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newbie seeks direction

Hey all....
i'm building a hi-fi system, and would love some input on what directions I should be heading. Not looking for info on what to buy, just what to look for.

My goal:
stereo setup that can be expanded to 5.1 if need be.

my target$$: $5k and under

my likes: I like a big sound stage with pin-point accuracy in the stereo image. I do a lot of ambient recordings with a Soundfield microphone, so dimensional detail is of upmost importance to me.

my use:
I play either normal audio CD's, or 24bit 96kHz recordings off of my PC. This means I'll need an outboard DAC for those high-res recordings. I would love to find a single box that would do it all (a combo pre/amp/DAC). If there is something like this in the 2-3k range, please recomend brands/models so I can do the research.

So far, i've demoed a pair of Martin Logan Ascent speakers and they blew me away.
My buddy has a nice system consisting of a philips DVD 1000 (or something like that) > conrad johnoson pre > mccmormick DNA amp > vanderstein 2ce signiture series speakers. I like what I hear at his house, but I liked the Logans better. Those were coming off of B&K gear.

Next up is a pair of Sonus Faber Concherto home monitors w/a Rel sub. The retailer told me "I think you'll like this", but it's got a lot to go up against. I fell in love with that ML's right away. I'm told that monitors are better for imaging than towers...but i'm still buzzing from those Logans!

Any way, any insight or help would be appreciated. I know that within this price range things become much more of a prefference in sound. Some like chocolate vs. vanilla..etc.
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Showing 1 response by elevick

elevick
2,636 posts
 
1-buy speakers that have a matching center channel if you need it.

2-either start with a stereo amp that the manufacturer makes a matching 3 channel amp or a find a multi channel amp that is bridgeable so you don't waste channels for now.

3-To get an audiophile quality pre-amp that will expand to 5/6/7 channels may break your bank and even be obsolete by the time you need it. Consider something like an Anthem AVM-2 which sounds awesome in stereo or multi-channel with great built in d/a and a nice tuner (this is just an example like B&K, Sunfire, etc...). You can get one used for around $1200. This way, if you get the upgrade bug you will have it. The unit has already been hit with depriciation and you won't take much of a beating selling it if you want.

Finally, I tried the same route as you and ended up with both theater in one room and 2 channel in another.
Good luck!
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