Need Help.

[PeruvianSkies]

The 5K is to begin the journey into analog minus the expense of the speakers. The speakers will likely be something modest at first, but like the analogue gear will be upgraded down the line.

So basically what I am looking for our recommendations on all that I would need (minus speakers) to get started in the world of analogue and specifics on models and such for a good combination of gear.

Speaker-wise, I am looking at Totem Acoustics (likely the Arro or similar) and maybe something from Focal. I also like the M2 from PSB.

I am very open to the idea of tubes as well, in fact I was looking up some integrated tube amps as potentials. I am also very open to used equipment and especially items on Audiogon, etc.

Hope this helps!

[dean_martin]

The 5K is to begin the journey into analog minus the expense of the speakers. The speakers will likely be something modest at first, but like the analogue gear will be upgraded down the line.

So basically what I am looking for our recommendations on all that I would need (minus speakers) to get started in the world of analogue and specifics on models and such for a good combination of gear.

Speaker-wise, I am looking at Totem Acoustics (likely the Arro or similar) and maybe something from Focal. I also like the M2 from PSB.

I am very open to the idea of tubes as well, in fact I was looking up some integrated tube amps as potentials. I am also very open to used equipment and especially items on Audiogon, etc.

Hope this helps!

I'll take a stab at this. Start with a good tubed preamp from Quicksilver (full-function), Conrad-Johnson, Cary, Audible Illusions or Audio Research (SP series) all of which have well-respected phono sections. Add to that any used solid state amp from the likes of Adcom, Parasound, Rotel, NAD, B&K, Aragon, etc. at about 55wpc at the lowest up to around 150wpc. Here's the catch. You really need to do your homework on the used preamp, especially if you go AR because there are so many different models. Make sure the tubes have plenty of life left and that it hasn't been "modified" by some amature. Most ss amps from the above makers are built to last. Do some reading on their characteristics. For example, NAD is usually warm and some think Adcom is bright. You can always upgrade the amp later when you get your new speakers. That's probably the best route to take. Then drop $2,500 for the VPI Classic and as much as you have left on a Dynavector cart (making sure the preamp's phono stage can handle it).

Here's a realistic example:
Conrad-Johnson PV10-A used in excellent condition $850
B&K ST-2140 used two channel amp $550 (on the high side, usually less)
VPI Classic $2,500 new (the msrp just went up to $2750 so you'll have to ask for 10% or more discount)
Dynavector 20x $750 new (get the high output at 2.5mv if the preamp has mm only phono stage)

That leaves about $350 from your $5000 budget to put in the new speaker fund. But it might be better in the long run to move more money to the preamp and go to an Audible Illusions Modulus 3A or AR SP-9 (or even a lower end VTL). Remember, you can do just as well with a used 2ch amp from NAD, Adcom, Parasound, Rotel or even B&K at $250 to $350 and upgrade it later to suit your new speakers. Good luck.

[PeruvianSkies]

I'll take a stab at this. Start with a good tubed preamp from Quicksilver (full-function), Conrad-Johnson, Cary, Audible Illusions or Audio Research (SP series) all of which have well-respected phono sections. Add to that any used solid state amp from the likes of Adcom, Parasound, Rotel, NAD, B&K, Aragon, etc. at about 55wpc at the lowest up to around 150wpc. Here's the catch. You really need to do your homework on the used preamp, especially if you go AR because there are so many different models. Make sure the tubes have plenty of life left and that it hasn't been "modified" by some amature. Most ss amps from the above makers are built to last. Do some reading on their characteristics. For example, NAD is usually warm and some think Adcom is bright. You can always upgrade the amp later when you get your new speakers. That's probably the best route to take. Then drop $2,500 for the VPI Classic and as much as you have left on a Dynavector cart (making sure the preamp's phono stage can handle it).

Here's a realistic example:
Conrad-Johnson PV10-A used in excellent condition $850
B&K ST-2140 used two channel amp $550 (on the high side, usually less)
VPI Classic $2,500 new (the msrp just went up to $2750 so you'll have to ask for 10% or more discount)
Dynavector 20x $750 new (get the high output at 2.5mv if the preamp has mm only phono stage)

That leaves about $350 from your $5000 budget to put in the new speaker fund. But it might be better in the long run to move more money to the preamp and go to an Audible Illusions Modulus 3A or AR SP-9 (or even a lower end VTL). Remember, you can do just as well with a used 2ch amp from NAD, Adcom, Parasound, Rotel or even B&K at $250 to $350 and upgrade it later to suit your new speakers. Good luck.

This is precisely the type of information that I was looking for, and some great recommendations. Especially since this gives me the room to really upgrade later while having a very formidable start-up. I doubt that I will upgrade the speakers until I can get to a very extensive stage and at that point I will likely be looking at the following:

Hansen Audio The Prince V2

Wilson Sophia III

Avalon Isis

[frenchmon]

This is precisely the type of information that I was looking for, and some great recommendations. Especially since this gives me the room to really upgrade later while having a very formidable start-up. I doubt that I will upgrade the speakers until I can get to a very extensive stage and at that point I will likely be looking at the following:

Hansen Audio The Prince V2

Wilson Sophia III

Avalon Isis

Have you taken a listen to the Sophia lll ? IF so what where your impressions?

I've taken a listen to some Watt Puppy's. IF I may add.....Very neutral speaker in my opinion.

[PeruvianSkies]

Have you taken a listen to the Sophia lll ? IF so what where your impressions?

I've taken a listen to some Watt Puppy's. IF I may add.....Very neutral speaker in my opinion.

Yes, completely neutral, which is what I love, I don't want the speaker to get in the way of the intention of the recording.

I was impressed with all three of these high-end speakers and that is why I have narrowed my search down to these 3.