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RE: How to Design a New System

I used to think when putting together a system you should start with the loudspeakers and then work backwards from there. In recent years I have modified this process and now believe one should choose the power amplifier and then audition loudspeakers that are a suitable match as nothing affects what you hear like the power amps. Basically, a pair of speakers the amps are able to drive properly with a decent dynamic range and sonically to your liking..
Once you have established this pairing; pre-amps and CD players and turntable/cartridge combinations can be explored. What you should be listening for here are components that don't
denigrate the level of quality you established with your amp/speaker combo. A pre-amp should not 'change' the sound of what is being fed it or what it is feeding the power amps. It is a daunting task to find a pre-amp or line level amplifier that doesn't have an inherent sound of it's own. A truly neutral sounding pre-amp is rare so I would recommend you error on the warm side of neutral when it comes to chosing between two pre-amps, especially if your main source is digital. A digital source should be next as it is the most convenient for repeatable test passages which aid in speaker placement. Once you have optimized your stereo sound-stage you can implement room tweaks to address room acoustics. Extensive room treatments are usually unnecessary and until your loudspeakers have been perfectly positioned there is no point in spending time and money on problems that may not exist.
A good turntable is a must since vinyl has been around for over 60 years and will continue to flourish because it still presents the highest level of musicality even with it's surface noise and other limitations. Analog is visceral and 'real'.
Finally, even after you have chosen a great pair of speakers that your favorite amplifiers drive
well and your source components are wonderful performers you need to link everything together with zero loss in signal. All the clarity and dynamics of the performance must pass along from component to component, unaltered. Do not skimp on interconnects, loudspeaker cables and power cords. Contrary to what some have posted at the Asylum, wires DO NOT all sound the same. If pin-point imaging and quick, responsive loudspeakers with deep, tight bass are essential to your happiness then don't comprimise all your good choices with cheap cabling.
With some wise shopping, even perhaps some second hand gear you should be able to pull off your audio quest with some money to spare. When you are content with your new stereo and just want to make a quantum leap in the level of performance of your entire system; then it is time to shop for a good power conditioner. I can't say enough about the positive improvements in my sound-stage since I introduced power conditioning. Everything is neat and tight and placed exactly where it should be on-stage. Music is presented with the blackest of backgrounds, a bottomless noise floor with seamingly infinite dynamics.

On a $50K budget IMO Loudspeaker/power amplifiers $10-20K
Pre-amp & phono-stage $ 3-5K
Turntable/cartridge combo $ 2-5K
SACD player/DAC $2-5 K
Power cords $2-3K
Interconnects $2-3K
Loudspeaker cabling $1-2K
Power Conditioning including $5K
dedicated line and audio grade outlet

Grand Total $27K-48K



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  • RE: How to Design a New System - finnman500@hotmail.com 04/18/0908:35:10 04/18/09 (0)

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