I would recommend against an even split between the cost of amp and speaker. Spend on the speaker. Much greater payoff there as long as the amp you choose is well-suited for the speaker.
Recommendation: great floorstander & amp $3K ea
Here's my current setup:
Integrated: Creek 5350se
Loudspeakers: Totem Arro
Analog: Roksan Radius 5
CD Player/Digital: Rotel RCD-1072
Digital: Apple Air Tunes
Here's what I would like to do:
Create two systems around a new integrated amplifier and new loudspeakers. The constants are the Creek 5350se and the Totem Arros, but they can be broken up--i.e. the Creek can be moved to power different loudspeakers with the new integrated powering the Totem Arros.
I have to admit that my source is typically: 60% Apple Lossless streamed; 30 % vinyl; and 10% CD. I would prefer to upgrade source kit later (I recognize that the Rotel and Airtunes might not be ideal quality levels), but I would presume the Roksan Radius 5 is nothing to scoff at.
My musical tastes run the gamut, with the following breakdown: jazz/vocal 30%; adult rock/pop 30%; classic rock 15%; classical 15%; blues/folk 10%. With my wife, I will listen to alot of Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Harry Connick, Keb Mo, Mumford & Sons, Of Monsters & Men, Motown, and pop. Alone I will listen to a bunch of the previous but more weight on jazz, classic rock, blues, and artier offerings--Tom Waits, Pascal Rogue, etc.
My main dislikes in a system are harshness, clipping, poor imaging, flubby bass (I don't need a ton of bass, but hope to have what I get add to the sound, not detract).
What I am considering:
I was considering some of the following:
--Maybe going into a used tube amp--e.g. Cary or something.
--Maybe going Simaudio Moon integrated.
--Maybe going Luxman L505u (used) as integrated.
--Maybe going Krell 300i as integrated.
--Maybe going Focal Electra 1027 s.
--Maybe moving into other Totem loudspeakers.
I know that so much is subjective in all of this and I am not a real audiophile. I was looking for folks to steer me into recommendations.
So this is your opportunity to be OPINIONATED! I simply do not have the time to audition a ton. I can make an educated purchase and hope for the best. If it doesn't work to my liking there is always trade in or selling kit on audiogon so I'm not too worried.
Please offer me your suggestions and recommendations. I'm pretty open on moving the above kit that I have around and I'm open to making additional purchases over time--buying another turntable or a DAC or whatever.
Thanks to all in advance for your time, knowledge and helping the community on audiogon!
--Jamey
Integrated: Creek 5350se
Loudspeakers: Totem Arro
Analog: Roksan Radius 5
CD Player/Digital: Rotel RCD-1072
Digital: Apple Air Tunes
Here's what I would like to do:
Create two systems around a new integrated amplifier and new loudspeakers. The constants are the Creek 5350se and the Totem Arros, but they can be broken up--i.e. the Creek can be moved to power different loudspeakers with the new integrated powering the Totem Arros.
I have to admit that my source is typically: 60% Apple Lossless streamed; 30 % vinyl; and 10% CD. I would prefer to upgrade source kit later (I recognize that the Rotel and Airtunes might not be ideal quality levels), but I would presume the Roksan Radius 5 is nothing to scoff at.
My musical tastes run the gamut, with the following breakdown: jazz/vocal 30%; adult rock/pop 30%; classic rock 15%; classical 15%; blues/folk 10%. With my wife, I will listen to alot of Diana Krall, Norah Jones, Harry Connick, Keb Mo, Mumford & Sons, Of Monsters & Men, Motown, and pop. Alone I will listen to a bunch of the previous but more weight on jazz, classic rock, blues, and artier offerings--Tom Waits, Pascal Rogue, etc.
My main dislikes in a system are harshness, clipping, poor imaging, flubby bass (I don't need a ton of bass, but hope to have what I get add to the sound, not detract).
What I am considering:
I was considering some of the following:
--Maybe going into a used tube amp--e.g. Cary or something.
--Maybe going Simaudio Moon integrated.
--Maybe going Luxman L505u (used) as integrated.
--Maybe going Krell 300i as integrated.
--Maybe going Focal Electra 1027 s.
--Maybe moving into other Totem loudspeakers.
I know that so much is subjective in all of this and I am not a real audiophile. I was looking for folks to steer me into recommendations.
So this is your opportunity to be OPINIONATED! I simply do not have the time to audition a ton. I can make an educated purchase and hope for the best. If it doesn't work to my liking there is always trade in or selling kit on audiogon so I'm not too worried.
Please offer me your suggestions and recommendations. I'm pretty open on moving the above kit that I have around and I'm open to making additional purchases over time--buying another turntable or a DAC or whatever.
Thanks to all in advance for your time, knowledge and helping the community on audiogon!
--Jamey
- ...
- 18 posts total
- 18 posts total