Home audio system recommendations


Hi

I hope I have this in the correct forum.

I’m new to this forum and returning to home audio after about a 35 year absence. I am looking to replace my very old system and would be interested in what your recommendations would be.

I enjoy a wide range of genres but primarily gravitate towards rock. About the only genres to do not care for is metal, hip hop/rap and opera and even in those genres I have found cuts that I like.

I was also a part time drummer for many years as well as a front of house audio engineer, that was good enough to freelance with a couple of the larger regional audio production companies in my area.

I am not a technician and have been out of the business now for about 12 years so a lot off the technical jargon is lost on me primarily because I have forgotten what it is.
I like what I call a rich sound. A modified flat, ear response curve with a little bump up in frequencies at 5K and up, a little bigger bump up at 100hz and down and dip in the in the 1K to 2K range. I also like it loud.

The only piece of high end audio equipment I’m familiar with is Magnepan. I love their clarity and accuracy but I’m not sure they can deliver the very low end that I’m looking for, at least not by them selves. I’ve also heard some Bowers & Wilkins that I’ve liked.

As far as amps and preamps I have no idea as to what I am doing. I have listened to a couple of McIntosh amps and I was not impressed. I thought they were rather thin sounding. I have also listened to a couple of Bel Canto amps, a Coda Technology and an Audio Research amp, all of which I thought were better than the McIntosh amps.

I do not know the models of any of the gear that I have listened to with the exception of the Bel Canto which was their current e series mono block amps with their e 3.7 DAC/Preamp. All other amps were integrated.

I would not call myself a purist. I’m just interested in good clean sound with some solid low end thump. Any recommendations?

Thanks

audiorusty

Showing 2 responses by gdnrbob

My take:
Try to audition as many speakers as you can. If you are in the NE, then I can give you some dealers.
I wouldn't worry too much about the amp/pre/dac/etc. When you find something that 'wow's you, then start looking at the other components.
Also, if you find something, let us know and I can assure you, there will be a flurry of posters offering other brands that should be similar sonic-wise.
Of course, if you aren't near any major cities, things are a bit more difficult. Then either take our recommendations with a grain of salt, or try to make some time to go and visit the dealers closest to you-It makes a nice weekend trip-Just contact who ever you are considering and give them a heads up that you are coming and if they can accommodate you.
B
Well, if you are going to keep the Maggie's, then you should only concern yourself with amp/pre/dac or TT.
John Rutan at Audioconnection sells Magnepan and other speakers.
I would PM or email him and get his take on this. I hate to recommend a brand of speaker/amp/pre just because I like it. It is the synergy of the components that make the music come to life. And, Johnny is one of the nicest and knowledgeable people you will find in the hifi world.
B