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any advice appreciated

Hello all. I've learned a lot from this forum. This is my first post, but I've been reading for a while. I'm about to set up my first real stereo system and I'd like your advice on the direction I'm going.

I have a budget of about $1700 for startup. I want a 2.0 system. I listen to listen to blues, rock, folk, motown, and some jazz. My living room is approx 25'x35' with 13' ceilings. I listen at moderate levels.

I'm about to pull the trigger and buy:

1. A used pair of Vienna Acoustic Mozart speakers ($1200)
2. A barely used NAD C 325 BEE amp. ($325)
3. A CD player yet to be determined. ($200)

My preferences tend to be toward warm rich tones. Anybody think I'm on the wrong path here? I'm in an area of the country that prohibits me from driving to my local retailer for a demo.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.
drew151
jsbail
368 posts
 
I think that will be a great system. You will need to nearfield listen in that large room. The Mozart is a great speaker, I have a pair in a second system. If you have an Ipod, use that instead of a cd player for now and save for a USB dac.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Welcome aboard!

I can't stress enough how important your front end really is.
Try not to skimp too badly on the player. A used Jolida CD player would fit nicely into your setup.

$1200 can buy a lot of speaker used. It's a shame you're not able to get out and listen. You could get a speaker of comparable quality for less and put that money into your amplifier and source.

If you have to just use a current DVD player or whatever you have laying around. Wait and add some money to those $200 dedicated for the source. Believe me ..you'll wish you had.

My source and amplifier cost much more than the speakers I use. Spending the majority of your money on speakers isn't always the correct path.

You ever heard that saying sh@t rolls down hill? Well the rules apply to audio as well. ;-)

Just something to think about.

Good luck and have fun!
mariasplunge
174 posts
 
Spend most of your budget on the best power cords you can buy.

Really though...take the long approach. This is a great place to start. Get your equipment(particularly staying close to your budget), set it up, enjoy the sound and continue to squirrel away some money. After awhile you'll know what more you want from your rig and you'll take the next step. Remember this is a hobby.

Don't forget to have fun!
mrtennis
3,295 posts
 
listen closely to the vienna acoustics. i believe they have cabinet colorations(resonances) which are audible.

i vote for the logans with a tube integrated amp.
samujohn's avatar
samujohn
291 posts
 
They may not be new and sexy and come with big bragging rights, but the venerable Vandersteen 2C is one of, if not the most popular high end speaker of all time, and for good reason.
Easy to buy and sell, it is full range, has level controls to mitigate room problems, and will fill up a large room with modest power amp requirements.
After a year or so listening to this reference speaker you will know enough to audition more expensive stuff and have a good idea if they are worth the difference.
P.S A refurbished DVD player from HK (check their website) is about $100 and comes with a factory warranty.
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