Newbie looking for system suggestions


Category: Amplifiers

Pardon my lack of knowledge, but I just got a Xmas bonus, and am looking to spend it on a hi-fi 2.1 channel system -- starting from scratch!!! If you had around $6-8 thousand to spend, how would you do it? It will be for a 20x 24 room, carpeted, with cathedral ceilings (15 ft high). I mostly listen to vocal jazz, blues, rock, but often get a classical hair and have some very good orchestra + piano recordings.

Again, sorry such a basic question -- I have been doing a lot of reading, but I am still completely overwhelmed and looking for some suggestions to audition!!

Steve
sshawmd
Bryston gear is OK , decent enough, but are you buying good sound or a good warranty?

Bryston's warranty is a big selling point. Everyone mentions it first. No one ever mentions sound quality first with Bryston.

Toyota has the shortest new car warranties in the car business. But Toyota's are the least likely to break down. The other car companies have a better warranty because it is the only way they can sell the car.

Kind of hard to say where to start. Most people start with integrated amps, bookshelf speakers, one piece CD players, etc, before moving up to separates.

If you're new to this you may want to start out with mid-fi brands like Rotel, NAD, Creek, Music Hall, Cambridge Audio, etc, with lower end B&W or Epos speakers, before blowing a wad of money. Then you can buy all new stuff as well.
I personally wouldn't go mid-fi. You'll end up not really being satisfied. The Bryston equipment sounds extremely neutral. The 4B ST for around $1200-1300 used is extremely well-worth the $. Forget bookshelf spks. for the size of your room. You'll need floorstanders. Try to find a dealer whom will work w/you and let you audution as much equipment to see if it meets your tastes. If you buy used equipment, which are in demand, from reputable sellers, you should lose very little on resale and you will have the opportunity of trying equipment out and gaining knowledge.
Wow, not a bad "problem" to have! I'd ask Duane. I always ask Duane. Duane knows everything. So I ask him everything. And he's always right (except for once with a preamp--sorry about that one, Duane).
Sorry to break the news to you Kotta, but Bryston is Mid-Fi.

I also would start small at first. If later you decide that you're not satisfied with mid-fi, then fine. Easy to sell what you have and trade up to something better. You'll have lot's of money left over from the first purchase to get something better. Upgrading is what we all do.

A lot of people blow a ton of money on fancy gear and a year later never listen to it much. If in a year or two you're still listening, then yes go for it big time.
Go and listen to hi end gear. Simple as that. Then buy what sounds best to you. Do not buy expensive cable. The source is the most important part. Dont let people tell you speakers are the most important.
Amps try and hear Rogue, Speakers Coincident.