Matching an amp to speakers for beginners?

OK, here's some answers to your questions. I waited a while because I thought I might have a set of speakers, but that sale fell through so I am starting from scratch again.

1. My budget... as little as possible, as much as it takes. I'm sure you've heard that before, but basically I'd like to spend around 1500-2k for the amp and the same for the speakers. However, if it is worth it I'm willing to throw in 2 more thousand for excellent speakers. So, in total, on the low side it would be great to spend about 3-5k, but I'm willing to go up to $7000 or maybe even 8 if I'm convinced it's worth it.

2. I usually lean towards new, but I am open to buying used as I have heard that used high end audio stuff is usually in pretty good condition. One of my problems is that I've recently moved to the Charlotte, NC area and I don't nkow of any high end audio dealers around here, so I may be limited to having something shipped.

3. The room is about 16x13.5. It will be also used for a home theater, but I don't want to sacrifice stereo sound quality for that fact. It has wood floors and two windows, and my listening position will have my front and back facing the long way of the room.

4. As I mentioned, I've been on a classic rock kick lately. However, I do have a medium sized classical library that should sound good, along with some blues, funk, metal, newer alternative type stuff, and various strange CDs that don't really fit a category.

5. I will be in a home theater, so if the speakers can be used for the front channel of my 5.1 sytem, that would be great. However, I don't want to compromise my stereo sound for that - I will retain seperate speakers for theater if it is necessary. My home theater system is why I am in this boat (I think it sounds like garbage for music).

6. Floorstanding or bookshelf - I've gone back and forth on this several times. At this point I think I would like to go for nice bookshelf speakers, this way I could use them for my home theater and eventually upgrade to more expensive floorstanding and move these to the rear channels. That's my theory but I don't know if it holds water.

7. Solid state or tube - no idea.

8. OK, this one may get me some flames. Basically I have been spoiled with my CD changer. I can't bear to going back to storing all my CDs in jewel cases or otherwise, and I don't have a vinyl collection, so I'm hoping to stick with my SONY CDP-CX90ES CD changer. I also plan to daisy chain up two more changers off that one (you can control them all from it). If you guys tell me that this plan is complete crap I may change my mind, but the convienience for me is soo great I'm hoping it won't be too bad.

That's it. I spent some time looking at the Odyssey web site and it looks interesting, so I may give them a call. Any suggestions or advice is very welcome. If you think I should just go away and find speakers then come back and ask about amps that's fine too - I'm having a little trouble getting started and all this time with no music (because I moved and haven't set anything up yet) is making me batty and I'm afraid I may just run out and buy something rashly.

A gut reaction - you have a realistic view of the cost of getting good speakers and matching amp, but the sound and appearance of speakers is sooooo personal. I would suggest that you get your best speakers 1st and plan to leave them in place. I can't think of a single reason that your 1st speakers can't serve in HT or 2 channel, unless you want bass boom for HT (personally I'll pass). Get your less expensive back channels later. I would also pass on bookshelve/monitor types as your first speakers if you can accomodate flooorstanders as you will be buying an amp which works best with those speakers - its usually easier to drive monitors than full range speakers. I would also suggest that you budget a reasonable sum for a quality CDP - you know the saw about garbage in, garbage out. You can continue to use your Sony but when you really want quality sound you just hit the imput switch. I don't know what lines are available for auditioning in your general area - I would suggest that you check that out and feed back. At least we would have some idea of where to start to help you. If you can get out and look at some and give them a listen, all the better.

My suggestion to you outside the basics is to consider what characteristics of music you really prize. What is it you are really missing now that has driven you to improve your system? an inventory of sorts of what you want to achieve will assist you locate the right speaker, even if it isnt nice! Then, too, look at your living situation. You may like a certain speaker, but that is no assurance they will like their new envionment! Look at the suggestions of people who have owned the speaker in question. Some speakers that are unbelievably capable-a real dream come true, can be a nightmare with the wrong placement. Others are not fussy at all.

Hello Petequad,

My suggestion would be that you make your speaker selection first, as that's the most important choice, and will dictate the direction of your amplifier choice. Once you've chosen speakers, you'll know how much power you need, and whether you need a high current amp, or maybe a tube amp. At that point you'll be able to look for an amp that synergizes particularly well with your speakers.

Being a dealer I have all sorts of ideas on how you should spend your money, but unfortunately they all involve tradeoffs. The audiophile journey is one of discovering what elements take us deeper into the musical experience, and what areas we can accept compromises in - and it's an individual thing. I may be very tolerant of poor imaging, but very intolerant of boxy colorations - and you may be just the opposite.

Since you don't have access to dealers where you can go and listen at length, I'm going to play "20 questions" with you (well, almost). Here are eighteen speaker characteristics that may or may not be important to you - make any comments you like as to which ones matter. You don't have to comment on all of them (or any of them!). I'm just trying to get a feel for what your priorities are. Of course you want it all (we all do), but note that some of these characteristics are mutually exclusive, so tradeoffs are inevitable.

1. Timbre (the natural sound of voices and instruments).
2. Clarity & nuance (you can hear all the details).
3. Dynamic contrast (impact and liveliness).
4. Superb soundstaging for a single listener.
5. Good soundstaging over a wide listening area.
6. Natural-sounding bass.
7. Extreme deep bass extension.
8. Unobtrusive size and/or visual appeal.
9. Sounds great at low volumes.
10. Sounds great at medium volumes.
11. Sounds great at high volumes.
12. Forgiving of less-than-ideal recordings and sources.
13. Ruthlessly accurate and revealing.
14. Freedom from little colorations that remind you you're listening to boxes, not live music.
15. Works well in less-than-optimum room or location.
16. Non-fatiguing over long listening sessions.
17. Recreates the immediacy of a good jazz club.
18. Recreates the lushness of a good symphony concert hall.

Also, add any other characteristics that are especially important to you, and any other considerations you'd want to take into account. We'll try to come up with suggestions that will at least be in the ballpark.

The Quest is half the fun. Thanks for including us in yours!

Best wishes,

Duke

It's hard to come up with a response with such good advise.

Definatly audition all the speakers you can. Remember one thing that you are listening to a whole system the speakers the electronics and the cables. Be prepared to go with the whole system you listen to, to select the speakers you want or you may be doing alot of experimenting when you get your speakers home. Which by the way is the fun part.

At your price point make sure your dealer will let you audition your electronics at home with your speakers. Some integrated amps have a pre bypass switch so you can take the front out of your HT setup and use the integrated as a amp only for the front.

Happy experimenting

Rember to take the system as a whole.