2. amps-preamps
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Help in putting together my system with used equipment on Audiogon and eBay.

I’m looking for the best bang for the buck. What equipment can I find that would make the best system for my budget ($8000)? I'm starting out with:

Pass Labs X1 Preamp, my rock to start with. I got it for $2500 This is where you can help me the most. Let me know your best match for this pre-amp, or the ones you have found to be the best you have heard!

Bryston 4B SST amp for about $1700. It’s been my experience that more power wakes up a speaker and pins it’s ears back. At 300wpc and the reviews on this amp I picked it, but just to start. I really need some experienced people to give me recommendations for the amp, or if the Bryston is a winner. I can sell this for a better amp.

Do I need a DAC?

Phono. I’ve realized that might be a big reason why people go to separates isn’t it? I’d like to hear some comments on this. If you have separates and no phono, what do you use? Stream music? CD’s?

CD player? I do have a lot of CD’s. With separates, it’s either phono, cd, or streaming correct?

I’m not really a phono guy, but I know which albums I would buy so it is an option. I wouldn’t know a good phono if you hit me with it. Please recommend a few.

I’m leaning toward B&W speakers just because of their reputation. I may spend up to 5k on a good pair of speakers, but I want them to be used and costing much more when bought new. I know how to spot a good deal and not buy speakers on their death bed (from reputable sellers), but I need your recommendations too. You all have heard more speakers than I ever have and will.

**I’m going to check this post often and answer any questions and write down your recommendations.
I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL IN ADVANCE FOR THIS, IT IS A BIG DEAL FOR ME!
128x128imabucfan
audition__audio
1,325 posts
 
I have digital but I am really a analog guy. As the Klipsch fans on this forum already know, I do not like Klipsch speakers. However I also believe that if a person likes a speaker then this is the correct speaker for this listener. With this in mind, the only thing I think Klipsch do well is play loud. With solid state amplification, you may be in for migraine city. The main advantage of horn designs is high efficiency so this type of design lends itself to tubes. In fact if a speaker reacts well to tube amplification I cant think of single reason not to use a tube amp. 

I have never been able to live without an active preamp so I would discourage building a system without one. In terms of speakers you need to decide what is most important to you in terms of sonics and then determine the design. I think you need to narrow things down a bit and then perhaps I can help with the speakers.
imabucfan's avatar
imabucfan OP
38 posts
 
Speakers aside, I think I need to figure out how to implement a DAC, music streamer, headphone amp, and possibly my lifetime Sirius subscription into my system. I'm starting to visualize stacks of gear on my audio rack or lack of because of my budget.
dawkimi
28 posts
 
For digital, I would potentially try out Schiit Yggdrasil GS or Chord Qutest - both can be had for around $1,600 new.
imabucfan's avatar
imabucfan OP
38 posts
 
Thank you all for the relies!!! If anyone has a good suggestion for equipment on Audiogon or eBay that I could use please message me! I will consider this post closed since it is long and old, but feel free to post, I will be watching it!!! Thank you all very 
mrdecibel
2,937 posts
 
Imabucfan, obviously, you have gotten several relies ( replies, lol ), and please keep in mind, suggestions and recommendations, are generally made, based on what people like, for themselves. A thread that is in it's 3rd day, is not an old thread at all. I do not go to audio shows, anymore, as " I " do not find them informative, nor fun. But, for a person, such as yourself, definitely a good time to be had. I too, am here to help, when you are ready. 
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