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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
Post removed 
mapman's avatar
mapman
23,585 posts
 

Dealers, shows, other nearby individuals with similar interests are all good resources. 
 

Maybe some volunteers to help nearby  will step forward. 
 

The Music Room is a large reputable dealer online with a large selection of used gear.  
 

Meanwhile if you state your goals here I’m sure you will get lots of feedback. 
 

Just be sure to always take the room and acoustics into consideration before taking a plunge. 

earthbound
295 posts
 

For budget friendly, class d has really made great strides the last few years. I’ve had several expensive tube amps, 2 over 10k, and my Orchard Audio Starkrimson mono blocks hang right with them. They should be paired carefully with a softer sounding dac or preamp. I use a tube dac for this purpose. 
As far as speakers are concerned, I prefer big sound from floor speakers. I’m currently using hybrid horns but they are quite expensive. Not sure what may fit your needs in your budget after the items above. 
Lastly, if you’re going to stream, the Wiim Pro gets excellent reviews and some actually use them at the shows. I use Lumin u2 mini which isn’t too expensive. 
Good luck. The journey can be frustrating but you learn a lot along the way. 

curiousjim's avatar
curiousjim
5,925 posts
 

@bke1 

Since PS Audio came out with the PMG line of equipment, the BHK line is being sold at great prices and used is even better.  It’s definitely something to look at.

bke1 OP
17 posts
 

@jimmyblues1959 Thank you, glad to be back, I think.

I appreciate the suggestions, I have a few local dealers that have a wide variety of equipment to view.  I don’t have a local vandersteen dealer, so listening may be a challenge.  
@mapman thank you.  I am looking for a few pointers so i don’t race in the wrong direction at the beginning of the search. It could be as simple as a pair of magicos, and a hegel integrated and be done, or not.  I’m interested in learning about the “or not”, and how to get familiar with the equipment. Dealers, shows, clubs, etc. online vendors as well.  
@earthbound my knowledge of class d is dated. I find myself leaning towards SS, for no real reason other than familiarity. Always open though.

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