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Hello from Texas!

B

Bold_As_Love

New Member
I’m a big music fan, hence joining an audio site. I’ve had more than a few “off-the-shelf systems and Bluetooth speakers. I want to move to a full system, and honestly I don’t know a lot about them. I know the major components, but I would like to start with something affordable and upgrade as I’m able. I’ve read a lot, but I the only stores I know of in Houston are pretty expensive. Like, two of them might as well be McIntosh dealers. Which I can’t afford and also don’t seem like good entries into audio systems.
I’d love to hear what y’all think are good starting places. I’ve been wondering if there was a good complete set that you can add to and upgrade. Upgrade with a turntable, woofers, etc. Thanks!

Little about my music tastes:
First album I remember was the Bull Durham soundtrack. Dr. John, SRV and Fogerty got me hooked.

It’s cliche to say but I really do enjoy most music. Not a fan of a good amount of the pop that’s come out recently, but I appreciate what I can. Other than that; I like classic and current rock (Zeppelin, Cream, Traffic), folk (Dylan, Guthrie, Donovan, Baez & G. Welch) Funk/Jazz/Brass (HUGE fan of Galactic, Rebirth, John Boutte & the Neville’s) Rock (Huge fan of Pearl Jam & Soundgarden, Pumpkins) Jam Band (The Dead, DMB, Panic, Mofro & P Groove). Rap ((NWA, Public Enemy, Lil Wayne). Honestly, I like it all.
 
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For an affordable, just starting out system, I'd go the used route. Something like this for the amp, https://houston.craigslist.org/ele/d/sugar-land-marantz-sr7000-avr/6918189533.html and a review of it. https://www.soundandvision.com/receivers/19 If it were in my area I'd buy it. I had the equivalent Yamaha (age, original price, wattage, etc.) that I gave to my sister a while back that produced great 2 channel sound.

For speakers, look at ADS (my personal favorite in the used category), EPI, AR, and probably several others, depending on your preference/ears.

For CDP's, pretty much anything with a coax out to plug into a DAC. This DAC https://www.schiit.com/products/modi-1 (makes a huge difference in sound quality.)

All of the above should come out to well under $500 and probably closer to $350. When you do decide to upgrade, they can probably be sold for at least close to what you paid for them.

Can't help with TT's as I'm ignorant in that area.
 
Welcome to AK!
I always am combing local craigslist you can find some great deals on all kinds of equipment find yourself a nice receiver or integrated amp with a phono input and build from there. I am a big fan of the DCM Time Window and Time Frame speakers they are always for sale around here and cheap for the quality you get.
Have fun!
 
Confessor said:
Welcome to AK!
I always am combing local craigslist you can find some great deals on all kinds of equipment find yourself a nice receiver or integrated amp with a phono input and build from there. I am a big fan of the DCM Time Window and Time Frame speakers they are always for sale around here and cheap for the quality you get.
Have fun!
Click to expand...

I've owned half times, a pair of macrophones and CX-17s... Big fan of their mids and highs and imaging is spot-on too. I'd put the CX-17s up against nearly any speaker in the 8" bookshelf category. Well-placed fandom there.
 
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