2. amps-preamps
  3. 160285-1541

Wife opened door to build my best ever system...ideas for what it should be?

Long ago investment that had languished for decades suddenly was transformed in value and is going to pay out. While the bulk of the money will help with our retirement, my wife suggested that this is the opportunity for me to "buy the system you always wanted but never had the chance to buy".....I am figuring on $10-20k to do this. I am presently fairly happy with my speakers (Ohm Walsh 2-100s, Kef R300s) and my sources (Sony SACD 5400ES, Marantz SA8006) but think my power sources have room for improvement (Acurus R11, McIntosh MC250, Marantz PM8005). Dont have a dedicated room though if we are able to buy a new house from this that is my BIG DREAM? For now, the 2 systems, which I would like to edit down to 1 with 1 set of power amps, are in my LR which is a bit cluttered but what I have. I listen to jazz, blues, rock, classical, acoustic music, Hawaiian slack key, bluegrass, female vocals...about 5000 CDs. There is no real shop locally, no techs, here in Hawaii but my in laws are in DE where I have been to Overture alot as well as a few other shops in PA, NJ. I expect it will probably be 6-9 months before I am in the place to spend the money and also hopefully to get off the rock and travel safely. So, its a good time for research and strategizing...especially under the pandemic. I think the amplification is focus one but maybe I need to think bigger and upgrade my speakers too? I cant get anything bigger than the Ohms and the room (12 deep by 18 wide by 9-14 feet high) will absorb only some much energy. I have never owned tubes and am intrigued although concerned about the heat during summer...I do have AC but also the US' most expensive power utility. My mind goes to things like McIntosh MC275 or MA7000, maybe Pass (never heard it), frankly never put a fantasy system together because I didnt see it happening...
Any and all suggestions are appreciated. I figure I will put a list together then down the road spend time on the Mnld and do lots of listening for system synergy...then hopefully be able to buy and ship and in a year have a new system....
joekapahulu

Showing 1 response by audiofound

audiofound
81 posts
 
My choices would include about anything in the Pass Labs lineup that fits your budget. Their stuff is just so consistently top notch and great sounding. Extreme attention to quality and detail in both sound and build. The best customer service in the business.

I did many hours of research (well over 100+ hours) and listening to numerous brands over the span of a year before settling on a Pass Labs int 250 integrated. I’m running the int 250 through a pair of Harbeth Super HL 5+ 40th Anniversary speakers, a dual power supply MSB Discrete DAC, and now have a little over 300 listening hours on the amp and my new system. I’m ecstatic with it. I couldn’t be happier. My ears are pretty happy too. ;)

A name that, IMHO, seems to sometimes get overlooked is Naim. I would take a serious look at a complete Naim system headed by their Supernait 3 integrated. Superb sounding amp and system. Major bang for the buck.

Other names I auditioned that I’d recommend include Luxman, Boulder, VAC, Simaudio/Moon and Gryphon. So many great choices out there.
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