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 willgolf

My wife did something similar with me also a couple years ago. I live in Arizona where it is extremely hot in the summer and I had tube amps. The heat from tube amps is not an issue. The sound is just more musical in my mind.

As part of my research and journey and picking out a new audio system, we did travel together to visit many audio stores around the country. There are many in California especially Los Angeles where we got a lot of ideas. I also went to New Jersey and New York and listened to some great systems. Once you are done with your initial research, if there’s a way for you to come to California or the East Coast you really do need to listen to the systems yourself.

Given your budget I would recommend you include in your research looking at Raven audio out of Texas. They have many different types of integrated and mono tube amps, speakers, and cables. They also offer a 45 day money back guarantee. I would also call Dave Thomson from Raven and get his views on amplification and speakers. He is a super friendly guy and extremely knowledgeable.
If you were in New Jersey, I would give the audio doctor a call. He had a major health concern the spring but also can give you some valuable advice.

I can tell you it is a fun experience made even better by a wife who is also interested in me having the best sound possible. Good luck and have fun.