2. speakers
  3. 183480-170356

Spending a month's salary

I don't have much experience as an audiophile. Based on my research, the bulk of spend should be on fine speakers. I have $20k to invest in either a superior AMP, DAC or pair of speakers. What to do?

My room is on the smaller side, listening position is about 7-8ft from the speakers. I suppose bookshelf speakers are appropriate. Right side speaker is very close to side wall <1ft. Left side is open to 6-8ft. Back wall is about 10 ft from listening position. Speakers sit about 3ft from front wall.

My current setup:

Revel 106 speakers

Parasound P6 pre and A21+ amp

Node 130 streamer w/ upgraded Teddy PS

AQ cable loom.

I prefer bookshelfs given my room. Separates are ideal, though I would like to consider an all in one like a Boulder 866.

Which component is most important. I'm not looking to have an unbalanced system. Eg. $15k speakers and a $500 DAC.

Appreciate any insight.

 

 

tee_dee

Showing 4 responses by vonhelmholtz

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

@tee_dee 

Is this the first, or the only $20K?

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

@tee_dee

Thanks, I probably should have asked if this is an installment, or for the full system.

DAC/preamp combination makes sense. Suggestions above allow you to avoid the extra expense of needing a Roon server. Next, or concurrently speakers.  Many consider the speakers to be a first purchase around which you build your system. If time isn’t an issue, the used market for the above equipment makes sense. Then sell equipment and evaluate your needs.

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

@blisshifi

Juan, I watched the T+A DAC 200 video. First, one of my favorite YouTube reviewers that I trust. Second, owning the Holo DAC May KTE and absolutely loving the Holo, I was stunned to hear that the T+A was much better. You told me this in private communications, so what was different was the excitement conveyed in the video.  Of course, there is always some give and take in doing comparisons as well as system synergy and personal taste.

vonhelmholtz
911 posts
 

@bigkidz

So, your recommendation is to buy an airline ticket and figure out what sound op is looking for before arriving at your establishment?

BTW.. I suspect that your description of your listening options is accurate.

More to discover