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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 1 response by soix

soix
8,640 posts
 
If piano is a big thing for you I'd strongy recommend hearing the Soliloquy 6.2(around $2700/pr.)--makes many other speakers sound like they leave half the sound of the piano behind. They're a pretty forgiving load and sound good with lots of electronics, but I'd do something like a Placette passive pre(the one with 3 inputs at about $1400), an Odyssey Stratos amp, and maybe something like a Cambridge CD player or a Sony CD/SACD player that you can get modified later. I'd worry about the cables later--get the components(especially the speakers) right first. Best of luck.

Tim
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