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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 tacs

tacs
220 posts
 
I agree the Maggies sound great, but if someone wants ease of placement and wants to hear all of the music when he's off in the kitchen somewhere, Maggies aren't the best choice...they're so directional at the higher frequencies. Pick soemthing with wider dispersion.
tacs
220 posts
 
1) Find speakers that you like. Recommend PMC, Spendor, Harbeth as examples of well rounded speakers that have excellent build quality and satifying all round sound. PMC has a floorstander with a transmission line bass loading that is excellent in all areas. About $2500. However, these are not commonly carried by a lot of dealers so it may be hard to listen to them first.
2) Get a competent solid state amp like the Bryston (the 60 watt integrated will do, the B-60). about $1500, or less used.
3) Don't skimp on the CD player! I believe the rega Planet 2000 is a pretty good value and offers fine all around sound. $1000.
This system will not play super loud but will generally satisfy.
Another route:
Cabasse Farella 401s around $2500, a Cary integrated tube amp (around $1500) - or see audioelectronicsupply.com; and the same CD player. You could also try the audioelectronicsupply speaker which is a bargain and a good match for their electronics. With the high sensitivity the system will not need much power, and the naturalness of the sound will be addicting. This is sort of the audiophile version of the system.

ORRR:
An all-Rega system from speakers to amp to source, can be had for $5000 and the sound, I've heard from all the hi-fi show reports, is always a standout.

finally: Competent cables, as from DIYcables.com.

To get much better sound than the above setups, you are going to have to spend over 2x as much, if not more, looking for that last 2%...unless (or even if) you're obsessed or have too much money, this will be an exercise in frustration!

Sorry, there are just too many options to list!
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