I am in NYC. I started in 2008, after a few years at my first corporate job, had some cash, and was always into music and gear. I went to In Living Stereo, demoed a pair of Dynaudios and liked them a lot. Prior to that I listed to a pair of Totem Model 1 Sigs at Stereo Exchange. As good as the Dyns were, they didn't quite sound like the Totems. But I was talked into buying them anyway and paired them up with a Peachtree Decco which was an wonderful integrated under $1K. But quickly realized it ran out of steam driving the Dyns at moderate levels.
Then bought a 250 WPC McIntosh power amp, using the Decco as a pre, which improved the sound significantly. There has been many changes after that, but I like minimal, urban setups, so I really like high end integrated amps.
My view is, you should really audition speakers and buy based on the size of your room. With dacs and amps, there not much option to listen, so you have to take some chances.
There are decent dealers where you can go and demo equipment.
Bright Home Theater is a very small cozy store, friendly. Audio Doctor in Jersey City, he has a lot of equipment, and you can take your time. And there's one in upper east side, may be Park Ave Audio, which is pretty good as well.
There are some high end dealers in NYC where you have to make appointments and the attitude is geared towards a very wealthy clientele only, I would skip those.
Then bought a 250 WPC McIntosh power amp, using the Decco as a pre, which improved the sound significantly. There has been many changes after that, but I like minimal, urban setups, so I really like high end integrated amps.
My view is, you should really audition speakers and buy based on the size of your room. With dacs and amps, there not much option to listen, so you have to take some chances.
There are decent dealers where you can go and demo equipment.
Bright Home Theater is a very small cozy store, friendly. Audio Doctor in Jersey City, he has a lot of equipment, and you can take your time. And there's one in upper east side, may be Park Ave Audio, which is pretty good as well.
There are some high end dealers in NYC where you have to make appointments and the attitude is geared towards a very wealthy clientele only, I would skip those.