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Another amateur in need of advice

Hello all. I'm basically as green as they come, and am looking for some advice in putting together my first 2- channel audio system. Looking to keep it analog, with vinyl playback being the primary purpose of this whole escapade. If I feel compelled to stream something, i would just get a decent bluetooth receiver to appease the crowd of an informal get-together. 

I am looking to experience an "audiophile-grade" sound, but one that is also a giddy and involving listen. Some bass presence would be welcome (newb). In any case, I would prefer to keep the budget under $5k. First question - do I need an integrated amplifier? Can I just get an amplifier and connect the Lounge phono stage that I'm leaning towards? Or connect a CD player or radio tuner? Basically, does a power amp require a pre-amp, which it seems that an integrated provides? As far as integrated amps, I was first leaning towards the newer Rega Brio, but then I heard about the Rogue Sphinx V2. But then I read about all the noise issues with the Sphinx, which really turned me off from it. Noise issues would really steal the jam from my doughnut. The Heed Elixir seems to tick a lot of boxes, but it also seems that it really imparts it's own texture to the music. Maybe that's a good thing? A budgetary stretch - the Croft integrated looks pretty dang cool. If I only need an amplifier rather than an integrated for my purposes, any opinions on the Croft Series 7? 

As far as speakers, I'm as lost as the previous paragraph suggests. Right now leaning towards the Quad S-2, but was considering the KEF LS50 until I read that they sound best with a more powerful amp. Ditto for the Dynaudio Excite X14. And apparently the LS50s are rather bright sounding? Was not considering floor-standers until I found out that the Monitor Audio Silver 300s are pretty easy to drive. Every gosh-darn review I read only sends me deeper down the spiral of confusion and indecisiveness. 

My turntable choice is pretty set - the Mofi ultra deck with the better cartridge. Since it's $2200, it kind of eats up the budget considering the additional costs of cabling and, potentially, speaker stands. But it seems that it's the sort of component that I'll keep for life. 

I'd appreciate any words of guidance and wisdom! Have a good one! 
cleanshirt
penetraletenebre
11 posts
 
Your room is going to have a lot to do with what you should buy. If you can go with planars Maggie's will blow the doors off many offerings that cost way more.  .7s are a great option. A quality source is the next most important piece.  If you stream do not listen to compressed tunes. Spotify, Amazon.. nope.  Tidal via Rune or direct from a server or mac set to the source (lossless) value, nothing more. I prefer direct from my server on a handbuilt usb. Get decent interconnects, speaker and power cables. Next spend some coin on a well reviewed 2 channel amp. The Kinki is an example of a real bargain. Makes sure it has enough power for the speakers you choose AND for the music you listen to at the volume you play it.
Take the time and set it up right. This is crucial and takes real time and experimentation or help from someone experienced. Last is a quality DAC. 

Good luck!


penetraletenebre
11 posts
 
Oh and like others have said if you can buy used and save a TON!
jrpnde
80 posts
 
There are many recommendations here. I can only respond to your interest in a NAD integrated. I auditioned that brand extensively and found a couple of interesting facts.....The C326 sounded very good with music. However, the next step up in the NAD line (C356) did not sound nearly as good with music although delivering more power. I went with the C375 (the next step up) and it sounded just as good as the C326 but with more power. Don't let the modest power rating of the C326 (50w/ch.) be a deciding factor. They are high current amps that can drive difficult speaker loads.Perhaps the most important factor is how the amp mates with the speakers. When I auditioned my C375 at the dealer it was connected to a pair of PSB speakers. Sounded very nice. I brought the amp home and connected it to a pair of Klipsch speakers (reference line) and the sound was horrible. Eventually I went back and bought a pair of PSB speakers and the sound was back to what I heard initially. I believe NAD and PSB were or are sister companies. Main point.....auditioning the amp with speakers to be used is of utmost importance.The C326 doesn't have a built in DAC and, since your main media is vinyl, it doesn't have a built in phono stage so you would need an outboard one. It does have sub out connections if you plan to use subs.Whether you go with a NAD unit or not, I just wanted to provide my experience with the brand. 
marktomaras
535 posts
 
One more thought on amps.  Some of the early Adcom amps and preamps were designed by Nelson Pass.  They can be had for $350 - $550 for a power amp and $300-$400 for a preamp.  This combo may be a steal at $650!  Check out what models were designed by Pass, and also, look for examples on Audiogon and eBay.  I bought a couple of Adcom power amps to power my in-ceiling speakers.  Once I connected the power amp to my main fancy system as my power amp was in for service and I was quite surprised by the quality of the sound!
beernut's avatar
beernut
276 posts
 
You have received a myriad of solid advise. I've been in this hobby 40 years now, here's what I have learned IMHO. The biggest difference in your sound will be the result of the speakers. That is not to say match Magnepans with the NAD 316BEE, won't work. Maggies LOVE current. I owned the 326BEE, nice sounding little amp driving some Wharfedale bookshelf speakers. So, matching is an important factor. I also have to agree that a mid-level Rega TT will be fine and open up some extra $$ to use elsewhere. Rega also makes some fine sounding integrated amplifiers and cd players. I never heard a bad one. I'm not a fan of receivers, if you don't listen to FM why bother? I am a bit old school I will admit. I don't really want a DAC in my amplifier. I'm 2 channel and I keep the video in it's own world. My modest system now (My all McIntosh went bye-bye in a divorce) is a Cambridge integrated and cd player with Klispch Heresy III speakers and I'm enjoying it. The newer legacy Klispck line sound very, very good to my ears. They have tamed that tweeter but again, very subjective. Enjoy your audio journey, it's a fun ride. BTW, I have a Rogue Sphinx V2 (on Audiogon now) and don't know what the noise issues are, I don't have them. The V2 does have lower floor noise that the first version and it's an awesome, simplistic 2 channel amp...
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