please help a rookie


I planning to get my very first audio system and it looks pretty confusing.I tried to do some homework, bought stereophile and hanged on various net forums to get more info. I'll have to spend 1-1.5k on a solid amp, maybe a little less on a cd player and about the same for speakers. I listen to opera, jazz and pop, my room is 20X15, hardwood floors. I am looking at arcam A85, musical fidelity a3, rotel 1080, but any suggestions for best bang for my buck, new or used will be very wellcomed. Btw, I like the sweet sound of B&W...thanks.
dandreescu

Showing 1 response by buckingham

Just get everything on Audiogon and your budget 'll be given a bit more breathing room. The A3 and the B&W's I've tried and were too bright together... The B&W line has that titanium tweeker, which usually needs a neutral to smooth sounding amp and source. Stay away from the 600 series, the 800 series are great, especially the 805. The Musical Fidelity A3 is a wonderful integrated with the right speakers (i have owned it). The A300 would probably work better in your room though. Try to put about the same amount of money in amp/speaker/source because if you cheap out on one, you will hear it!! For cables, I've tried lots of stuff and I've settled on the Virtual Dynamics stuff (audition package would be great for you)

Also, I would definitely try out some different speakers.. The B&W sound is very special, but there is SO much more out there. But if you're heart-set on the line, the 805 is a wise choice.