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How do you determine how much to spend on speakers

Hello all,

I am just starting out in this HI-FI stuff and have a pretty modest budget (prospectively about 5K) for all. Any suggestions as to how funds should be distributed. At this stage, I have no interest in any analog components. Most notably, whether or not it is favorable to splurge on speakers and settle for less expensive components and upgrade later, or set a target price range and stick to it.

Thanks
krazeeyk

Showing 2 responses by appassionata

appassionata
5 posts
 
I am of the front end school. But for what it is worth here are my suggestions.

1)buy good used gear on audiogon.

2)Buy the speakers last. Buy good compact 2-way monitors e.g. pro-ac tablette, totem model 1 signature, etc.

3)Buy a good amplifer, preferably 100-150 watts. (musical fidelity, quad 909, ayre v3x, bat vk200, etc.

4) pre-amp is more important than many think. Buy something simple. (pass x2, musical fidelity, etc.)

5)Digital source: something competent (one box player) e.g.
Creek cd50 classic.

6) cables: sensible well made stuff: cardas neutral reference, Goertz alpha-core sapphire for interconnect. non-bi-wire speaker calbles (cardas, supra, etc.)

You should wind up with a very musical and enjoyable system.

The upgrades will be genetically inevitable. Often the first or earliest systems are played in rooms with modest dimensions and small monitors are suitable. Transport costs are less and resale is easier.

Good luck with your decisions!

Appassionata
appassionata
5 posts
 
Hello!

This post is nearly 10 years old but the topic continues.

I strongly recommend the source components be where the most emphasis should be put.

Try to make purchases which have lasting, classic value.

In a digital world the music starts with the d/A converters and their power supplies. Today very compelling and beautiful music can come from a universal disc player.

For example, oppo 95, plus a pre-amp e.g. Proceed avp2(used but classic) could be had for $2500.

A citation 7.1 power amp (used) sells for about $800. Also musical fidelity has a good one which sells for about the same price. 3.2CR.

Spend $500 on competent used interconnects e.g. Card as neutral reference or similar. Supra speaker cable buy in bulk with good terminations.

For speakers buy NHT super zero XU for under $200 new.

You will have spent $4000.

Put the remaining $1000 in your mouth and pray for lock-jaw and continue your search for speakers. In two decades the change will be new speakers.

For speakers buy NHT super zero XU for under $200.
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