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
Thanks mrdecibel, I will be asking many questions once I feel I am going to buy or hookup equipment!
I’m in Jacksonville also. There are several shop options to go to and listen to gear. Best Buy Magnolia Room, Hoyt Stereo, House of Stereo... They all provide different options at varying price points. Enjoy the search and don’t be afraid to dream. 
Starting with the Pass labs preamp is an awesome start!

so many options u can go with!

  Don’t waste too much on a CD player, there is not a huge diff between mnay of them sound wise. I’ve been through a min of 20 CD players over the years, just go with a descent brand and save some $.

 Amps are a huge choice, the Pass pre will be very good with almost all good amps, it will make a good amp great, or a basic amp sound better.

 Check out the Odyssey Kismet+ monoblocks. 
Gobs of great amps , have patience with audiogon, and wait for the amp(s) you want. 

You ou have a good chunk of $ for an amazing system.

keep us informed.

cables I would go with those Belden from blue jeans, there great, or pop for better from Odyssey, those Groneberg rcas’ are amazing, but need a week or two to break in.

 Pass pre! Nice!!!
an amazing start to a great system!
good luck.

you can buy a lot of amps, audition them, and sell for the same or maybe a bit more.
 I went through so mnay amps over the years before finding my grails.  The search and hunt is the best part!

keep us up to date on your purchases, it sounds like u know what your doing!
Forgot;;;;;;

Be careful with the ebay website.
lots of scammers on eBay!

 Be very careful w them.