Good morning,
Well, it has been nearly 3 decades since I last purchased any audio gear...that's why I came to the Entry Level forum, for advice.
I am hoping to purchase some "entry level" audiophile equipment (integrated amp, cd player & speakers). My musical tastes are jazz, big band/swing, vocals, rhythm and some rock. I listen at moderate levels so there is no need for excessive power or enormous speakers (small to moderate sized floor standers is what I had in mind).
A budget of $3,ooo - 3,500 is what I planned on and the brands that the two local audio shops carry, that I can afford, are: Rotel, NAD, Cambridge, Music Hall, B&W, Vandersteen, Quad, Epos, Usher and Spendor. My main concern is the choice of speakers...I prefer a full range floorstander. The only ones that are availble for demo are the B&Ws, Vandees and Quads. I have read favorable reviews of the Epos, Spendor and Usher but am leary of purchasing unheard. Does anyone have personal experience with these brands.
As for the electronics I am leaning toward a Rotel 1062 int. amp and 1072 cd player but will consider a lesser expensive Cambridge or NAD if I need to spend more on speakers.
Any insight/suggestions from those who are familiar with the "latest and greatest" would be most appreciated.
Thanks.
Mike
Good morning,
Well, it has been nearly 3 decades since I last purchased any audio gear...that's why I came to the Entry Level forum, for advice.
I am hoping to purchase some "entry level" audiophile equipment (integrated amp, cd player & speakers). My musical tastes are jazz, big band/swing, vocals, rhythm and some rock. I listen at moderate levels so there is no need for excessive power or enormous speakers (small to moderate sized floor standers is what I had in mind).
A budget of $3,ooo - 3,500 is what I planned on and the brands that the two local audio shops carry, that I can afford, are: Rotel, NAD, Cambridge, Music Hall, B&W, Vandersteen, Quad, Epos, Usher and Spendor. My main concern is the choice of speakers...I prefer a full range floorstander. The only ones that are availble for demo are the B&Ws, Vandees and Quads. I have read favorable reviews of the Epos, Spendor and Usher but am leary of purchasing unheard. Does anyone have personal experience with these brands.
As for the electronics I am leaning toward a Rotel 1062 int. amp and 1072 cd player but will consider a lesser expensive Cambridge or NAD if I need to spend more on speakers.
Any insight/suggestions from those who are familiar with the "latest and greatest" would be most appreciated.
Thanks.
Mike