This one costs nothing. Have one of you experienced listener friends over and help tweak the room for wall and corner reflections. Even the top-notch systems will sound bad if you don't address this issue. Just go to an audio show and experience a hastily set up hotel room versus a room designed for high quality sound. Some audio stores' listening rooms will show you what a difference it makes. I have heard inexpensive systems in a well designed room outperform others costing much more.
Help me build out my first system
Hi All,
New Audiogon member here, been a lurker for some time; thanks for all the tremendous info! I’m in the process of building out my first system and am hoping for some recommendations on streamer/dac and preamp. A friend has been kind enough to set me up with a McCormack DNA-1 (not yet in my possession) and a pair of Focal/JM Labs Electra 926s from a client who wanted to upgrade.
At this point I’m trying to put together two sets of options: First, which components might really make the setup sing, not worrying much about budget (without going too nuts). And second, assuming a budget around $3000-$4000, what’s the best I can do?
The setup will live in a 14’x24’ room, and I’m in the process of building some panels for appropriate room treatment. Tidal is currently my preferred source, but am open to change based on compatibility req’s or being convinced of a better alternative for this application. I’d also like to allow for incorporation of a new turntable down the road.
Am I thinking about this the right way? Thanks for your thoughts