Hi everybody,
Just interested in your general thoughts and opinions as I start to investigate and learn more about high performance audio.
I have a home recording studio and a home theater. They are both purpose built and get the job done.
Its been on my mind for a while now to put together a stereo system for pure music enjoyment but also keeping in mind that I am a critical listener and detail is important.
While I know "music gear" from the perspective of PA, amps, instruments, and recording I am pretty ignorant when it comes to audiophile grade name brands and products.
I was browsing integrated amps and the Yamaha a-s1100 caught my eye. I have to confess that the thing I found appealing was that it reminded me of the big bad ass stereo gear of the 70's. My mind immediately said: "Get that one!"
Then it dawned on me, is Yamaha even considered audiophile gear? Assuming that label means performance beyond your typical consumer grade product, designed for serious users. I saw a Luxman l-501s for 1300 and an Nad amp/preamp combo that looked interesting.
I haven't actively gone out gear demo'ing but did get to listen to a couple speakers. I offer my perspective for reference. One was a Focal chorus that sounded tinny to me and seemed to have an unpleasant bump in the the lower mid range. I don't think speakers should require eq'ing to sound good. They looked really cool though. I read the Arias are much better. I listened to some KEF q750's. The midrange was beautiful. I can't imagine better. The treble sounded detailed and accurate but kind of rolled off. Bass sounded good and well balanced.
My father is offering to give me a pair B&W DM602 S3 speakers. Are these any good?
Tastes - I was weaned on 70s rock, Led Zeppelin, Steeley Dan, Doobie Brothers, Eagles, etc. That style of music will forever be at my core however I like to wander. I love Myles Davis Kind of Blue, Larry Carlton Last Night. Have a thing for female vocals: Norah Jones Come Away With Me, everything Neko Case, Eva Cassidy, and Imelda May, Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones. kind of a classical novice but love cello! Mozarts 26th Symphony is a favorite. Brubeck! Always interested in new musical discoveries.
The space is relatively small. I'll be sitting maybe 6 feet away. Naturally dead space, drop ceiling, no parallel reflecting surfaces. High volume is not a requirement although I do like to occasionally rock. Balance and clarity are by far the most important qualities to me.
Budget: 3k roughly. I anticipate I'll end up spending more. Always seems to work out that way but the less I spend the happier my wife will be!
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!
Hi everybody,
Just interested in your general thoughts and opinions as I start to investigate and learn more about high performance audio.
I have a home recording studio and a home theater. They are both purpose built and get the job done.
Its been on my mind for a while now to put together a stereo system for pure music enjoyment but also keeping in mind that I am a critical listener and detail is important.
While I know "music gear" from the perspective of PA, amps, instruments, and recording I am pretty ignorant when it comes to audiophile grade name brands and products.
I was browsing integrated amps and the Yamaha a-s1100 caught my eye. I have to confess that the thing I found appealing was that it reminded me of the big bad ass stereo gear of the 70's. My mind immediately said: "Get that one!"
Then it dawned on me, is Yamaha even considered audiophile gear? Assuming that label means performance beyond your typical consumer grade product, designed for serious users. I saw a Luxman l-501s for 1300 and an Nad amp/preamp combo that looked interesting.
I haven't actively gone out gear demo'ing but did get to listen to a couple speakers. I offer my perspective for reference. One was a Focal chorus that sounded tinny to me and seemed to have an unpleasant bump in the the lower mid range. I don't think speakers should require eq'ing to sound good. They looked really cool though. I read the Arias are much better. I listened to some KEF q750's. The midrange was beautiful. I can't imagine better. The treble sounded detailed and accurate but kind of rolled off. Bass sounded good and well balanced.
My father is offering to give me a pair B&W DM602 S3 speakers. Are these any good?
Tastes - I was weaned on 70s rock, Led Zeppelin, Steeley Dan, Doobie Brothers, Eagles, etc. That style of music will forever be at my core however I like to wander. I love Myles Davis Kind of Blue, Larry Carlton Last Night. Have a thing for female vocals: Norah Jones Come Away With Me, everything Neko Case, Eva Cassidy, and Imelda May, Joni Mitchell, Rickie Lee Jones. kind of a classical novice but love cello! Mozarts 26th Symphony is a favorite. Brubeck! Always interested in new musical discoveries.
The space is relatively small. I'll be sitting maybe 6 feet away. Naturally dead space, drop ceiling, no parallel reflecting surfaces. High volume is not a requirement although I do like to occasionally rock. Balance and clarity are by far the most important qualities to me.
Budget: 3k roughly. I anticipate I'll end up spending more. Always seems to work out that way but the less I spend the happier my wife will be!
Thanks in advance for your thoughts!