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Integrated Amp and Speakers for a teenager?

Hi every one,

After working part-time I was able to put $900 togheter for my first audio system. So, as you can see my budget is very limited. I am lucky enough though to already have a CD, DVD-Audio player and tuner.

But I don't know to what to look for. I know instead how I will use the system: it will be for playing piano (keyboards), and for listening to radio, DVD-Audio and CD's. My favorite music is classical and from time to time jazz (experimental).

I am leaving in a small apartment in a building so I am not interested in loud sound. Even by contrary - I do enjoy listening to low levels.

What I would prefer - a NATURAL sound, as analytical and detailed as posible for this money.

So, which integrated ampifier paired with which speakers?
And because I am young and these money matter for me - I need something that will be as reliable as posible and will serve for the next 5 years (at least)

Thank you a lot
rmihai9ad0
xyyyy
5 posts
 
Hello,

For the integrated amp, I would recommend a Rega Brio ($455-$500). For speakers I would go with Espos, or a pair of Rega bookshelf speakers on stands. If you check out reviews on the Brio and Espos, they can't be be. This is true audiophile equipment, and offers great synergy in a system.
xyyyy
5 posts
 
Sorry for the typo- the speaker brand is Epos.
jutjut
9 posts
 
Check out the Creek 4330 integrated (around 400 used), the consonance A100 integrated (as a demo/used it goes for around 450), Cambridge Azur 540 or 640(3-400 used)...for speakers, Von Schweikert VR-1 (600-700 used), aurum cantus makes an interesting budget speaker Leisure 2, vandersteen 1C, or 2CE(spendy but sweet) Here are some starters for you to look at though:)
celtic66
1,656 posts
 
I'm guessing the DVD/CD player is budget and would suggest a quick upgrade of a small DAC like a $125 Assemblage or MSB, something better than the $3 DAC chip in most players.

Next, the Brio is great or maybe Audio Refinement. Speakers could be the Axiom M3Ti for $200 used or JM Labs Chorus 705.

So: DAC 125
coax or toslink 75
integrated 500
speakers 200

Yeah, that works. Good luck.
daveyguitar
22 posts
 
I would second the recommendation for the Vandersteen 1c's for speakers. For an integrated the Rotel RA970, 971 or 972 would all be great matches. That should even leave you money for cabling like Kimber PBJ's for interconnects and maybe Audioquest speaker cable. I have found using a single run of Type 4 to each terminal, one positive and then one for negative, gives great performance on a budget. Good luck and nice going. You deserve a nice system, you've earned it.
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