2. amps-preamps
  3. 1215113038

New Build

I am in the beginning stages of building my hifi system.

Here is what I have:

Spectral DMC-10 Preamp
Kinima G2 speakers
Pro-Ject 1.2 turntable w/ Ortofon Red
Magnum Dynalab FT-101

Here is what I need:

A power amp, or sell the Spectral and pick up an integrated.

I think I would like more inputs on the pre. I do use phono and have heard the Spectral is amazing at that. I will be fine with 3 inputs for now as I am only planning on adding a CD player, but wouldn't mind having XM and TV in the mix later on. (only have one audio set-up is desirable, but not mandatory...can always use a Onkyo etc to run the vid / XM)

If I sell the Spectral what is good phono stage or is there an integrated amp out there that has a decent phono onboard?

If going with a power amp, I want tube. Leaning towards

Audio Rearch vs55 or vsI55
Cary SLI-80
VTL ST85
Manley Stingray??

Others......???

What would you do?

Thanks!

Rob
robrush

Showing 2 responses by robrush

robrush OP
12 posts
 
Speakers are definately in the long term works, but for now I can't afford it. (Have to focus on the amp side) I have not yet picked up the G2's but can get them for $400. Are the Kinima's that bad?

I have been using a set of JBL's from the '80's and they're doing fine. Re-allocate the $400 elsewhere perhaps.

Can you recomend a speaker in the $1k and under range?

New build's are a bit akward because I don't know a lot of the characteristics, but I'll learn as I go.
robrush OP
12 posts
 
This is the difficulty with new systems, is that after building computers for many years, it is truly a constant test of swapping componenents. Is building a system around speakers common practice? I would have thought the amp would come first?

Also, Does the SLI-80 come with a Phono option? I have heard nothing but praise for the Spectral pre and thought I may want to retain it, but it is worth $1200 or more after it's recent authorized service.
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