2. misc-audio
  3. 1379705059

Starter System Suggestions

My godson has graduated from college, gotten his first job and moved into an apartment with friends. He has asked me to help him put together a starter system. His room is a fairly large rectangle and the system will go on the long wall but pushed down toward one end. His dad (my best bud) has always had a good hifi (which I have helped him with) so, fortunately or no, he knows what good sounds like. His budget is around $2K for an integrated (with digital inputs, DAC but no phono--a headphone amp would be a bonus) and speakers. He is thinking bookshelves but could go with small floorstanders if they were within his price range. He likes speakers with a wide dispersion pattern and a slightly warm presentation. I am interested in your suggestions for synergistic combinations that meet his needs in terms of functionality. I am going to encourage him to follow the thread and maybe contribute so please keep the suggestions flowing. Some brands I've suggested he explore:

Speakers: Proac Tablettes, Nola Boxers, Gershman Sonograms, ATCs, Harbeth

Electronics: Peachtree, NAD, Rotel, Bel Canto

I haven't heard most of these nor do I know how well they would work together so please weigh on the models above as well as additional suggestions.

Many thanks.
dodgealum

Showing 1 response by robsker

robsker
132 posts
 
if he likes warm... and full, and full range --- and he likes good imaging... well I take you to a speaker model that is historic but so very, very good after all these years. Get him a pair of Vandersteen 1c's. You can get them new for $850. They are great speakers that do all types of music well. Or, better still... get a used pair of Vandersteen 2's --- they can be purchased used for under 1K (or thereabouts).

That gives you 1K at least for an integrated. The Vandies (I have owned and still own this brand) like power... but also play exceedingly well with low power tube amps. Go after a used Vincent integrated (hybrid) and you have a great system.

Again... the classic Vandersteen's are the way to go. Warm. Rich. Fiull range. Image well. They do everything well and have no weaknesses. They do nothing great --- but everything well.

I know the Tablettes and the Boxers well. They each do some things better than the 1c's. They both image better. The Boxers are more transparent. But neiher even remotely compare to the 1cs in terms of fullness, full-range ability, palpable presence or the ability to play well at low volume.
Both will sound more "flashy" in a short term listening session... but neither -- at least to my ear --- are close to the Vandersteens in terms of overall attributes.

Go Vandies.
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