hi, in the price range your looking at, i would recommend you take a look at rega.i own a rega system consisting of a mira integrated amp,[$895]ela speakers,[$1195] and planet cdp.[$795]i looked and listened to everything in this price range before purchasing.i will go on record as telling you it will hold its own or best anything at a like price.not flashy, it just makes music.rega gear also is built like a tank and should last a lifetime.this is not stereo of the month type equipment. after you are tired of changing equipment looking for the holy grail, rega will be there to sell you a system you can forget about, leaving you to enjoy your music. seriously good value. good luck. mer
putting together a budget system
I'm looking for advice about putting together a system in which the speakers cost about $1200 and the amp system $800-$1200. i'm hesistant about getting a new cd player, with SACD or DVD on its way. for speakers, i'm considering either a pair of used vandy 2ce signatures or a pair of new B&W 604 series 2. for amps, i'm looking at Arcam's integrated 9, or possibly the Arcam pre-amp 9 and power amp 10. or maybe the NAD 317. for now i'll probably just hold on to my old NAD cd player. comments?