Very interesting post! For the amp/preamp, how about an NAD 3020? I really like the idea of the Maggies for the speakers if they work with the NAD, otherwise maybe some Spica TC-50s, Vandersteen 1s or old ARs? For the digital source, while I'd like SACD to stick, I'm not sure we can put the format into the "classic" category yet, but the problem is that the early CD players were awful, nothing you could truly call classic there. Maybe one of the early Rotel units (855?) that were among the first listenable and affordable CD players? Or, if you still have some vinyl for him, an AR turntable?
Cult Classics for Young Future Audiophile
My young nephew turns 10 this week and I would like to buy him his first stereo, assembled from used classics that I will clean, restore etc and wrap up in big boxes.
He is taking piano and saxophone lessons, is generally very creative and artistic and has expressed an interest in Charlie Parker. As his Uncle, I am encouraging him to listen to music as much as possible while he is "working" on his artistic interests.
Can anyone help with ideas for assembling a high end, classic system that will be fairly reliable, inexpensive and whet his appetite for music and high end audio?
At first I thought a kid his age might enjoy some of the big classic receivers or amps from the 70's with multiple LEDs , VU meters, tone controls etc. -- remember Yamaha "Natural Sound" -- but he is very smart and technical and would also get the mimimalistic, straight wire with gain, audiophile approach.
Apt Holman amp and preamp? Classic Hafler amp and preamp? A pair of used Maggie SMGs? With one of the less expensive, discontinued but still new in box SACD players?
I would like to keep this well under $1000.00 -- closer to $500 would be ideal.
He is taking piano and saxophone lessons, is generally very creative and artistic and has expressed an interest in Charlie Parker. As his Uncle, I am encouraging him to listen to music as much as possible while he is "working" on his artistic interests.
Can anyone help with ideas for assembling a high end, classic system that will be fairly reliable, inexpensive and whet his appetite for music and high end audio?
At first I thought a kid his age might enjoy some of the big classic receivers or amps from the 70's with multiple LEDs , VU meters, tone controls etc. -- remember Yamaha "Natural Sound" -- but he is very smart and technical and would also get the mimimalistic, straight wire with gain, audiophile approach.
Apt Holman amp and preamp? Classic Hafler amp and preamp? A pair of used Maggie SMGs? With one of the less expensive, discontinued but still new in box SACD players?
I would like to keep this well under $1000.00 -- closer to $500 would be ideal.