I should start with speakers. This I know. I’d like to establish a new system.

I like the idea of traveling to audio shows. I’ll need to keep an eye out for where and when can work for me. And yes, I’ll need to take my time. I was getting a bit antsy once I restarted my journey. Reading reviews and discussions herein along with the vast array of products gets me a bit worked up. I can be too impulsive. After all, the hunt is fun.

This is exactly the type of discussion and feedback I was hoping for. Hilde45, Thanks for the process notes as well as thoughts from larryi and knotscot. All helpful. Brick and mortar showrooms are hard to find outside of larger metropolitan areas, so I’m trying to first gain insight through verbal discussion and feedback before setting off on my quest during a renovation of my future home and listening room.

History - my first foray into the audio hobby began in the 80’s with Vandersteen 2s, then 2Cs along with Stan Warren’s ugly little Superphon Revalation preamp (replaced by ARC SP9) and Adcom GFA-555 amplifier. My last system in 2005 was based on Thiel CS6es driven by a pair of VTL MB450s. Not sure of the other elements of that final system as I seemed to have been continually moving pieces in and out at the time.

I look forward to enjoying the music again now that I’ve retired with time to focus anew on a most pleasant pastime.

@toontrader Two different worlds, but each intrigue me.

Yes. I’d suggest trying to decide if you want to go the A) higher efficiency speaker and lower power amp route. Or, B) the lower efficiency speaker and higher power amplifier route. Each path provides its own journey and type of sound. Each of these types of systems can provide a very different presentation and experience.

If you are comparing any new to used components, you can ask dealers if they have customers in your region who could show and share their systems - with the speakers or components you are looking at. Sometimes this can work out nicely. I’ve done some 2-day overnighters to go see and listen to other peoples systems. This can be helpful to get ideas of what YOU like. Traveling to a good audio show can be a real eyes and ears opener too. Take your time if you can, it will pay off and prevent major do-overs later on. 

@knotscott 

+1 Yep, look at contemporary speakers. 

I would review Stereophile, The Absolute Sound, and HiFi+ recommended component issues. Concentrate on descriptions that strike you as your liking in sound quality. 

Then get on the road. Make appointments with a couple dealers in advance to audition the best fit two or three. Find the one with the emotional connection. Not just that has the most detail and best slam.

@hilde45 A local guy to me is selling an almost new Blade 1 Meta for $18k. His ad and 2 others for under $20k are on USAM.

I was tempted to buy since the Blade has been my fav speakers for about a decade. However, I decided that the Yamaha NS5000 I own now is something I want to stay with.

Only issue with the Blade for the OP is that the Op’s power amp maybe too weak for the Blades. I would pair the Blades with either the $2k Schitt Wotan or the $20k CODA #16. Both of which I own. Those 2 amps have prodigious power. The Wotan is not at the sonic levels of the #16 (but close). It is at the level of many apps that are considered top notch. Schitt also have a 15-day home trial.

Of course it depends on what you value most; smooth rich sound w/ nice subtle details often w/ good 3 D imaging or more live, dynamic sound that can rock out without straining or requiring heroic amplification. Very challenging to find both in speakers that cost under $20K. You’ve got a big room so if you like to play loud & enjoy music w/ real bass, a high sensitivity speaker may be your only choice in your price range. Volti Rivals work very well for me in a big room w/ good tube amplification (Rogers High Fidelity). 

@hilde45 

Bravo!

Fantastic summation.

Orderly progression.

Now THAT'S how to set up a dedicated room!

@tomcarr  Agreed. 

If I was in the position of the OP, I do the following:

1. Try to size up the assets and challenges of the acoustics of the room. 
I'd lay hands on whatever gear I can find to listen with.
I'd listen, position, and once some reasonable positioning is established, I'd measure for frequency response. 

2. With the information gained above, I'd try to treat the rooms major flaws, focusing first on 20hz to 300 hz, since those frequencies have to be mastered before dealing with the rest of the range. I'd work a bit, next, on 300hz-20khz.

3. Having brought the room to a baseline of decent response, I'd do a bit of research on speakers and amps that will match my tastes and my room. 

4. Next, I'd start borrowing speakers or buying, used. I'd get a decent solid state amp (used, hopefully a keeper) that can drive a bunch of speakers. 

