Recommend speakers for me

[slayers]

Originally Posted by Mikado463

Assuming your budget is to include everything (source, cabling, amplification, speakers) and also assuming your source will be digital in nature, I'd allocate at least half of your budget for speakers. You can look at the used market for amplification , perhaps an integrated so as to save a few $$(so long as synergy with your speakers is there), used cabling and then your source.

take your time in auditioning speakers for they are the most important in the chain.

My source is my iMac (tidal hi fi is almost 100% of my music)

[slayers]

Mikado463 I see you are from Se PA. I live outside of READING, PA do you know of some good places to audition / buy?

[BuffaloBill]

Songs Faber Venere S or Bryston Middle T speakers $4,500 (Ivan)

McIntosh integrated w/DAC $4,500 (Audio Classics)

Wireworld cabling $1,000 (Ivan)

[Randy Myers]

Wireworld cabling (Ivan)--- $1000 seems out of proportion for this level sysem, probably more like $500.

KEF LS50 $1500, sub $500-$800

Wyred 4 Sound Integrated $1999, DAC $1500

or

JOB Int $1700 including DAC

or better still

W4S STP-SE $1999, ST-500mkII $1499, DAC2 DSD $1599
Add the KEFs and a sub and cables you are at about $8500... with full made by hand in the USA (I was at their factory picking up my Pre-Amp, they are 100% hand made, I talked to the techs building them), 5 year warranty, giant killer, highly rated.... and it breaks my heart to say this being that I grew up in Binghamton, but MUCH better sounding than the McIntosh integrated....

Yes, Integrated have improved but still not close to separates... AND Ivan is a dealer and may be able to work with members on pricing (hint hint, join AA)....

I can say, without reservations, the W4S pre-amp is the best I have ever heard and it is not even broken in yet. 6Moons compared it directly against a $15,000 Esoteric and said in many ways the W4S was better.

[slayers]

I might spend $50 on cables? if that? whatever is cheapest on amazon

McIntosh integrated w/DAC $4,500 is nice but i think id rather have the parasound HINT for 2500

[Randy Myers]

Parasound is good equipment, but do yourself a favor and at least research Wyred 4 Sound... that is all I am saying. You can get a W4S Integrated as low as $1500 including a DAC. I would go the separates route... I recently went through exactly as you are, bought a great integrated, then got the bug, bought the KEFs... bought an amp... then a pre-amp, and well each step was a huge improvement...

BTW- using the McIntosh integrated system as a second system in my office.... very nice but the others sound better ....

Anyway, that is my input... enjoy whichever route you take .... do not rule out some good cables... they make a huge difference...

[Mikado463]

Originally Posted by slayers

Mikado463 I see you are from Se PA. I live outside of READING, PA do you know of some good places to audition / buy?

There used to be a decent brick and mortar store near the outlets in your area (name escapes me) but I think gone. I've used for years, Overture in Wilmington, De ………..'land of tax free shopping' !

FWIW, with regards to speaker selection I'm an electrostatic guy. If you have the room (they need space) most ESL's perform well beyond their price point.

[slayers]

Originally Posted by Randy Myers

Parasound is good equipment, but do yourself a favor and at least research Wyred 4 Sound... that is all I am saying. You can get a W4S Integrated as low as $1500 including a DAC. I would go the separates route... I recently went through exactly as you are, bought a great integrated, then got the bug, bought the KEFs... bought an amp... then a pre-amp, and well each step was a huge improvement...

BTW- using the McIntosh integrated system as a second system in my office.... very nice but the others sound better ....

Anyway, that is my input... enjoy whichever route you take .... do not rule out some good cables... they make a huge difference...

Like this one
mINT
Integrated Amplifier?

Cheaper the better = ]

I just use mono price cables... I never got into cables but then again i don't know much about the hi end stuff. I may look at audio quest or monster, I'm not sure

[BuffaloBill]

Originally Posted by slayers

I might spend $50 on cables? if that? whatever is cheapest on amazon

McIntosh integrated w/DAC $4,500 is nice but i think id rather have the parasound HINT for 2500

I learned a good lesson on this one.

[slayers]

Originally Posted by BuffaloBill

I learned a good lesson on this one.

What do you mean?