First step on the Ladder

[Bernd]

Hi,
I just finished helping to put together a first system, where good sound was paramount, for a young friend of mine.
It was quiet tough to get decent sound within his budget, but we managed it. I will list below the items we auditioned and from which the final selection was made.
I think this is a good place to start for anybody who would like to put their foot on the first step for a 2 channel music based system.

Source:
Digital: Marantz CD 7300 or Cambridge Audio Azur 640C

Vinyl: Project 1 Expression or Goldring GR2 (Both come with cartridge)

Phono amp (Optional): NAD PP2

Amp: Cambridge Audio Azur 540A (Phono optional) or 640A (Phono optional) or
Marantz PM 7200 (Phono as standard)

Speakers: Acoustic Energy Aegis Evo 1
Epos EL S3
Wharfedale Diamonds 9.1
Castle Richmond 3i

IC: Ecosse-The Composser

Speaker cable: QED-Silver Anniversary

We were impressed with the Castle Speakers but getting them and two sources (as was planned) was going over budget. So a compromise was made, and he ended up with the Castle Speakers, the Cambridge CDP and the Marantz Amp. When his piggy bank has recovered the Vinyl front end will come.

So he's a happy camper now and I have learned what is out there in Start up land.
Hope this is helpful to somebody starting out.

The power of music gives you wings

Bernd

[Resident Loser]

...I like the Marantz integrated, I'd love to buy one as it seems to be a bit of a throwback to the "better" days of hi-fi...real knobs, switches, tape mon and all. Unfortunately, it's a dead end...since it has no pre-out/amp-in facilities, the building block approach of using it as a head unit for a more powerful amp based system is NG.

The processor loop that it does have is strictly that...it comes before the volume control, good for an outboard EQ or any device requiring a fixed output level but useless for any other app such as the aforementioned.

When I was seriously looking at the unit, the dealers didn't have a clue re: suitability as a pre-, so I called Marantz and the folks were equally bereft of such info...they transfered me to someone higher up the food chain and a few days later I rec'd a callback...NG...strictly a pro loop as there seems to be no call for such from their marketing research...pity they didn't ask me or anyone else with a like mindset and I told him so and why...

Otherwise it looks like a good unit with the class A op and all...pity it isn't more flexible.

jimHJJ(...FYI...)

[topspeed]

That's a nice system Bernd, and one that I would recommend wholeheartedly. Jim brings up a couple of points with the Marantz that I never would have even considered, but certainly will now! When building a modest system for my office, I chose the 540a and 540c or offerings from NAD and Rotel, both worthy alternates btw. I actually preferred the sound of the NAD, but couldn't get past the aesthetics, or rather lack thereof. Of course, now NAD has some of the best looking equipment out there. Figures.

Anyway, I have to agree with Jim that equal attention should be paid to future expansion. Not only is it important that the integrated/receiver have pre-outs, but the speakers should have matching center channels so if the user wants to move into the world of multi-channel hi-rez or HT, the basic system can grow with them.

[Bernd]

That's a nice system Bernd, and one that I would recommend wholeheartedly. Jim brings up a couple of points with the Marantz that I never would have even considered, but certainly will now! When building a modest system for my office, I chose the 540a and 540c or offerings from NAD and Rotel, both worthy alternates btw. I actually preferred the sound of the NAD, but couldn't get past the aesthetics, or rather lack thereof. Of course, now NAD has some of the best looking equipment out there. Figures.

Anyway, I have to agree with Jim that equal attention should be paid to future expansion. Not only is it important that the integrated/receiver have pre-outs, but the speakers should have matching center channels so if the user wants to move into the world of multi-channel hi-rez or HT, the basic system can grow with them.

I agree. Jim made some good points. In this case however 2 channel music was the all important point.
It pays of course to look ahead and try to cover as many bases as you can.
Anyway he is very happy and it sounds pretty good.

Bernd

[SlumpBuster]

Often I'm actually envious of such simple well thought out systems. There is just a calm simple refinement to a fine set of speakers, an integrated and a source or two. Sure, you could spend thousands more and fill a room with wires and such, but such a beginner system in a nice den or library at home... man that's some sweet listening.

How did you like the Epos? I've actually been torn between that speaker and the Mission Volare v60 http://show.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/shm...tAAAAAAmission

This will be for my office (not a home office) so volume will be low to moderate most of the time and I will be pairing them most likely with the Cambridge Azur 340 and the source will be my computer and a vintage tuner. If I get the Mission or Epos I will order them online, so I won't hear them first. But, mind you that's half the fun, just take the plunge and try a new speaker.

Just think, for $500 bucks I can put together the Azur 340 and either of Epos or Missions (or any number of $200-$300) book shelves, yet everyone else in my office spend $500 on the Bose Wave Radio. After Christmas all I heard around the office was talk of that marvelous Bose ("Yeah, my wife got it for me, since I'm such a music fan.")

