Setting up an audio system


I am a new member. I haven't listened to music in some time and am going to set up a system . I'm trying to balance price versus performance and I'm not sure if I've allocated properly. Currently what I've put together is B&W 802 D speakers , either a Cambridge Audio Azur 851 A or a Rogue Cronus magna amplifier , a Marantz CD 6005 CD player and a Audio Technica LP 120 vinyl player. Obviously the cost declines from speakers on down. My thoughts are that I can always upgrade the CD player and turntable later . I would appreciate the members advice about my choices and should I be considering other equipment . I understand now I need to actually audition the equipment. Thanks for your help.
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Showing 1 response by paraneer

I started with the speakers as I'd read such good things about B&W 802 D speakers . The stuff I read about these speakers is really what piqued my interest in setting up a system . I haven't ever heard them yet but plan on "auditioning " a pair at a dealer next week ".

I, like Mesch was hesitant to comment about your post too. However now I feel that I should. I am sure the seller of the MA7900 won't like this, but I would hold off buying anything, especially an amp, until you have auditioned and selected the speakers first. Key word being auditioned! Per your post above, you're interested in 802 D's but haven't even heard them yet! Yes, they are fine speakers but also not for everyone. There are many more out there, some that retail for far less, that many would argue sound better.

The point is no one can recommend a speaker to you, especially a review in a magazine. But it should be the first component selected and the system should be built around them. This can only be done by auditioning them and making a short list of sounds best to you. Not a bunch of strangers on the internet, or even paid reviewers in the mags. Once you have decided upon the speakers, then find an amp that matches their quality and will properly drive them. If you get the amp first, whats happens if its not the best match for the speakers you find later that you have fallen in love with? The amp, that you dropped a lot of cash on, suddenly limits you to what speakers you can have.

So my advice is to cool your jets a little, go out and start auditioning the speakers to make sure the 802 D's are truly the right ones for you. Then select the rest. And above all, have fun doing it!