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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
gumbydammit
186 posts
 
spearitsound

Hmmm, could that be the old "sound & music"??
gumbydammit
186 posts
 
There is a an Accuphase P-300 on flea-bay right now that looks very nice for 400.00 opening bid. No one has bid on it (it has old style analog meters, so the "light show" isn't impressive)
I know of no NAD amp priced in that range that could ever come near it in terms of build quality and musical "live with it in the house and be happy making music" factor.

If you like smooth, this amp and a good CD would make life grand.
Of course, it is over budget. ;>)
(I think I want that Accuphase. I wish I had not just spent all my $ on cart and cabling.)
seminolead1
5 posts
 
I noticed a pair of Vienna Acoustics Mozarts for $1200 posted to my local (Philadelphia) Craigslist. I don't know if you are in the Philadelphia area and these are the same speakers you are considering, but there are a few stores where you can demo some high end gear if that's the case. That being said, I think you are on the right track. If your budget can be adjusted for a little more towards the source component, you might want to consider an older Rega Planet or even a Music Hall CD player. They can be had in the $300 to $400 range and might match better with the other equipment mentioned.
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,467 posts
 
listen closely to the vienna acoustics. i believe they have cabinet colorations(resonances) which are audible.

Of course they do - but what can you expect at an entry level. Give Drew credit for selecting a warm speaker that will have a bit of over emphasized bass which he will actually need in a such large space...
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