System forclassical music


Some friends are looking to upgrade their home stereo system from something that is probably 30 years old with in-wall speakers wired throughout their house.  They are classical music buffs, which makes me leery of giving them much advice (I prefer rock, female jazz vocalists and Argentine tango).  They are discerning listeners, but probably because of their current system their expectations were low - they really didn't think that a home system could come anywhere close to a concert hall experience until I streamed Chapotier's Te Deum from Qobuz on my (modest) system and their eyebrows went up.  I told them that they could reasonably do even better, but I really wouldn't know what to advise them.  I realized that I actually don't know a dealer I would trust sending them to!  Sad, but true.

So let's say a budget of $5 to $10K for a core system (streamer, DAC, amps, sub, speakers - TT and CD transport to be added later).  Integrated is fine.  Assume a 15x20 multi-purpose room (I alerted them to room correction, but first things first).  Any suggestions as to what might be a good fit for them?  Thanks.
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Mahler123 - Rouge Audio on Milwaukee?  Do you mean Decibel Audio?  Or is there a new dealer in town?  That would be refreshing as the trend is going the other way!  Decibel is a good source for Rogue gear.  Maybe that's what you meant.

Nice guys at Simply Stereo, hopefully they have their showroom sorted out now after the move.  Haven't been there in about 6 mos.  Saturday Audio is a good no-nonsense place with mostly mainstream gear. 

Try and get them to visit as many as they can to get a good feel.  Luckily, Chicago and northern suburbs still have a decent number left.  Then there is Axpona in October.  Another way to get a good feel for what they might want.  Really hoping it doesn't get shut down again!
If they attend the symphony regularly, then they are sophisticated listeners.

This would make a sub or two an important addition. Rogue Sphinx V3 is a good recommendation, hybrid so it will have solid state low-end slam. And the price is right.


I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I can't help myself...
Marc-Antione Charpentier. Pronounced Shar-pon-tee-yay.

Aside from me being a pedant, there were a lot good answers.
They definitely should listen first and with in-walls... they can't.

Enjoy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxZQ1ODN1iU
op

are they buying new gear at retail or are they willing to buy very good condition used? latter will get them better sounding gear, obviously, but may take some add’l effort

and what cosmetic limitations or constraints do they have?

if it were me in their situation i would buy the following:

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649742043-spendor-sp91-floor-stand-speakers/
https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649756198-hegel-h-120-integrated-amp-w-dac/
https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisab1hg-bluesound-node-2i-wireless-network-streamer-white-open-bo...
use the node2i digital output to feed the digital input of the hegel
plus a qobuz annual subscription

5 grand, done... for classical this system will make no apologies to any system up to 3x the cost imho
Fredapplegate, no problem.  The YouTube performance was beautiful, even on my IEMs.  Maybe I should explore more classical...
I don't think my friends want to replace their in-wall system with another in-wall system.  My impression is  that they are quite willing to chuck the in-wall for free-standing speakers.  Sorry if that was not clear.
I, too, am intrigued by the Rogue Sphinx amps.  Haven't had the opportunity to test one yet, though.

 The comments and recommendations have been most helpful.  Again, many thanks.