System forclassical music


Some friends are looking to upgrade their home stereo system from something that is probably 30 years old with in-wall speakers wired throughout their house.  They are classical music buffs, which makes me leery of giving them much advice (I prefer rock, female jazz vocalists and Argentine tango).  They are discerning listeners, but probably because of their current system their expectations were low - they really didn't think that a home system could come anywhere close to a concert hall experience until I streamed Chapotier's Te Deum from Qobuz on my (modest) system and their eyebrows went up.  I told them that they could reasonably do even better, but I really wouldn't know what to advise them.  I realized that I actually don't know a dealer I would trust sending them to!  Sad, but true.

So let's say a budget of $5 to $10K for a core system (streamer, DAC, amps, sub, speakers - TT and CD transport to be added later).  Integrated is fine.  Assume a 15x20 multi-purpose room (I alerted them to room correction, but first things first).  Any suggestions as to what might be a good fit for them?  Thanks.
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Showing 3 responses by lowrider57

Devore Gibbon line (probably used due to budget).
Focused, accurate, produces a wide 3D soundstage with large-scale classical.


If they attend the symphony regularly, then they are sophisticated listeners.

This would make a sub or two an important addition. Rogue Sphinx V3 is a good recommendation, hybrid so it will have solid state low-end slam. And the price is right.


I have a season ticket package for the orchestra and it's true we don't get the magnitude of bass that audiophiles expect. But there are the passages performed by tympani which at times can sound like rolling thunder (high school tympanist here). Also, the contrabassoon reaches a lower octave that can be reproduced on a revealing HiFi system. There are these moments that I miss since I don't use a subwoofer with my floorstanders. Same with organ recordings, I know I'm missing what I heard at the concert hall.
The tradeoff is that my speakers image so well and realistically I can enjoy the experience without hearing the lowest octaves.