpc were causing the Klipsch Heresy III's to sound like they wanted to bust out of the cabinet. One thing I did notice with the cd player off is a bit of hiss from the Bryston and at high gain it got a bit louder. I read somewhere that turning the volume up with no source connected was a good way to tell how clean the music was going to sound, can someone weigh in on that topic??? I know with the music playing the hiss does not get any louder with volume so you won't tell it's there but it is. Are the tube amps/class A amps the same way?? Just want to know how that effects a good system. I am plugged into a Furman SS-6B Power Conditioner so I know it's not coming from household current (is it?)
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!
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!
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- 132 posts total
@imabucfan, If I had the money you have and you’re looking for speakers, I would have a serious look at the Focal Electra 1028 BE ($4999 New) or the 1038 Electra 1038 BE ($6999.00 New). Both can be had from Music Direct, and you get a 60 day money back guarantee. Another choice I would have a serious look at would be from Tekton Design. If you have the space, check out the Moab, power handling at 900 watts with a sensitivity of 98dB. Another choice would be the Double Impacts power handling is 400 watts with a sensitivity of 98.82dB. Tektons can only be purchased online and offer a 60 day risk free trial. You definitely need to check out both links before you decide otherwise. You will be amazed at the specs and both have awesome reviews. To me, you can’t go wrong by dealing with a company who offers a 60 day free trial in your home. To give you an example of the Focal speakers, I have a pair of Focal 806V (discontinued) connected to a 40 watt tube integrated amp. This combination fills up my 11ft x 14ft living room and the music is natural and I get good bass without having a sub. Instead of streaming, I would definitely without a doubt look into a network audio player. They are compatible to XMSirius, Rhapsody, and some others. However, you also get internet radio FREE. Check out vTuner’s Station List You can browse by Genre, Location, or Language. For me, this is a better setup than using a laptop to play all of your music. I envy you as I wish I was in your shoes to put together my first / last superb audio system. Good luck on your journey and have fun!! |
4play thanks for the input, you are spot on with my thinking! I'll give the network audio a look. The cd ripper route is great sounding but the truth is along with zero vinyl I hardly have many cd's but the ones I have I listen to a lot. I'm actually fond of Focal after having a lot of experience when I was younger and put together a pretty serious car stereo using Focal speakers, JL sub and more. I'll have to check them out. |
- 132 posts total