2. amps-preamps
  3. 134153-1398

Where do I start-amp or speakers ?

While in the midst of downsizing I sold all my gear: Krell monos, Thiel CS6’s, Thiel 2.4’s, EAD Powermaster 2000, Thiel MCS1, etc.
I am now left with a headphone system based on the entry level Schitt headphone amp, Freya preamp,& a very nice Vinyl NIrvana Thorens 125 turntable,
So how’s that working out for you, you ask? Not so well. I need speakers & amp!
 I went from 2900 sq ft. To 1600 sq ft; a 25x24 room to an 18 x 16 room (high 20-24 ft cathedral ceiling, though, at least.)
I’m now on the way to build a new system , one component at a time; Ceiling is 4K per unit. Every time I see a nice amp, then I see a fine pair of speakers. Back and forth. Do I start with an amp or with speakers? Input, input........
Ag insider logo xs@2xmichaeljbrown
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
1,457 posts
 

What a luxury to start with a clean slate... and a respectable budget.

Let's face it: most people, most of the time, have some "heirloom" components that they bought or were gifted, and they start out on the upgrade path, one or two items at a time.  So this thread, and the one on "how do you identify the weakest component in your system" are actually intertwined.

sunrayjack12's avatar
sunrayjack12
33 posts
 
Are you Married should be the first question.
ptss
1,649 posts
 
Speakers. Buy the highest efficiency most dynamic speakers you can. Leaves you great flexibility choosing an amp - and will likely renew your interest in music!  Many less efficient speakers have wonderful specs- but they’re not necessarily musical. Music is dynamic. Jbl rocks. No harm in trying a few pairs. 
ptss
1,649 posts
 
And and you can pick up an older integrated amp/prep combo, perhaps with a tuner included,for peanuts to try things out. 
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michaeljbrown OP
145 posts
 
This is now an old post, but to answer the question Why did I sell this High end system? A: No longer enough room; I went from 2900 sq fit and a 20x 20 room to a 1600 sq ft “Garden Home” (hah! Find me a garden in Midland Texas!); I have also acquired a 1600 sq ft adobe & stone home in Taos, NM. So I have similar sq ft but in two houses!
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