My last rodeo


Ready to buy new equipment after 20 years without.

I'm going to take this in steps and it may take me a year to a point where only minor tweaks may be all that remains. Ultimately, I may have about 30K available. 

I want to start with amp and speakers by telling you what I had. MFA 200C mono blocks, Audio Concepts Saffire III's with a pair of powered Sub 1's. The reason I mention this is because I was pleased with the results. As a matter of fact, I looked forward to coming home from work everyday to enjoy the music. A similar or better match would be great. Thanks

 

tburdwin

@tburdwin 

Look at getting some used PS Audio BHK equipment.  Both the Signature preamp and the 300 mono blocks are hybrid,  with tube input sections so you can configure the sound to your tastes.  Together you should be able to get them for $9-10K, leaving you at least $20k for speakers and a streamer. Speakers are a more personal choice, so I’ll leave it to others for suggestions, but I will add another vote for getting an Aurender  streamer.  
 

All the best.

Have you budgeted for 5% of the overall budget to get out in the thick of audio world and receive demo's, or is it 0.01%, for the accompaniment's whilst using the Keyboard.

The idea of not receiving demo's when making plans to part with $30Kish on audio equipment is not good.

@curiousjim 

 

Good suggestion on the PS Audio BHK equipment.  PSA are clearing out the old stock and you can get a new BHK 300 amp for $8,499.  I paid about the same for mine used and love them.

 

Seems like the OP needs a new audio chain:

  • server/streamer
  • DAC
  • preamp
  • amp
  • speakers
  • cabling
  • maybe power conditioning 

Decisions​​​​​​​:

  1. tube vs SS
  2. Separates vs integrated (preamp+amp). Integrates saves on casework and cabling, but less flexibility in upgrading vs separates.  Integrates built in DACs are often subpar to stand alone DACs since they are often built as an afterthought to a cost point, but a few integrates have good DACs.  Even fewer integrates have a built in streamer.

Starting from scratch, one can choose amp first then speakers, or speaker first then amp (which is my preference)

Both speaker and amp choices are highly subjective- there are many great sounding components, but few that would subjectively resonates with you (pulls you into the music).  So best to demo yourself to find what you like.  Check out high-end audio stores and audio shows like AXPONA.

Seat time first. Without your credit card, check or cash. Go listen to the best on offer and hear what is possible. Then figure out what you like, and why. References are good, but I’d listen to as wide a variety of music as possible to hear the man behind the curtain. Every system has some weaknesses. But the strengths often outweigh those, based on your ears. And you should save money by doing this as part of your personal "due diligence" to educate yourself as to your own preferences in today’s market. I didn’t look up where you are, but a plane flight is still cheaper than an expensive component or raft of them that takes you in the wrong direction. I express no preference. You can look up my system here, which represents where I’m at on one system; my other system is a vintage system that replicates what I ran in 1975-- based on the Quad Loudspeaker, also all tube, vinyl. 

But that’s my preference. Yeah, I can do digital and use it. Some of it sounds amazing. I’m still vinyl heavy but that’s the result of almost 60 years of buying LPs. Hit or miss. No one way. Have a riot. :)