Help Starting from scratch


I have sold all me gear last year or so due to my medical problem. Recently, I have finished building my H/T and I need help to re-explore the analogue side.

I want to start buidling a simple 2 channel analogue from scratch.

1. Intergrated amp: Classe Cap 2100, Krell S1000, MF 5.5. Can someone please give me the features and benefit of the three Intergrated amps listed above since the price range is a wide gap.

2. Speakers : B & w 805, Polk LSi9, Paradigm S2.

3. MIT network IC & Speaker cables VS. Kimber or Harmonic Tech.

System is for small jazz piece, Vocal and some light POP.
Notfor a head-banger type of listenner.

Audition is a no go since my acess across town is limited.
andrewdoan

Showing 1 response by t_bone

I like the B&W 805s. I find they have limited low bass response ("limited" is a euphemism for almost none). I have tried the B&Ws with Classe amps, and they were quite nice. I would assume the Classe 1100 would match well.

Having tried none of the others, I will branch off in another direction... and it may or not be suitable to you; if not, I've got my flame-retardant suit on.

However, if you are interested in trying DIY, I can recommend trying a Bottlehead system. One can be set up for less money, it is a fantastic learning experience, and there are many suggestions of speakers which match the lower output amps there. While there is no integrated in the family, there will be soon be a 'Stereomour' amp, and I imagine at least someone will try to put a Foreplay pre in the same chassis and teach us lubbers how to do it. The community on the Bottlehead forum is very very friendly and helpful, so it is a great place to learn, and get great music for less bucks than you thought possible given the quality.

Disclaimer: happy Bottlehead customer.