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Complete newbie needing guidance/purchase advice

Hi folks-

First of all, let me apologize in advance for a lengthy post. I'm a brand new forum member after recently being introduced to this site by an acquaintance who heard I was looking for sound advice... As my thread title states, I'm completely ignorant when it comes to the audiophile world, but I really want to start building a system and learn something in the process. A little background on me: I've been making a living as a recording artist and studio musician for almost 20 years, but my career choice as a music-maker has somehow ironically detached me from the simple pleasure of just sitting and _listening_ to music for the sheer enjoyment of it. My wife and I are currently in the process of remodeling our bonus room into a media room, and one of my objectives is to at the very least turn it into a space where I can do some critical listening.

I currently don't have anything decent... Just some old Bose bookshelf speakers and a Yamaha surround receiver. The closest thing to 'something decent' that I own are a pair of Etymotic ER-4S headphones coupled with a Headroom headphone amplifier.

The big limiting factor is my budget. Given that fact, maybe I have no business posting here... I will probably need to build this piece-by-piece over time, so I'm content with having to stretch the process out. I'm not concerned with having to have the 'best' of anything; I would just really like to make listening to music an engaging and emotional experience for me like it was for me many years ago.

Would a speaker purchase be a good place to start? I was perusing the Audiogon classifieds today and saw that there is actually a pair of DK Designs LSA-2's for sale local to me. The asking price is at the top of my speaker budget, a little over a grand, which I realize is probably 'chump change' in the audiophile world. However, I've read some reviews and they seem mostly positive. Would be super-convenient to be able to find something nice that was used and local, but as I said before, I'm completely new to this. Another related question: Is it better to go with floor-standing speakers, or can decent sound also be accomplished with bookshelf speakers combined with a subwoofer?

Also, what are the other 'basic' components that would need to be purchased? The only other thing I know I'd love to have would be a decent turntable; I'd love to be able to go and purchase some of my favorite classic albums to listen to once again. Do I need a separate preamp and power amp combination? Are there any 'receivers' that do a decent job of covering both tasks?

Any other feedback or direction you experts could throw my way would be greatly appreciated... Thanks in advance!
renaissanceman9
schubert
7,386 posts
 
A good speaker will only let you know how bad your amp sounds.
Audio can be/is a bottomless money pit,Ejlif is right about
a good integrated amp being a wise choice.
If I was starting over I'd look at the modified Music Hall 25 models sold on here by Underwood Audio as a start.
Cambridge Audio 640C CD player is inexpensive,souds good
on classical and shows up on here.The Music Hall CD25 that matches the amp would be a decent choice as well.
The little 8 watt a side integrated tube amps from Eastern Electric are very good on classical music too ,with a speaker at 92db efficency or above- chamber music in particular is fabulous.Tubes do sound better,esp. on strings but are finnicky and expensive.
schubert
7,386 posts
 
Whoops ,thats Music Hall A 15 not A25.
toddnkaya
493 posts
 
I would recommend monitors on stands with a subwoofer. I have used a 2.1 system for 4 years or so. Because you are going to use your sytem for home theater, it is a nice option to turn up the sub for movies, You you can have some fun with explosions etc. Rattle the walls ,with a huge grin on your face. I enjoy my 42 plasma and 2.1 more than going out to the movies. MUCH CHEAPER obviously. I stream Net Flix, and have movies delivered as well. Some movies of course need to be enjoyed on the big screen, 3d,IMAX etc. , so I do go out for the special movies.
If you are really new to the audio world, you should inquire about streaming files from your computer right to your system.
Check out Spotify and Mog!! These are both music libraries that you can pay a monthly fee for to enjoy at your home,phone ipad, etc. Both of these services offer about 13 MILLION tracks!! I am excited to sit on my couch , and control my music selections from my IPAD and be able to listen to tens of thousands of albums. I will also be able to tap into my hard drive computer files to listen as well.
There are so many great , amazing ways to find,listen to and enjoy music today.
That said ,I would look pretty hard at the Daber Audio speakers for $650 shipped. This is screaming deal and a fine speaker.
NAD makes great inexpensive amps.
Good luck!!
Todd
tbromgard
814 posts
 
Go used. In my opinion, the best budget gear is NAD. NAD power ratings are conservative, so 30 watts really can drive most speakers to good sound levels. At this price point, I would buy cheap cables. Try "bluejeansaudio" or radio shack or whatever you have around the house. You will want to upgrade the cables but for now focus on getting your components. If you can find a pair of used speakers like Klipsch Heresy or kg4'S-you will be surprised how good it can sound. Have fun.
johnk's avatar
johnk
1,973 posts
 
craigslist could be of some use. Look for Altec JBL ADS Tannoy
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