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Setting up a system - What to buy WHEN?

Hello audiogon gurus!

I've been a long time browser over the years, but only just signed up today. I'd like to get some advice. I'll try to be brief as possible.

So I'm going to be putting together a system in Q1 once I get moved into a house and have a listening space. But I'm just not sure in which order to buy these pieces. I have a cheap setup now that'll serve as the starting point. It's just some cheap bang-for-the-buck type stuff I've picked up on Amazon and at Best Buy. Nothing really worth talking about except for the Pre-Amp. It's "decent" but not Audiophile by any means. It's a Rotel unit that set me back around $700. I mention this because given this one piece being better than the rest, well, I think it might just move the pre-amp purchase to one of the later ones.

Here's a list of what I need to buy (Sorted alphabetically):

  • DAC      
  • Main Amp 1
  • Main Amp 2
  • Main Speakers  
  • Phono PreAmp  
  • Power Conditioner
  • Pre-Amp    
  • Turntable + Stylus

note: My plan is to hopefully be able to buy an amp that'll power both mains on it's own. Then circle back later, buy another of the same unit. Then I'll swap each over to monoblock mode - one driving each main.

So because of the cost of these items, Basically each line in my list will be a separate purchase spaced out over time. How long? I'm not sure. something something "money don't grown on trees . . . "

So I ask you all, what's the order of operations here? What should get bought first???? I currently have all of these units - now it's time to upgrade! I look forward to hearing from you.

ps. This thread isn't about brands ;)

bigslacker
elizabeth
6,726 posts
 
One point with one amp then strapping it and buying a second to make mono. Most stereo amps will not be happy bridged to mono driving a 4 ohm speaker. If fact this voids a lot of warranties and will kill the amplifier which say this is a no-no sooner than later.           
So, If you really have to go for the one now, and a second later thing, your speaker MUST BE 8 ohms. and NOT 4 ohms. Sadly a large number of speakers are 4 ohms now days.
The alternative is to buy the bigger single stereo amp now, or buy a used amp now, and sell it after getting the amp(s) you really want for the speakers you are getting.              
As for the preamp? yes leave the one you own until the rest is better. The Rotel is a decent device.
bigslacker's avatar
bigslacker OP
4 posts
 
One point with one amp then strapping it and buying a second to make mono. Most stereo amps will not be happy bridged to mono driving a 4 ohm speaker.

Great point! I was thinking of amps that support this feature only. I've seen the rear of certain amps that have a toggle switch for this kind of mode, and that's what I was thinking of but didn't say it directly.  Thanks!
lhasaguy's avatar
lhasaguy
95 posts
 
Two things stand out to me.  One, decide what your budget is, broken out by component.   Many 4 Ohm speakers require major amounts if power that can be quite costly, ask me how I know, LOL.

I would listen to many speakers and then let them drive the choice of amplifier.

Pre amps are about synergy with the speakers and the power amp for me.

Achieving a balance with regard to the total budget will save lots of $$$s as over spending on one item that is way above the rest of the system is often money spent unwisely.

Most of all, enjoy the process!!!


elevick
2,439 posts
 
I agree with going to audio shows.  Also, find some friends to borrow gear from.  Once you have the speakers there are many different ways to power them:  tubes, solid state, integrated, power amps, class A, class A/B, class D and more.  You need to make sure that you have enough power to get what you need out of the speakers.
1 watt of distortion will blow any speaker but most speakers can handle hundreds of clean watts.  Low efficiency speakers such as 86 db will take two to four times as much power to hit the same volumes as an efficient speaker rated in the low to mid 90's.  So, if you find out that you love a speaker rated at 83db expect to buy those giant monoblocks.  However, if you fall in love with 99db horns you only need to get 7 watts.
Finally, have a good reliable source that you trust with a couple of recordings that you know well.
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