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starting from scratch ...new system

Dear Audiophiles:
I’m new to hi fi and looking for some advice about a system.
My room is a finished basement, about 11 by 16, with 6.5 foot ceilings. There is a carpet on the floor, and the room has some funny angles to it, so I need something that isn’t too fussy. I am thinking mini-monitor. I would like to be able to play CDs and am also thinking of getting my first turntable. For this reason, I have been thinking of a Rega system, since their turntables (even entry level) seem excellent. I play a lot of jazz but also rock, pop, blues, and country.

Since I am starting from scratch, I could really go many different directions. My budget for the whole system is around 5-6 k. I wonder if forum members have any ideas for me about possible system configurations? Here are some things I have been thinking about:

-Rega Brio R, Rega Apollo R, Rega Rp1, with Harbeth P3esr

-I am also intrigued by the KEF LS50. Is this too much speaker for the size of my room? Would it work well with the above components, or would it need more power? If so, I have thought about running the Kefs with a Rega Elicit R (paired with Apollo R and Rp1). Or switching to the Musical Fidelity M3i? Or would the KEFs run better with Naim amplification? If so, which Naim would pair best, and does this mean I need an external phono stage? (The Rega Rp1 is “plug and play” but I still don’t even know what this means.)

-Does anyone yet have any experience with the new Dynaudio Excite x14?

Any ideas most appreciated! If this was your room, what would you do?
mc
mcanaday

Showing 2 responses by dayglow

dayglow
2,026 posts
 
Mcanaday-I will try to put a system together with all NEW components here goes...
Speakers-Silverline Prelude Plus
Amp-Onkyo-9070
Digital-Onkyo-7000R
Cables-Audio Magic-Liquid Air
Power Cords-Opera Audio-Ella Baby
Power Strip-Opera Audio-PW3
Power Filter-Shunyata-Venom Defender

I didn't just throw good quality components together to fit a price point. I just recently listened to a lesser Onkyo cdp and HT receiver drive a Sonus Faber Venere 3.0 with decent results, which really impressed me. Since the SF 3.0 is a demanding speaker requiring a lot of power/current to really open up. The Onkyo Reference gear that I recommend is from the flagship line which will be plenty for the efficient Prelude Plus. The Silverline Prelude Plus is just a great versatile allrounder which will work with all types of music. With the slender Prelude Plus you will avoid the need for speaker stands and will get better bass then with most similiar priced monitors. The Audio Magic Liquid Air(entry level) cables may appear $$$ for your system but they have to be the best current value in cables, they lifted a haze from my system! I currently use Opera Audio Ella Baby power cords in my system. They are big, bold and dynamic they do some things better then my Acoustic Revive-Reference power cord. If your not familiar with Opera Audio contact Quest for Sound, nice people that should offer you a discount. You will need a power strip and the all metal well made Opera-PW3 that has surge protection is a great cost effective choice. The plug in Shunyata-Defender will at least give you some filteration at a minimal cost. I left out racks/vibration control/room acoustic products because this is such a personal decision on how important and how much more money you want to spend. Enjoy the journey!
dayglow
2,026 posts
 
Mcanaday-If your from Canada the Canuck Audio Mart is a good 2nd option. Used gear is not a bad idea but you have to be very careful, your much better off buying a demo from a dealer and saving nearly as much money. Also look into the future with your system so upgrades can come in small increments. As you see with many of the posts most of us don't agree(lol). Why focus on a subwoofer(where a small % of music exists) that can cause more negatives then positives. With the speakers I suggested the need for a sub is mute, unless Virgil Fox and Michael Murray dominate your music collection? Focus on the source(cdp) and the cables that are able to communicate the music to the amp and speakers. Your next future upgrade should be your amp in the system I suggested. That's why I recommended a good but modestly priced int. amp to start with.
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