New Build


I am in the beginning stages of building my hifi system.

Here is what I have:

Spectral DMC-10 Preamp
Kinima G2 speakers
Pro-Ject 1.2 turntable w/ Ortofon Red
Magnum Dynalab FT-101

Here is what I need:

A power amp, or sell the Spectral and pick up an integrated.

I think I would like more inputs on the pre. I do use phono and have heard the Spectral is amazing at that. I will be fine with 3 inputs for now as I am only planning on adding a CD player, but wouldn't mind having XM and TV in the mix later on. (only have one audio set-up is desirable, but not mandatory...can always use a Onkyo etc to run the vid / XM)

If I sell the Spectral what is good phono stage or is there an integrated amp out there that has a decent phono onboard?

If going with a power amp, I want tube. Leaning towards

Audio Rearch vs55 or vsI55
Cary SLI-80
VTL ST85
Manley Stingray??

Others......???

What would you do?

Thanks!

Rob
robrush

Showing 2 responses by shadorne

You should seriously consider auditioning other (better) speakers before further upgrades, IMHO.
I have not yet picked up the G2's but can get them for $400. Are the Kinima's that bad?

I don't have direct experience but the look of them and the design got me very worried. A quick google indicate that there are some unhappy customers of their other speakers. So just a word of caution - there might be a good reason they are so "cheap".

I would recommend you get a pair of Veritas 1.8 used. I think you can find some quite close to your price range.

Of course I could be completely wrong...but I sense something wrong and I also read that they went out of business after only a few years. The Veritas 1.8 are discontinued too but Energy is well known and respected brand and these were probably they best speaker they have made, so far.