If you like PSBs, try some Energy RC-10s. They may not be especially "refined" but they have a full sound, very good bass, easy to drive (8 ohms, 88db), and forgiving of equipment.
..... and they are CHEAP. You'd probably be able to get them for $200-300. At that price you could give them away after....they look good too (especially the Cherry).
Or Usher 520s (never tried but tempted sometimes).
I use anti-cables (I'm be tempted to try some DH Labs Q-10 speaker cables), DH Labs Silver Revelation and BLII cables and Signal Cables. I've never used them, but Blue Jeans Cables gets mentioned often. These companies seem to get mentioned often when it comes to bang-for-buck.
I really don't know how much of a difference expensive ICs make, but I don't care. There's no way I can or would spend too much money on them. The only reason I spend what I do on them is that I don't want them to be the "weak" link...
I figure it's got to be commensurate/cost with the other gear.
Power cords though, to me, seem to make a marked difference. Even plugging your power amp into a wall versus a power strip or whatever, made a difference.
If I had the money I'd buy one of those Running Springs power conditioners.
... one thing I learned at it's a good thing early.. always buy USED. I stopped buying from Ebay (way too expensive and frustrating) and just buy from Audiogon and Craigslist (local is good)...
I also use an Apple Airport Express to stream my music wirelessly from my Macbook. For the price, you can't lose. It's got a DAC in it. Better than just plugging in your ipod/laptop. Very Very convenient for casual listening, internet radio.... and if you think it sucks, you could always use it as router or to print stuff wirelessly.
But seriously, save yourself the time and just buy a record player and a tube integrated...
..... and they are CHEAP. You'd probably be able to get them for $200-300. At that price you could give them away after....they look good too (especially the Cherry).
Or Usher 520s (never tried but tempted sometimes).
I use anti-cables (I'm be tempted to try some DH Labs Q-10 speaker cables), DH Labs Silver Revelation and BLII cables and Signal Cables. I've never used them, but Blue Jeans Cables gets mentioned often. These companies seem to get mentioned often when it comes to bang-for-buck.
I really don't know how much of a difference expensive ICs make, but I don't care. There's no way I can or would spend too much money on them. The only reason I spend what I do on them is that I don't want them to be the "weak" link...
I figure it's got to be commensurate/cost with the other gear.
Power cords though, to me, seem to make a marked difference. Even plugging your power amp into a wall versus a power strip or whatever, made a difference.
If I had the money I'd buy one of those Running Springs power conditioners.
... one thing I learned at it's a good thing early.. always buy USED. I stopped buying from Ebay (way too expensive and frustrating) and just buy from Audiogon and Craigslist (local is good)...
I also use an Apple Airport Express to stream my music wirelessly from my Macbook. For the price, you can't lose. It's got a DAC in it. Better than just plugging in your ipod/laptop. Very Very convenient for casual listening, internet radio.... and if you think it sucks, you could always use it as router or to print stuff wirelessly.
But seriously, save yourself the time and just buy a record player and a tube integrated...