System forclassical music


Some friends are looking to upgrade their home stereo system from something that is probably 30 years old with in-wall speakers wired throughout their house.  They are classical music buffs, which makes me leery of giving them much advice (I prefer rock, female jazz vocalists and Argentine tango).  They are discerning listeners, but probably because of their current system their expectations were low - they really didn't think that a home system could come anywhere close to a concert hall experience until I streamed Chapotier's Te Deum from Qobuz on my (modest) system and their eyebrows went up.  I told them that they could reasonably do even better, but I really wouldn't know what to advise them.  I realized that I actually don't know a dealer I would trust sending them to!  Sad, but true.

So let's say a budget of $5 to $10K for a core system (streamer, DAC, amps, sub, speakers - TT and CD transport to be added later).  Integrated is fine.  Assume a 15x20 multi-purpose room (I alerted them to room correction, but first things first).  Any suggestions as to what might be a good fit for them?  Thanks.
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Showing 1 response by pkatsuleas

Mahler123 - Rouge Audio on Milwaukee?  Do you mean Decibel Audio?  Or is there a new dealer in town?  That would be refreshing as the trend is going the other way!  Decibel is a good source for Rogue gear.  Maybe that's what you meant.

Nice guys at Simply Stereo, hopefully they have their showroom sorted out now after the move.  Haven't been there in about 6 mos.  Saturday Audio is a good no-nonsense place with mostly mainstream gear. 

Try and get them to visit as many as they can to get a good feel.  Luckily, Chicago and northern suburbs still have a decent number left.  Then there is Axpona in October.  Another way to get a good feel for what they might want.  Really hoping it doesn't get shut down again!