Starting from scratch. Advice?

[Jerome W]

And I would add that the Rega system is financially completely balanced since each component costs about the same price but still, like the Linn approach, the electronics have the biggest share : they cost the double of the speakers.

[TommyC]

Originally Posted by C220MC275

Tommy,
Did you have a chance to listen to this set up ?

I was about to suggest exactly the same, but when I heard that he listens to Rock 80 % ofthe time, I thought that the RS10 could not be the best choice.
But I agree tha this combo is VERY HARD to beat.

Afraid not.

But, I did listen to Rega's entry level system. The sound is impressive considering the entire system costs less than my MVP871. Talk about audio bargain.

[Jerome W]

Originally Posted by TommyC

Afraid not.

But, I did listen to Rega's entry level system. The sound is impressive considering the entire system costs less than my MVP871. Talk about audio bargain.

Yes. I can confirm that for 25k, Osiris / Isis / RS10 is just incredible.

[Portugal]

Originally Posted by jasont

I'm starting from scratch researching gear for my first nice two channel system and I'm hoping for some advice. (...) For instance, something like B&W 802 Diamonds with a McIntosh MA6600 or AR DSi200. (...)

Jason

I'm precisely in the same point as Jason.

I noticed no one commented on his Audio Research DSi200 idea. Any comments on this component?

Originally Posted by TommyC

Rega Osiris integrated amp
Rega Isis Valve CD player
Rega RS10

Now you have one of the best systems in this price category.

Interesting tip. I was not aware of this and will schedule an audition.

Originally Posted by bzr

If I was starting out as you are with a clean slate, heres one way I'd go.

OPPO BDP-95 for a front end that can & will do so much for the biggest bang for your buck. (...) At the mo I am running the oppo straight into my amp. Happy times....

Interesting. Planning to have a single source (MacMini and a DAC) do I need a PreAmp or can I connect the DAC directly to the Power Amp and use the Mac to control volume digitally?

Thanks, Pedro

[cmalak]

Jason...any updates on where you are with the system build?

[jasont]

Originally Posted by cmalak

Jason...any updates on where you are with the system build?

Hey Cyril, no updates yet. I was waiting to see if anything interesting was announced at CES. And it appears there is some cool stuff coming within the next few months, so I want to wait a bit and hear some of it.

[cmalak]

Originally Posted by jasont

Hey Cyril, no updates yet. I was waiting to see if anything interesting was announced at CES. And it appears there is some cool stuff coming within the next few months, so I want to wait a bit and hear some of it.

Jason...Sounds good

[tigerhonaker]

Jason,

Just saw this Thread and was looking to see what your final decisions were.

Keep us posted once you make your move.

Terry

[jasont]

Originally Posted by Portugal

I noticed no one commented on his Audio Research DSi200 idea. Any comments on this component?

I've read plenty of great reviews about the DSi200 from many sources. Assuming you like its sound, it would be hard to go wrong with it. I've heard it a few times myself and thought it sounded great - but I'm new to all of this.

Originally Posted by Portugal

Interesting. Planning to have a single source (MacMini and a DAC) do I need a PreAmp or can I connect the DAC directly to the Power Amp and use the Mac to control volume digitally?

I'm no expert but I believe I've read that using the Mac volume control is a bad idea for sound quality. There are lots of DACs that have a volume control and can be used straight to an amp, so you would use the dac volume control instead of the Mac's.

Good luck in your search! It's definitely fun.