I should start with speakers. This I know. I’d like to establish a new system.
Returning to a hobby I abandoned two decades ago as life interfered with my personal desires. I’d like to slip back in with a decent package for streaming the likes of Tidal and Qobuz. I’ve relieved myself of all software (vinyl and CDs).
I am currently drifting between horns or BBC sound. Two different worlds, but each intrigue me. Considering Volti Audio with Cary SLI80 Integrated while also Harbeth 40.2 with something like a VTL MB185 Series III. Schizophrenic I know.
Dedicated Room 12’W x 30’L x varied vaulted 11’H.
i’d appreciate any discussion or feedback on my personal dilemma. Opportunities to sample these pairings are not in my immediate grasp, but I can consider travel (SE USA) to educate myself in the process. Budget $20k on used market. TIA
If I was starting from scratch, and just wanted streaming, i'd look at active speakers from KEF. Then you won't have to worry about bi- or tri-amplification, interconnect cables, speaker cables or much else. Because they approximate point sources, room treatment is much less important. The only things left to obsess about are your internet connection and maybe a couple of power cables and an Ethernet cable. |
@OP. If you don't already have the other system components, you should not start with speakers. You should start with the entire system. The speaker-amplifier interface is especially important because your room size, listening position, preferred listening volume and impedance and efficiency characteristics of the speakers, along with the output impedance of the amplifier will have a major bearing on your choices. |
@atmasphere Good advice, something I discovered on my audiophile journey, inefficient and/or insensitive speakers require watts, and not just watts, quality watts. Any amp capable of delivering quality watts brings a price, the more there are the greater the cost. |
@yoyoyaya +1. The audio system has to be viewed as a whole entity not just an individual component. An outdated view is the speaker is the most important link in the audio chain. Why is it outdated? It's the most flawed component, most room dependent and can be the least expensive item in a highly resolving system. The mainstream audio media/merchants has this backwards for a reason,. They want you to keep upgrading all other gear to find the correct balance with a speaker that did not fit in your original budget. |
