2. analog
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My jazz collection told me to get a *real* system

So I’m determined to put together my first serious analog system, having subsisted on entry-level NAD TT, integrated and phono amp for over 10 years. My tastes are very eclectic, but I’ve put together a nice jazz collection and that’s what’s really crying out. I’m looking at a budget of about $8K over the next 12-18 months. Yeah, that’s the trick: This ain’t gonna happen over night. But I’m willing to be patient with imbalances in my system as long as I’m headed in the right direction. And I’d rather go the route of buying the gear I really want for the long term rather than stop gaps and labor intensive upgrade paths etc. My life just doesn’t have room for that.

N.B.: Looking to stay SS, likely integrated+phono preamp configuration. Really just talking about the table, cart, and amplification ... speakers and ICs are OK for now.

Questions:
1) How would you divvy up the dough?
2) In what order would you buy the components?
3) Top 3 recommendations within each component category?
4) Other crucial considerations?

Appreciate the wisdom!
jazztherapist

Showing 1 response by willsw

willsw
22 posts
 
The Bay area is one of the best places to be able to actually listen to potential purchases, and if you're willing to drive up to Portland, you can expand that experience. I love jazz with the right headphones, with the right speakers, with the right amp, but once one thing isn't doing it, I do not love jazz. I'm a digital source guy mostly and can't comment on your source, but I'd spend some time with speakers, and if a shop agrees - make an appointment and bring your own amp in! 

It might even be worthwhile to, wherever appropriate, make a post about your intentions and see if locals would be willing to invite you over to share their systems. We all know we'd love to have someone care about the little details. 
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