Advice for Neophyte Assembling a System


Greetings. I am in the process of researching system options for a listening room and would greatly appreciate any advice for selecting components. The listening room measures 16'6" long x 17'4" wide (components/speakers against this wall) with a 10' ceiling. Two sides are glass and two are solid. I listen mainly to rock, pop and alternative music and appreciate a good, deep bass. The budget is ~$40k. 

Wondering whether separates or an integrated amp would be the way to go? I've listened to the Wilson Sabrinas driven by a Linn amp (not sure which), which sound great but am wondering what other speaker/amp combinations would be worth auditioning? Would the Esoteric F-03A integrated at 30Wpc be adequate to drive the Sabrinas at moderate to loud levels in a listening room of the above dimensions?

Any thoughts and insight would be sincerely appreciated.

Thanks for your consideration.   
vanquish

Showing 2 responses by gdnrbob

If you like Sabrina's then you should like Vandersteen.
Unlike Wilson, Vandersteen's are time and phase aligned and are very easy to drive.
The Pass amp mentioned offers a lot more power than conventional amps-Mr. Pass usually underrates them.
Wilson's are known to be difficult to drive speakers (though newer models seem to be less so). 
I just looked at the specs and Wilson recommends 50 wpc. which seems reasonable. I think any speaker you get will need at least that amount.
The more power available, the more headroom for transients and little things that give music its' 'sparkle'.

From what you posted, I would also look into room treatment.
Glass is one of the worst things for music-highly reflective.

My 2 cents...
Look at lots of different speakers and find the characteristics you like.
Then narrow it down and make a decision.
After that, deciding on amps, preamps and sources will fall into place.

Lastly, where are you located? Any dealers near you?
Bob
@OP, 
It looks like Audio Concepts is in Dallas is a Vandy Dealer. Have you checked them? If you have, and found them unhelpful, I would call Richard Vandersteen directly. Leave a message and he will call the next day. Trust me.

Second, fabric shades should help with reflections, but you can also hang a blanket temporarily to see if it helps. Room correction though necessary, can be fun. Use your imagination.
Bob