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Where to get advice on a new system build

 

Hello, 

I’m jumping back into stereo stuff again after a long hiatus, I was in the high end industry for quite some time before I changed careers.

I haven’t heard anything in 5+ years, so listening is going to be first. 

 

The question I have is, who can I work with to help me sort this out?  I have no idea what I will end up with, and I would love to explore for a bit, subsequently, until I listen to some equipment I couldn’t commit to a product line / dealer (if that’s what I will need to do).

 I know that there are dealers on this site, and I would like your thoughts too.  I was a dealer and I thoroughly enjoyed helping people with their journey, when they picked up something elsewhere I felt a little bad.

I have a dedicated and treated room, and I would prefer used equipment.

 

bke1
knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,383 posts
 

@bke1 I'm a big fan of listening to gear well beyond budget.  It helps establish a good reference of what you like, plus helps you know the gear when it pops up on the used market.  Good luck!

bke1 OP
17 posts
 

I was thinking about a show or two, I missed the one in Florida a few months back.  California is a bit of trek for me, but may make sense depending on where I am in the process.

I’m good with suggestions, but I will need to listen before I can make any meaningful contributions / decisions.

The room is 14.5’ x 16.8’ x 9.4’, it is dedicated and will be properly treated.  Budget, ~15 to 20k.  Super simple system; integrated amp, streaming of some sort (I currently use airplay, tbh), speakers, and cables. 
 

I like to surf music genres, so just about anything is fair game. I’m currently listening to African r&b. 

 I concur.  Best opportunity with dealers may be to provide them with “awareness of my search list” should something surface. 

bke1 OP
17 posts
 

I agree, you need to know what “good” sounds like for a point of reference.

maxwave's avatar
maxwave
1,074 posts
 

There is a ´´ modus operandi ´´ as you may know :

1st - Dedicated electric for the room.

2nd -Speakers        

3rd -Amplifier/ preamplifier

4th - source 

 

Choose your speakers first. Then you may look at Audio Show to see which amplifier/ preamp  that drove theme .

Etc.

 

My 2 cents

 

 

 

 

yesiam_a_pirate's avatar
yesiam_a_pirate
322 posts
 

I find that dealers are like sommeliers They have a favorite sound, and usually build the dealership around equipment that they like.

I'd look to dealers that carry the products that make the sound that you like and go from there.

You haven't mentioned a budget.. IMO that will be your first hurdle. 100K can go really fast. 

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