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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
mrdecibel
3,304 posts
 

@bke1, hello, you are on the correct path, with a proper dedicated room. IME, this hobby is about us, the listeners. With your background involved in the industry, you likely have developed some "taste"; "characteristics" in recorded music that are most important to you, and it is all subjective, as you will get many different opinions on what "sound" people like. Start with speakers. Always speakers. Expectations of a listening experience is all over the place when it comes to this hobby. The way I see (hear) it, a "stage" of musicians is placed before us. Live vs studio recordings, it is all the same when it comes to what we want. You need to seek out "what you want". Did you enjoy the Wilsons you heard? Why, and why not? It is simple, and complex at the same time. Search out speakers that meet your wants, needs and desires. Tone, dynamics, sound staging, are all examples of characteristics delivered through the recordings, and YOU need to figure these out, 1st, before anything else. Keep in mind, what one person likes and enjoys, might not be what you like and enjoy. 20K will get you some nice, used stuff. This is all about you. I own Klipsch Lascalas (with tweaks and mods) with RSL 12S subs. Gives me what "I am looking/listening for. Subjective, personal, engaging. Enjoy! MrD.

kennyc
2,835 posts
 

Do audio stores still allow for demo with CDs?  If so, maybe bring a few.

When I demoed speakers, I brought an assortment of CDs : test recordings of acoustical instruments (piano, horn, violin..), male and female voices, orchestra, and familiar music, etc. 

daledeee1's avatar
daledeee1
675 posts
 

Even tho audiophile is supposed to be a dying breed, we have lots of choices.

Efficient speakers, small amp.  Inefficient speakers, big amp.  I personally like Class A.  If you want a big Class A amp, they are not that common and definitely take some cash!  I like horns if set up properly.  Smaller amp, dynamic, open sounding.  And a great sound stage.  Not for everybody tho.

mrdecibel
3,304 posts
 

Efficient speakers, big amp, class A. My preferenceyes 

parkergetdean
1,032 posts
 

efficient 3-way speakers, 50-60 watts musical amps any day

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