How should I build a system around my speakers?


My cousin gave me a gift. A pair of a/d/s L-1290s in pretty good condition. (butyl rubber surrounds are intact). I don't know squat about hi-end audio, however, and I know I'm not a high-end listener.

What I'm looking for is advice: I'm poor (public school teacher) and I would like to buy used. I need advice for Amp and Preamp recommendations to get the most out of my speakers. I doubt I'll ever buy stereo equipment again (GASP!). Just wondering what 10-15 year old equipment is well suited to go with the respectable gift speakers. My budget is about USD $1000. Any advice is welcome.

James
jamesjems

Showing 1 response by tobias

Jamesjems, that is great--and very comprehensive--advice from Douglas_schroeder.

I would have suggested a few older units to look for, but there is danger of focusing too hard on a named component (which you may not even have heard) and missing out on a bargain with a name you don't know. If you follow Douglas_schroeder's advice instead you will have a very good chance of finding something good. It is worth the effort, I assure you. Those are good older speakers. You will need to give them some amplifier power, which rules out some smaller units, but the options remain numerous. A system that does the speakers justice will make you want to listen to music. And music makes life more beautiful.

Do get the best source you can afford. In my experience it is more fun to listen to a great source through ordinary downstream components than the reverse.

Have fun, and please keep us posted if you get the chance.