That would be the "launch sequence" to getting the basis of a good system going, in my opinion. 

Sum:

• Get the room ready.
• Try speakers and amp.
• Get final speakers.
• Get final amp.
• Figure out how to optimize the rest (preamp, DAC, cables, power, additional treatments, subs).

Acoustic treatment.

The room will dictate at least 50% of what your system will sound like.

food for thought https://speakerchoices.com/

@yyzsantabarbara  KEF Blade Meta? In a 20k budget? Is that possible?

Returning to a hobby I abandoned two decades ago as life interfered with my personal desires.

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.

Your room is long enough where you can set up 1 pair of speakers on front wall and another pair of speakers on the backwall.

Rotate the chair 180 degrees everytime the schizophrenic hits.

Personally, I would ignore the BBC stuff and go with a) a horn and b) a panel llike a magnepan or something.

I ran a SLI-80 for a while.  It's a nice, solidly built integrated with plenty of power and lots of tube-rolling ability to tailor the sound to what you like.  I also like that there is factory support and service available from Cary.  Plus, it looks great.  Mine was an older version with the tube rectifiers so it had even more tubes, which I liked.

With $20k to work with you have set some lofty equipment goals. Source/cables/room acoustics/vibration control/power conditioning/equipment racks etc. are not throw away accessories. When buying used components condition/user history always surpasses cost. Consider dealer demo gear as a safer alternative. 

When I did what you're doing, here in Denver, CO, I took the following approach:

* Joined an audio club. There are now people in my area to talk to and hear their systems, for free.

* Began asking questions on the forum. If you search my handle here, you can see that many of the questions I've posed are basic, informational. They may be helpful. 

* Visited local brick and mortar stores.

* Bought used at TMR and then returned a couple pairs (minus re-stocking fee).

These steps allowed me to develop a stronger sense of my preferences. Speakers first, then amp and preamp.

It’s an extremely personal choice that’s not so different than choosing a favorite beer or who you think is beautiful. We can tell you what we like, but you’re the one in the executive decision seat. It’s very subjective.

Speakers are also quite room dependent (and system dependent). It’s wise to pick the speakers, then get an amp suitable for driving them. (I do like tubes) If possible, try as many in your home as you can. Used can be a great way to get the most for the money if the right deal comes along, but are harder to audition in your home...however, they tend to resell for close to what you paid, should you change your mind. Good local dealers are harder to come by than they were 20 years ago. Kits are another good option for getting a lot for the money, but are also difficult to try in home, and tend to not resell as easily.

The BBC sound leans toward a smoother rich more refined tone with subtle details. Horns are typically more lively and more efficient.

Some names you might consider that weren’t as common two decades ago - Joseph Audio, Usher, Sonus Faber, Fyne, Revel, Magico, Totem, Gershman. I’m sure others will offer more suggestions. Active powered subwoofers are plentiful now too, and are a great way to fill a large room with solid bottom octaves without having a monster main speaker, and can help the main speakers sound clearer by removing the responsibility of producing the lowest octaves. .

My advice is to buy what you love, but finding it is the hard part! Enjoy your search, and good luck!

Welcome back my friend to the show that never ends.  A good idea to get out and listen to different setups.  Suggest checking out local dealers with listening rooms so you can determine which way you want to go.  Most will let you try at home and return the equipment if you want something else.  Hopefully someone in the southeast can give you some suggestions if you don’t have a dealer close by.  Enjoy your new musical journey! 

Whatever Volti that fits your budget should be a good starting point.  It’s been a long time since I heard Cary so I don’t know how it sounds, but, you are looking in the right power range.  You could go even lower in power, but don’t stint on quality.  If you can stretch to get the Synthesis Audio A40 amp, you will have a terrific s tube integrated amp that has a first-rate built in DAC.  It runs KT66 tubes that, to me, generally sound better than KT88, 6550, KT120, and EL34 tubes.  

I like the 40.2 Harbeth speaker for its rich sound and large scale presentation.  It is not as dynamic sounding as I like, particularly at lower volume levels.  Volti speakers sound more alive.

Good luck on your search.

I would get a KEF Blade Meta (or Blade II Meta) and put it along the long wall.