[carl_lazlo]

Hello everyone.  Currently I have a very nice sounding digital/home theater setup but I was interested in creating a separate analogue two channel system.  I have been looking into some different options but I would like to get some opinions on what would make a great sounding system.

Here are the rules:

I would like the best sounding 2 channel system for under $10k. 

This system will be used mostly for vinyl but I am not against putting in an oppo multi-format player with a nice DAC if the price is right. 

If you all were starting a 2 channel system from the ground up what would you choose?  I am currently using a really nice sounding set of GR-research speakers so I think I have that covered but if you can work a great sounding set of speakers into the package for under 10k I may be interested.


Thanks!

[carl_lazlo]

Thanks for the quick response.  I know  A LOT about digital but I know nothing really about analogue setups. i.e.  What type of turn table is best, what type of cartridge, phono pre, etc.

I was looking at the Music Hall MMF 9.1 or the Rega planar 3.24 to get me started.  Both are stereophile recommended and both come pre-equipped with great cartridges so I don't have to mess with alignment and installation of a cartridge at this point.

If I go with those I don't know what type of phono pre I would need.

Also, I need to save some of the budget for a pre/amp combo or an integrated amp like the Ayre.

I would love to get a recommendation for a full system (with and without speakers) for 10K or less.

If I go with the rega option I have money left for a good digital player (I.E OPPO BDP-83) and a good DAC and then I can have a great analogue/digital 2 channel system and then have my separate 7.1 channel home theater system.

[K Shep]

Are you considering used equipment or should our recommendations be retail prices?

[mshan]

If you are willing to purchase used, you could probably build a system similar to the Merlin Joule Cardas VPI systems that Merlin used to use at audio shows:

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrfull&1262296425&/Merlin-VSM-M-

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?ampstube&1260854554&/Joule--Electra-Stargates-SET-m (supposed to sound very similar to the Joule OTLs)

several Joule-Electra preamps with built in phono stage on Audigon (LA-100 mk. 3 with built in phono stage)

cabling is typically Cardas Golden Cross and / or Golden Reference (usually internally bi-wired Cardas Golden Cross speaker cables and either Cardas Golden Cross or Cardas Golden Reference interconnects)

I think Bobby Palkovic used to use a VPI turntable at shows (Stereophile Show from early 2000 years)


http://www.merlinmusic.com
http://joule-electra.com/

[woodsyi]

What kind of music on vinyl do you have or plan to have to play?

[carl_lazlo]

I would probably prefer to buy new to make sure there are no underlying issues with the equipment, but I'm not against buying used if the equipment is nice and the price is right.

I checked the link to the Merlin speakers.  They look nice but I do have a set of GR_Research AV-3's that I have used for the past few years and really love the sound of.

Is there a huge difference between the Merlin's and the AV-3's I have?  (The AV-3's have all the crossover upgrades that are available.)

As for what I am listening too; pretty much everything.  I know it's better to tailor a system to what you listen to most but I am willing to compromise to get something that will play pretty well for everything.

I listen to a lot of Neil Young and other classic rock.  (Floyd, Journey, Fleetwood Mac, etc.)  I have all that on SACD or DVD-A but will try to pick up on vinyl. 

I also listen to a lot of electronic, i.e. KMFDM, NIN, Portishead, etc.  Whereas I think the classic rock would benefit from a tube pre and amp, the electronica would be better suited to solid state equipment. 

My thinking was going with something like the Ayre integrated amp and using the vinyl rig for the classic rock and a really good digital transport/DAC for the newer stuff.

Sorry if I seem all over the place with this but working for many years as a recording engineer exposed me to a lot of different music and broadened my tastes.

[mshan]

Audio Connection in upper New Jersey used to display Vandersteen speakers with Ayre electronics at audio shows; seems like a really nice combination.  I was very impressed with the staff at Innovative Audio in Brooklyn, though my visit was over a decade ago.

Haven't ever heard GR Research speakers, so I can't comment on how they compare to Merlin.

I own multiple prior generations back Merlin VSM-SE speakers and would characterize them as an amazing combination of purity, resolution, and focus.  They are extended to around 30 hz with the BAM, but these really aren't speakers for someone that like to play them really loud.

If you really like the GR Research speakers, I would first focus on finding particularly synergistic combinations of amplification (were they voiced with a particular manufacturer's electronics, or do they always display at shows with the same combination of other manufacturer's products).  It would be easier to add a compatible source once you have the core components optimized to work with each other.

http://audioconnect.com/

http://www.innovativeaudiovideo.com/

[doug s.]

carl, i strongly recommend you shop used, for a turntable.  i believe you can do far better than the rega or music hall decks you mention for the the same money, or less.

doug s.