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 1 response by psychicanimal

James, since you are starting, just about anything that is good high end will do. I have never had that kind of cash to throw in at once!

Your statement saying "I have a large room 15' by 20' but can't be too fussy with placement" indicates two things to me:

1) Your wife's got her setup the way *she* wants.
2) You don't want to go through the learning curve.

Speaker placement is absolutely critical--even if you buy Bose...now, some speakers are less placement sensitive. My Swans M1 are an example. They have a controlled dispersion ribbon tweeter that is less finicky of room interactions. It works.

Whatever you do, make sure you either get a dedicated line or get power line filtration properly taken care of. Search the files.

Regards,

P/A