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Build me a $3,500 stereo system - Page 2

post #16 of 24
12/6/10 at 8:23pm
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Originally Posted by Artisan Fan View Post
You don't think my advice is sound as well?

You don't think my past recommendations here have been high quality?
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post #17 of 24
12/6/10 at 8:55pm
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post #18 of 24
12/6/10 at 10:01pm
Linn turntable with NAIM components is a classic and very British combination.
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post #19 of 24
12/6/10 at 10:44pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by LabelKing View Post
Linn turntable with NAIM components is a classic and very British combination.
Very expensive. Hard to do that for under $3.5K me thinks. Otherwise great recommendation except for the Linn turntable idea.
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post #20 of 24
12/6/10 at 10:45pm
You might be able to do it used. Certain NAIM components are not terribly pricey although it seems their strange proprietary cables can get expensive.
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post #21 of 24
12/6/10 at 11:06pm
I got my REga P3 for around 350.00 on Ebay.

Spend the most of the money on speakers, TT and phono/cartridge. Never ever buy integrated amp with built-in phono stage - they are an afterthought.
Spend some money on TT cartridge: go for Denon103R or 304, you would not regret. Spend the least on cables.
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post #22 of 24
12/6/10 at 11:18pm
Once you have a better sense of the sound you are looking for, I strongly recommend checking out the used marketplace for deals (but please also direct your business to local dealers who provide their time and expertise).

I know Andre recommended some NAD gear for you. For what its worth, NAD is the only gear I have ever owned that has failed (sounded great during the short time it lasted). Good luck and be sure to avoid consumer-grade crap (home theater recievers, etc.).
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post #23 of 24
12/7/10 at 12:11am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jenlain View Post
I know Andre recommended some NAD gear for you. For what its worth, NAD is the only gear I have ever owned that has failed (sounded great during the short time it lasted). Good luck and be sure to avoid consumer-grade crap (home theater recievers, etc.).

This is a good point that I forgot to mention. NAD in the past has had some reliability problems, but I don't know what they're like these days. If you get one, make sure you have good dealer support.

--Andre
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post #24 of 24
12/7/10 at 12:51pm
Andre's recommendations are spot on. Your choice of speaker will pretty much determine what your system will ultimately sound like. There are a bewildering array of choices and you really need to audition to find out what you like.

NAD is a solid choice for electronics. I've assembled a few systems for myself and regardless of budget, I've always ended up with a NAD CDP. No arguments with the NAD integrated either if you're planning to go solid state. However, you may also consider a tube integrated (depending on speaker choice).

I'd also go with Rega for your turntable. It is worthwhile to upgrade to the P3-24 with the outboard PSU and a Dynavector 10X5 cartridge but that's getting up there in price so perhaps get the P3-24 and a cheap cartridge then upgrade later on.
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