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May 16, 2013 - 7:46am
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I think I've narrowed down my choices and would love some feedback:
* Integrated Amp: Outlaw Audio RR2150
* Phono: Rega RP1
* Speakers (this is my dilemma): Wharfedale 10.2 - OR - Focus Chorus 706.
At Music Direct the Chorus 706's are on sale from $700 to $499. Seems like a great deal to me.
This definitely keeps me in my budget (sub $3K), so I'd welcome any speaker upgrades you suggest/recommend. I plan to pick my top choice and at least demo through an online shop.
Oh, and please read my post above to learn more about the space/requirements. This is a first setup, in a somewhat limited space. My only/biggest concern is getting a good speaker pair that are well-balanced.
Thanks again!
Stu
First, I prefer the Music Hall MMF-2.2 or Pro-Ject Debut Carbon over the Rega RP1.
Second, you could do worse than the Outlaw RR2150. Should be very serviceable.
Finally, for loudspeakers, bring a pair of Ascend Acoustics Sierra-1s into your room for 30 days and I doubt you will be sending them back for the purchase price refund. http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRM1/srm1.html
I second the choice of the Music Hall MMF-2.2 turntable; very good and not too expensive. ($450)
The OPPO is definitely a winner; good choice there.
I would suggest the NAD C326BEE for the amplifier, with a Musical Fidelity V-LPS phono preamp. ($800 total)
The phono stage in most integrated amplifiers is a cheap and minimal one that will not sound nearly as good as the V-LPS. It compares to some that cost $500 or more; a real top-quality phono stage for only $199.
The Focal and Wharfedale speakers are both very good; either should be good.
The PSB Image B6 is another excellent one to consider.Saturday Audio Exchange has them for only $439 per pair, which is a very good deal (normally $600).
You should be around $2000 for the whole system with that equipment.
.
Thank you Jackfish and Commsysman for the thoughts/recommendations...
Would it be worth the extra money to move from a monitor speaker (like the PSB B6's), to a more full-range speaker like the PSB Image T6? I've ready great reviews, and was thinking about spending the extra cash on a set that covers the full range.
Regardless, thank you again for the comments.
Stu
I had the PSB Image T6 speakers for 2 years, and I highly recommend them. I powered them with the NAD C325BEE for much of that time, before eventually upgrading to a Musical Fidelity M3i amplifier.
I think they would be well worth the money; i don't think they have much real competition at their price. They are very good speakers.
Originally I assumed that you did not want floorstanding speakers, but they are definitely the way to go if you can.
Yeah, I was orginially thinking bookshelf/monitors as a way to maximize both price and floor real-estate, but I'm starting to realize that I'd rather have a pair of speakers that a) gives me a component upgrade path in the future, and b) leverages the full frequency range without having to add in a powered sub.
I think I'm going to give those T6's a run. Thanks!
Stu
One more question...
I was going to order some pre-terminated speaker wire from blue jeans, and just assume that those will be more than adequate for my setup. As far as I can tell, keep the gauge on the lower-end (14 or less) and I'll be fine.
Stu