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 

kdammeyer

Showing 11 responses by kdammeyer

Thanks, soix. I generally prefer a more neutral sound. As a musician with some recording and mixing experience it’s important to me to retain as much intentionality in any given production. I enjoy my Yamaha HS7 powered monitors for near-field listening, if that provides any insight. 
 

I am open to tubes, and new/used is of less concern than getting the best bang for my buck…the used path has obviously been good to me so far. 

I should add that I listen mostly to jazz and rock in all varieties (Ellington, Mingus, Weather Report, Frisell, Bowie, Jeff Beck, Grateful Dead) as well as some Devo-type stuff and especially love live recordings. I do have an extensive library of Dead shows on my hard drive/MacBook Pro with M1Pro I’d like to be able to listen to. 

@grislybutter Great advice, I’m lucky to have some great advisors locally, without whom I’d not have made it this far. But given everyone’s advice is colored by their preferences, to some extent, I thought I’d cast a wider net here! Looking forward to connecting with some new folks. Drinking it all in and hope to ask some more pointed questions after diving into recommendations from @soix (many thanks!) and engaging in some more due diligence. 
 

Thanks all for the welcome, excited to join you on the journey!

Oh no, that's bad advice. I'm all for multiple dedicated lines - although many believe one should suffice - but a 20A line is the maximum you want to install.

The plan is to run two dedicated 20A circuits. @janewyman can you explain the added benefit of having four (presumably one for each component)? I can’t imagine it’s an issue of power draw, is it for isolation purposes?

I’d like to wire in a snap switch or other contact switch to physically break the connection to the breaker/panel when not in use. Anybody familiar with something like this?

@jond, @dayglow, @audioman58 thanks for the component thoughts. Will give some to time to researching. 

What I do like is derating the line, such as using 8AWG wire for a 20A circuit with a 20A breaker.

@cleeds this I like

@pureclarity Yes, the DNA-1 is subject to the input board failing due to age and it’s basically fatal when it happens and requires a complete rebuild of the amp. This happened with my DNA-0.5 and there’s no telling how long it will last, but at some point it will fail. The OP can call SMcAudio (who designed/built the amp) for more info if desired.
 

@soix @pureclarity I did come across that thread recently, and has been noted. Much appreciated. My cost of acquiring the DNA-1 makes the risk worthwhile, perhaps I will go for an upgrade down the line. I know there have been discussions on the merits of upgrade vs. replacement. For another day

@boxcarman wrote:

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

Couldn’t agree more! Working in the trades and as a musician, I’ve had the good fortune to work on some extraordinary media/listening rooms and spend time in some great recording studios…some cursory measurements in rooms with/without the panels hung yield some very stark differences. At the moment I happen to have enough Corning 703 on hand to cover my whole house. I’ve experimented with hanging mass loaded vinyl for lower frequencies, covered by a slatted wood enclosure to add some diffusion. Measuring and tweaking a room is a great joy. Have been fighting the good fight on this one for a while with my bass guitar amplification! Look forward to learning more about others’ experiences…no doubt there are some existing discussions on here. 

Why don't you call a reputable dealer and speak to them. Share your system goals and see what they can put togther on your budget. TMR, Holt Hill Audio, Upscale Audio amongst others get mentioned here on this site for a reason.
 

@bgross there is indeed no substitute, I’ll certainly be making the rounds before pulling any triggers! Thanks for some additional names, I know there are many great resources mentioned around here. 

in your budget (3 times what my system is worth) I truly don't get why you would bother with multiple circuits. It's like putting Ferrari wheels on a Kia. 

And Kia has become a great car....

@grislybutter Under a different circumstance I might agree with you. I work in the trades so happen to have the materials I’d need in my garage from past jobs. My setup will be on the first floor and basement ceiling below is unfinished so easy access, and I don’t need to bring somebody in to do it. For the cost of two hours of my time, it seems silly not to do it. Some find it totally unnecessary, some won’t live without it; I can see the merits so why not, if for no other reason than peace of mind (or to do some testing and prove myself wrong)!

However an attempt at save my time and money is always appreciated!

Thanks all for your input, the advice and recommendations are greatly appreciated. Been a busy couple weeks but will report back soon; have gotten out to hear a few things and starting to put a plan together.