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Best system for the budding audiophile?

What began as a search for new speakers has rapidly evolved into the development of a new system. After reading many reviews (none of which are negative - Hmmm?!), I am humbly turning to this sage group for recommendations.

I am an avid listener of classical and jazz. I occasionally listen to select blues and rock, but that's not my first love. For me, I like a piano to sound like a piano, a guitar like a guitar, etc. No coloration, just the facts, so to speak. I am not a bass hound but prefer a detailed midrange and clear highs. I also look for a open spacious sound stage for symphonic pieces. I have a large room 15' by 20' but can't be too fussy with placement. I am budgeting around $5,000 for my new system.

Based on this information, what system would you build (Amp, CD player, speakers)? which is better bookshelf speakers with stands or floorstanding? I appreciate any advice you might have.

Thanks in advance,
cdilascia

Showing 2 responses by neubilder

neubilder
129 posts
 
The molecular structure of interconnects is NOT what a budding audiophile needs to worry about. Nor is "a dedicated power line". Come on guys. Why impose your neurosis on a well-intentioned newcomer? Tube vs Solid State? Fair enough. Planar vs. conventional speakers? Fine. Integrated vs. separates? These are the kinds of things I wanted to know when I first got into this habit.
neubilder
129 posts
 
You could set up very nice Linn active (aktiv) system for under 5K. You should at least give it a listen. For jazz, piano, strings...IMO for everything, the Linn system does it better. It's errors are errors of omission - you won't find bloated bass or tinny highs here. Used Keilidhs-800$, 2 x LK140(amps)850$each, Wakonda(pre)-700$, Genki(CD)-1400(new), K400(Spkr cable) 100$, interconnects included with components. 4700$ total - for a simple, elegant AND AMAZING SOUNDING system. This is my current system. When I hear systems worth many, many times more, I often prefer the sound of mine, and very few systems in it's price range touch it. I agree about a REGA system, excellent value and quality. Also, Castle speakers, Joseph Audio, Audio Physic, Aerial acoustics, Totem, and some of the other British speakers mentioned at the top. - Speaker to avoid: B&W. (a British speaker that the Brits don't buy) - even the top of the line nautilus has a sound that is unrefined and seems to cater to generic tastes (boom&tizz).
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