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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
6 responses Add your response
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.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
I have not yet picked up the G2's but can get them for $400. Are the Kinima's that bad?

I don't have direct experience but the look of them and the design got me very worried. A quick google indicate that there are some unhappy customers of their other speakers. So just a word of caution - there might be a good reason they are so "cheap".

I would recommend you get a pair of Veritas 1.8 used. I think you can find some quite close to your price range.

Of course I could be completely wrong...but I sense something wrong and I also read that they went out of business after only a few years. The Veritas 1.8 are discontinued too but Energy is well known and respected brand and these were probably they best speaker they have made, so far.
unsound
7,329 posts
 
IMHO, choosing your speakers before your amp, makes the more sense.
jond's avatar
jond
5,798 posts
 
I would strongly consider selling the Spectral preamp, buying a used Cary SLI-80 integrated with phono, and then keeping the $400 and looking at different used speakers. The Cary should give you plenty of options, it has solid output, I would imagine any speaker that's 89db sensitive or higher with a nominal impedance above 6ohms would be fine. Many speakers quality, look at Reference 3A, JMlabs, Totem, and Zu, and many others. Just my .02, whatever you do take your time, have fun, and listen, listen, listen. Good luck!
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.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
You should seriously consider auditioning other (better) speakers before further upgrades, IMHO.
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