2. misc-audio
  3. 1207602252

any advice appreciated

Hello all. I've learned a lot from this forum. This is my first post, but I've been reading for a while. I'm about to set up my first real stereo system and I'd like your advice on the direction I'm going.

I have a budget of about $1700 for startup. I want a 2.0 system. I listen to listen to blues, rock, folk, motown, and some jazz. My living room is approx 25'x35' with 13' ceilings. I listen at moderate levels.

I'm about to pull the trigger and buy:

1. A used pair of Vienna Acoustic Mozart speakers ($1200)
2. A barely used NAD C 325 BEE amp. ($325)
3. A CD player yet to be determined. ($200)

My preferences tend to be toward warm rich tones. Anybody think I'm on the wrong path here? I'm in an area of the country that prohibits me from driving to my local retailer for a demo.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks.
drew151
gumbydammit
186 posts
 
Were I in your shoes, I would look for an old high quality 2 channel receiver and upscale my source.
It has been my experience that there are many cheap receivers out there that can make real music if given a decent source.
Sometimes, you can luck into an ancient accuphase integrated for a couple hundred dollars.
I would prefer to have a better source with a beefy old receiver than a cheapie source and a mid-fi amplifier!
drew151 OP
3 posts
 
Gumby,

Any recommendations on which old beefy receiver? I like your idea, just not sure what to look for.

Thanks for the advice,

-Drew
elevick
2,439 posts
 
If $200 is your budget on a cd, use a dvd player ($50) and spend more on an integrated amp or receiver. You could get an older B&K pre and power combo for that much and it will sound much better than an NAD.

For great NAD prices, check out www.spearitsound.com
gumbydammit
186 posts
 
spearitsound

Hmmm, could that be the old "sound & music"??
gumbydammit
186 posts
 
There is a an Accuphase P-300 on flea-bay right now that looks very nice for 400.00 opening bid. No one has bid on it (it has old style analog meters, so the "light show" isn't impressive)
I know of no NAD amp priced in that range that could ever come near it in terms of build quality and musical "live with it in the house and be happy making music" factor.

If you like smooth, this amp and a good CD would make life grand.
Of course, it is over budget. ;>)
(I think I want that Accuphase. I wish I had not just spent all my $ on cart and cabling.)
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