[Resident Loser]

...here we go again...Bose this, Bose that, Bose blose...

Anyone who puts a multi-piece system in their office(more like cubicle) is an idiot...for any number of reasons...

Overpriced? Maybe...Underperforming? Maybe...Simplicity itself? BINGO! Somebody gives it as a gift because they buy into the advertising and the recipient is happier than a pig in $h!t cause thay have "the best"...no footprint to speak of...works well in a low volume situation...and in all honesty it works pretty good...I know cuz I won one in a retailers giveaway(yeah, yeah 2nd prize was two of 'em...) Would I pay that kind of money...probably not, but my idea of a music source for work is a portable, mono GE, because after all, the music matters and I won't feel further betrayed by humanity if someone avails themselves of the five-finger-discount...

jimHJJ(...and for the record Bernd, I was also looking from a strictly 2ch music POV...)

[topspeed]

Anyone who puts a multi-piece system in their office(more like cubicle) is an idiot...for any number of reasons...

I disagree. It all depends on the size of the office. Mine is fairly large so even my floorstanding Missions don't look (or sound) out of place. Both the 540a and 540c are controlled by a single remote on my desk. It doesn't get much simpler than that.

Would a table radio, be it Bose, Cambridge Soundworks, or Tivoli, have sufficed? Of course. The thing is, I already had the speakers so why not get a front-end to put them to use?

[SlumpBuster]

Anyone who puts a multi-piece system in their office(more like cubicle) is an idiot...for any number of reasons..

Really? Even if its this? http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1099395588765

Would I pay that kind of money...probably not, but my idea of a music source for work is a portable, mono GE, because after all, the music matters and I won't feel further betrayed by humanity if someone avails themselves of the five-finger-discount...

"Only the music matters" is a fine mantra for home... and mostly true. But, the office is different. Appearance does matter. To ignore it is to deny reality. Clients don't want to see a POS clock radio any more than they want to see discount furniture, an 88 Escort in your parking space, or a Sears suit on your back. They want to see someone who exhibits elements, material or otherwise, of success. And I will be the first to acknowledge that from the average clients perspective, a Bose Wave communicates that as much as a multi piece system. However, if all that is too shallow and materialistic for you, a nice British system that they don't see everyday is a nice conversation piece to your hobby and interests. It's the same as an autographed pic of Tiger Woods or my favorite, a picture of you with any President (which I'm still working on).

And, I don't work in an office where I worry about theft. Hell, there aren't even locks on our doors.

Finally, cubicle? I think not.

[Bernd]

Often I'm actually envious of such simple well thought out systems. There is just a calm simple refinement to a fine set of speakers, an integrated and a source or two. Sure, you could spend thousands more and fill a room with wires and such, but such a beginner system in a nice den or library at home... man that's some sweet listening.

How did you like the Epos? I've actually been torn between that speaker and the Mission Volare v60 http://show.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/shm...tAAAAAAmission

This will be for my office (not a home office) so volume will be low to moderate most of the time and I will be pairing them most likely with the Cambridge Azur 340 and the source will be my computer and a vintage tuner. If I get the Mission or Epos I will order them online, so I won't hear them first. But, mind you that's half the fun, just take the plunge and try a new speaker.

Just think, for $500 bucks I can put together the Azur 340 and either of Epos or Missions (or any number of $200-$300) book shelves, yet everyone else in my office spend $500 on the Bose Wave Radio. After Christmas all I heard around the office was talk of that marvelous Bose ("Yeah, my wife got it for me, since I'm such a music fan.")

Hi,

To my ears the Epos are better then the Missions.The Missions are very good at their given cost. The other four speakers we listened to seem to have some more room to grow with your future upgrades.
Mission are alright higher up the chain I found. I also think that the Wharfedale Diamond 9.1 is a terrific speaker (I have them in my dining room running from a Teac 300 system).
The Epos are very dynamic.
Have fun selecting.

Bernd

[Resident Loser]

...re: the quote cited in your post...I find the constant bashing of certain popularly unpopular products, even when the thread is completely unrelated to them, to be quite annoying...I just thought I'd return the favor...and yes, I agree...anyone can say nearly anything they chose...

jimHJJ(...anyone...)

[Resident Loser]

"Only the music matters" is a fine mantra for home... and mostly true. But, the office is different.

...I would think at work, it's the work that matters...music, no matter how much it matters should take a rather subordinated position in the day-to-day affairs of the office...not necessarily calling too much atterntion to itself...office, cubicle, janitors closet...

I would opt for a classic Grundig or Telefunken multi-band tabletop unit in all of it's deep, rich tones and textures...class, style and very out of the ordinary...close enough to my desk so as not to force others to be a captive audience to my taste.

Finally, cubicle? I think not.

I take it then that your company is of the "old school" and doesn't subscribe to what seems to be the more modern paradigm of office layout and design.

jimHJJ(...it's all the rage they say...)