Looking to build a system for under $5k

My 1st suggestion is to purchase a copy of "The Complete Guide to High End Audio" by Robert Harley. Begin with reading the first couple chapters.

Have you heard the Vandersteen 1Ci speakers? I agree they are a good candidate for your proposed system, however you won't know without a listen. Regarding audio shows or dealer demo, I believe one should use then to get a better feeling for what sound qualities one prefers in a speaker than which pair to buy. This is especially true for one new to audio.

At your budget, and you can put together a very nice system. I agree that you should search for speakers that are at least of moderate sensitivity, 88dB and 8 ohm, therefore not needing excessive power. However I don't agree that it is necessary to spend half your budget on speakers. SPeakers have much to say about the character of a system, however the quality is determined by the balance of all components.  

I also believe you should purchase an integrated amplifier. There are many of recent vintage that would serve your budget. I would look for a used, however not too old one in the $1000- $1500 range. Are you willing to purchase used?

Regarding the digital source, do you have a collection of CDs? Are you looking to stream audio off internet radio? 

Yes, I have provided more questions than answers, however to best help we need to know. 

Take your time with this and I am sure you will be end up with a high quality system.

Joe, good to hear back from you. In as much as I agree with Audiotroy, and agree you should check out Audio Doctor, I also believe much of his advice and several of his questions were asked by several who responded to you in previous posts. I myself have asked several questions, while not suggesting the purchase of a single specific component.

When asking advice on a forum like this it is best to provide as much information about what it is your are looking for in a system, your listening environment, your sonic preferences (takes listening to several systems to understand this), and of course budget to solicit the best responses.

You are forunate to live where there are several quality outlets to visit to discover for yourself what will make for the best system for you. After some exploration, if you wish you can get back to us with more specific question.

Some personal, and in no way exhaustive,  suggestions reflecting my approach to putting together a system at your budget, some of which have been aforementioned in posts above:

Listen to several speakers, even those out of budget to get a feel for what sonic characters suit you best. I am not one to suggest spending half your budget on speakers. There are many $1000 - $2000 pairs that will play well into your room. I prefer 2-way stand mounts for bedroom sized rooms. Those of moderate to high sensitivity and not low ohm opens up choices for amplification. You should not need an excessive amount of power so you can focus on quality not quantity wattage.

Think in terms of an integrated amplifier. Best bang for you buck, and there are many available to fit your budget. Choice will be in part dependent on speaker. On an aside, I did own a Vincent hybrid once and wish I never sold it.

Regarding source equipment, there are so many ways to go. Give much consideration to what sources you are going to utilize. This will determine to great extent your allocation of budget and what features you will need in an amplifier.  I believe you desire to focus on digital for now with the possibility of getting a TT later. Either source demands much research to get right. Much information on this and other forums regarding digital and analog sources.

Buy the cables you need used online. You will save money. Research room treatment and practice DIY.

All provided with best intentions, regards.

Mike

 

Joe, Yes soundstaging and imaging are very important to me also. My system resides in a bedroom (15x12x8 feet) and puts me front row center stage in a jazz club. Were you listening in rooms close to the size of yours? Thanks for the update.

Provided that the speakers have been determined to be 'the ones' for ones taste and room, I do not have a problem pairing a $1500 speaker to a $2500 integrated amplifier (or visa versa for that matter, though i generally am less inclined to advise this ratio). That said, one issue here is that the working budget is $5000 which only leaves $1000 for source components and cables. Now this is doable, however depending on what source flexibility is desired. Spending 50% of ones $5000 budget on amplification can likely result in a 'weak link' elsewhere in the chain unless a CD player is the only source. Options in the digital domain have expanded greatly since the advent of the CD player.

You have selected speakers, now focus on an integrated amplifier that plays well with them. I would suggest that you focus on finding a quality line level integrated amp and a used external DAC.  A DAC with the appropriate inputs can serve for CD playback with a transport and also for streaming via computer or other device. As an example, Cambridge Audio makes a CD transport that retails for $500 (though I hear sells for less) which could be mated to a high quality used DAC that would sell under $1000, leaving you $2000+ for an integrated amplifier and cables.  (finding a DAC for $500 would allow funds for the Belles). 

In addition to Belles, other integrated amps that would drive the Vandys are provided by NAD, Rouge Audio, Parasound, Arcam, Hagel, Vincent, and several others.  Hopefully other will ad to this list.

If you want a integrated amplifier that has it all check out the Parasound Halo. A review was published by Stereophile November 2015 and can be found online.  Line level, digital, phono, minijack inputs are some of it's features.

I just went to the Audio Connections web site. Why not go back and ask to listen to the Vandys as driven by the Rouge Sphinx and Cronus, Nad 356BEE and C375, Hegel 80, in addition to the Belles?

You did well my friend. Please get back to us once system is set up in your room and you have spent some time with it. I believe you made some wise choices all around. I wasn't sure if you intended on using a computer for streaming and did not know you had a player with digital out. Knowing that I would have more strongly suggested you purchase a DAC. That is one thing about a DAC with appropriate inputs, it can serve two sources. I am not sure if I mentioned this on your thread but I also like to spin a disc, even though I rip my CDa as files onto my MAC mini computer.

Enjoy the music! 

You are welcome. Have to commend Johnny for great service.