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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
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...
terry9
931 posts
 
Cables. In a $5K system, I would spend as little as possible on cables - like less than $100 all in. IMO, you will get more bang for your buck anywhere else.
horndawg724
10 posts
 
KEF LS50’’s or PS Audio Sprout 100 may be your best place to start for your first system. 
rhutch
5 posts
 
First time posting. After spending quite a few months this year searching for a system, I decided over the summer to keep it simple: KEF LS50 Wireless. I highly recommend you give it some consideration. For $2,200 you get something that’s far superior to an LS50 paired with any of the amps you’re considering here. The tweeters are driven by 30 watt class A/B amps, while the midrange gets 200 watts of class D. And the speakers come with room correction.

I don’t find them to be too bright. And because of the DSP, the speakers can also dive much deeper into lower octaves than the passive LS50s. If you end up wanting a full range sound, you could always add a sub.  

With your $2,200 TT, you’d have $600 left for speaker stands, phono pre and interconnects. No need for speaker cables (paired with an Ethernet cable). One thing to consider that, I think, only matters in principle: The LS50 Wireless converts all analog inputs to digital and then back to analog. Doesn’t mean you would lose any of the magic of your turntable, per se, but you technically wouldn’t have an analog system. 

Can’t recommend highly enough. I feel like I’m getting a sound I would had to spend thousands more dollars and a couple years to end up with him. Read some reviews and, if you can, demo a pair before making a decision. 
inna
5,245 posts
 
Old made in England Audiolab integrateds were excellent for the price, one model even had a phono stage. Probably not as good as newer British moderately priced integrateds but you might be able to find one on ebay for $150 or so. I got one in the closet as a back-up, not bad at all to begin with. But you would want to upgrade later.
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