Corvette01,
I started my obscession in 2011 when my son gave me a subscription for Stereophile in a school fundraiser. Little did he and my wife know what they started. I purchased an Exposure integrated amp and CD player based on Stereophile budget system recommendations and shortly after, made my first Audiogon purchase, my current Thiel CS3.6s. Since then, I have gone through numerous amps, preamps, sources, and cables....most of which were purchased preowned on Audiogon.
Several points to consider. The Thiels have stayed in my setup. All other speakers were bought and sold after a short time. Also, buying and selling preowned is much more efficient. The Thiels have sounded good with every setup including the little Exposure 2010S integrated at low-medium volume. Once I decided I liked the sound of Audio Research tube amps/preamps, I was able to slowly step up the ladder by selling, then buying better preowned components (I previously tried high powered Krell and Bryston).
I agree with the others. I have received a lot of advise based on reading reviews, but mostly on forums like this, and my decisions have been based on listening in my listening rooms under ideal conditions...i.e at night, with a dim room and a glass of wine ;)
