Want to setup basic home audio system

Fun to think about. My guess is that I'm not alone out here in having haunted stereo stores since I was a teenager. It's free to look and listen and you can get a good sense of what's reasonable to expect at that budget. Putting together your own system with used equipment online is a great way to enjoy this "hobby," and a great way to save money, but you really have to know what you're doing, both in terms of the gear and the risks of online purchases. It looks like you have a few options for Seattle stores that sell some nice stuff. A good hi-end store should be able to put together a well integrated beginner system, and if they know what they're doing they'll treat you well ... and you'll end up back there, upgrading and upgrading! 

thecarpathian:
I’ve been eyeing ascend speakers after reading about them a lot on reddit and avforums. Thank you for the amp recommendation as well! Now I can start off somewhere and do my dd. I will definitely be looking at the used speaker marketplaces.
I decided to check out Best Buy magnolia tomorrow to test new speakers. You definitely been active in this thread and I’m extremely grateful for that!

chorus:
do you live in Washington state as well? You’re bada** for recommending a local shop. Man I am excited to check out their used selection! They definitely got great speakers and amps. I will call tomorrow and speak more with Dominic. Hopefully I can demo some of the used speakers and amps. Also, Cambridge audio speakers are well within my range! Got lost a few hours on their website browsing thru their products lol.

Ihasaguy:
how can I tell the difference between high efficiency speakers and normal efficiency ones? Are you talking about powered speakers rather than passive speakers?

glupson:
Hahahaha!! You got the best idea. But I agree with you. Good karma will come to those that send me your used gear.

jrpnde:
those are some great advices! I am more tempted to check out local audio dealers and work with them before settling on anything. You’re right on the money that I should get a system that works together as a unit. Thank you for that advice!

With what I know after 45 years as a audiophile I would recommend holding out till you get at least 1,500.00 dollars and then make your move . It'll give you more options and breathing room .

diripio,

I was not kidding. I suspect that many Audiogon members have an extra amplifier in the closet. Not necessarily a brand new D'Agostino, but something still reasonably good that they have not touched in years.

Unfortunately, the amplifier I would happily get my karma points on is inaccessible to me now so no karma for me.

Do not forget, once you consider smaller/bookshelf speakers they will have to stand on something. Those stands, even really cheap ones, will set you back a hundred or two, but more likely three.

My office setup is a pair of B&W 602’s (1st Gen) and a Marantz M-CR611. Works great, and used you can easily do it under 1k. CD, all streaming services etc. plus the option to add with other inputs.