First time poster, hoping to get some advice from all of you knowledgeable people. I've recently been so lucky as to inherit two pieces of equipment from my grandfather: an MC240 McIntosh Amplifier and C22 McIntosh preamp, both from the early 1960s.
I am interested in using these components to start building a hi-fi system. Unfortunately I am a law student without much disposable income, so I'd like to get some low-cost decent equipment that won't embarrass the McIntosh, with a reasonable upgrade path as I have more money to spend.
I am, by no means, an audiophile, but do appreciate good sound quality as far as my ears will let me. Currently my primary method of music listening is through my computer/Zune HD with either my Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10s or Grado SR-80s. My music collection is a mix of ripped lossless files from CDs and emusic/zune pass monthly downloads. I realize that the mp3s are going to be a problem here, but it is what I have at the moment. Some records are coming along with the stereo and I love the sound of vinyl and would love to start collecting there as well. I listen mostly to indie rock, with some classic rock, jazz, hip-hop, etc. thrown in. Pretty typical mid-20s NY music snob.
With that for setup, I'm thinking I probably will need to start with a set of bookshelf speakers, a turntable, and potentially a DAC, plugged into my computer and/or a zune HD dock with optical out.
I've done some research online, but wanted to get people's thoughts.
As for speakers, I was thinking of the Audioengine P4, PSB Alpha B1, or Paradigm Atom (v5? v6? monitor?) speakers. All are in the $250-$350 price range as far as I can tell. I'm perfectly comfortable buying used (hey the amp is 50 years old!) for decent stuff.
For a turntable, I was thinking either the Rega RP-1 or the Pro-Ject Debut III. The Pro-Ject seems available for a bit cheaper and if they are the same quality, i'd just as soon save a bit of money here.
I have not really done much research on the DAC, and might try to wait until after the summer when I have some extra cash from my law firm internship to invest here. Thoughts or nudges in the right direction would be appreciated.
First question is, am I in the right ballpark for these components given the amp/pre-amp? Is the McIntosh 40 watts sufficient to power these speakers, etc.? Would a sub make a big difference for my type of listening? If so, how would i go about incorporating that into my setup? Second, comparing these components, what are people's opinions. I realize it would help to audition the speakers, but I haven't been able to find a place that carries them all. Then again, I am in NYC, so maybe someone could suggest a store to listen at.
I know this is long, but I appreciate everyone's thoughts. I've done some reading in the forums here and it would be great to get the expertise of all of you.
thanks!
First time poster, hoping to get some advice from all of you knowledgeable people. I've recently been so lucky as to inherit two pieces of equipment from my grandfather: an MC240 McIntosh Amplifier and C22 McIntosh preamp, both from the early 1960s.
I am interested in using these components to start building a hi-fi system. Unfortunately I am a law student without much disposable income, so I'd like to get some low-cost decent equipment that won't embarrass the McIntosh, with a reasonable upgrade path as I have more money to spend.
I am, by no means, an audiophile, but do appreciate good sound quality as far as my ears will let me. Currently my primary method of music listening is through my computer/Zune HD with either my Ultimate Ears Triple.fi 10s or Grado SR-80s. My music collection is a mix of ripped lossless files from CDs and emusic/zune pass monthly downloads. I realize that the mp3s are going to be a problem here, but it is what I have at the moment. Some records are coming along with the stereo and I love the sound of vinyl and would love to start collecting there as well. I listen mostly to indie rock, with some classic rock, jazz, hip-hop, etc. thrown in. Pretty typical mid-20s NY music snob.
With that for setup, I'm thinking I probably will need to start with a set of bookshelf speakers, a turntable, and potentially a DAC, plugged into my computer and/or a zune HD dock with optical out.
I've done some research online, but wanted to get people's thoughts.
As for speakers, I was thinking of the Audioengine P4, PSB Alpha B1, or Paradigm Atom (v5? v6? monitor?) speakers. All are in the $250-$350 price range as far as I can tell. I'm perfectly comfortable buying used (hey the amp is 50 years old!) for decent stuff.
For a turntable, I was thinking either the Rega RP-1 or the Pro-Ject Debut III. The Pro-Ject seems available for a bit cheaper and if they are the same quality, i'd just as soon save a bit of money here.
I have not really done much research on the DAC, and might try to wait until after the summer when I have some extra cash from my law firm internship to invest here. Thoughts or nudges in the right direction would be appreciated.
First question is, am I in the right ballpark for these components given the amp/pre-amp? Is the McIntosh 40 watts sufficient to power these speakers, etc.? Would a sub make a big difference for my type of listening? If so, how would i go about incorporating that into my setup? Second, comparing these components, what are people's opinions. I realize it would help to audition the speakers, but I haven't been able to find a place that carries them all. Then again, I am in NYC, so maybe someone could suggest a store to listen at.
I know this is long, but I appreciate everyone's thoughts. I've done some reading in the forums here and it would be great to get the expertise of all of you.
thanks!