Re: My first post (newbie)

[joe cipale]

On Sun, 2007-12-30 at 16:16 -0800, degarmo wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> In the past I have used Rotel and paradigm and then upgraded to B&W
> keeping the rotel. I am in the process of researching what to buy to
> build a new system as I sold my former system. For the past few weeks
> I have been researching various hifi companies and their gear to try
> to determine the best bang for the buck. Obviously, one is limited by
> how much one can afford to spend. My question to you is, what is the
> best bang for the buck in terms of sound quality? To give you some
> idea of the level of gear I can afford, I am looking and comparing the
> following brands: Rotel, Arcam, Parasound, NAD, Adcom & Marantz. From
> your own knowledge and experience, are there other comparable brands
> out there that I should also be including in my search for the best
> sound for the money, and if so, which ones?
>
> Also, it should be mentioned that I prefer an integrated to an amp/
> preamp setup. Please let me know what your top three picks are (brand-
> wise) in terms of best sound for the money.
>
> Thanks and I look forward to reading your suggestions.
>
> Michael

Personally, you have chosen some good brands. I myself would go the
seperates route with an amp/preamp over an integrated amp. I have been
finding some good deals on vintage gear on eBay. I just purchased a Sony
PS212 and a Denon TU-600. If I can find a Nakamichi/Pioneer/Marantz
cassette and TEAC or Revox reel deck, I would be happy as a clam!

Joe

[degarmo]

On Dec 30, 8:02 pm, joe cipale > wrote:
> On Sun, 2007-12-30 at 16:16 -0800, degarmo wrote:
> > Hi all,
>
> > In the past I have used Rotel and paradigm and then upgraded to B&W
> > keeping the rotel. I am in the process of researching what to buy to
> > build a new system as I sold my former system. For the past few weeks
> > I have been researching various hifi companies and their gear to try
> > to determine the best bang for the buck. Obviously, one is limited by
> > how much one can afford to spend. My question to you is, what is the
> > best bang for the buck in terms of sound quality? To give you some
> > idea of the level of gear I can afford, I am looking and comparing the
> > following brands: Rotel, Arcam, Parasound, NAD, Adcom & Marantz. From
> > your own knowledge and experience, are there other comparable brands
> > out there that I should also be including in my search for the best
> > sound for the money, and if so, which ones?
>
> > Also, it should be mentioned that I prefer an integrated to an amp/
> > preamp setup. Please let me know what your top three picks are (brand-
> > wise) in terms of best sound for the money.
>
> > Thanks and I look forward to reading your suggestions.
>
> > Michael
>
> Personally, you have chosen some good brands. I myself would go the
> seperates route with an amp/preamp over an integrated amp. I have been
> finding some good deals on vintage gear on eBay. I just purchased a Sony
> PS212 and a Denon TU-600. If I can find a Nakamichi/Pioneer/Marantz
> cassette and TEAC or Revox reel deck, I would be happy as a clam!
>
> Joe



Thanks Joe,

Yea, I was thinking a little higher end than either Sony or Denon,
however, I like you have seen some pretty good deals on e-bay on older
onkyo separates. I don't think onkyo separates are in the same league
as Arcam or parasound, but, the price is substantially lower, which
then begs the question, is the sound of an Arcam versus a onkyo really
worth that much more money.

I previously owned an Onkyo receiver and then Rotel separates and I
would say that the difference in sound quality was worth the extra
cost. Having owned Rotel in the past, I guess I was thinking that I'd
like to take it one step further, which is why I am looking hard at
Arcam.

Don't know if anyone here owns or has owned a NAD amp/preamp, but I
was curious how NAD would compare to Rotel. Would it be considered a
step up or more of a lateral move?

Anyone's experience would greatly appreciated. Happy New Year.

Best,

Michael

[George M. Middius]

degarmo said:

> Don't know if anyone here owns or has owned a NAD amp/preamp, but I
> was curious how NAD would compare to Rotel. Would it be considered a
> step up or more of a lateral move?

One lesson all newbies learn eventually is that generalizing about
everything bearing a given brand name is a recipe for disappointment. Some
brands vary in value and some in quality. Rotel is generally one of the
former and NAD generally is one of the latter. Aside from that, those two
companies are among a very few that offer acceptable performance at
entry-level prices, but some models are great and some are lemons.

I think the way to go about it is to find the right electronics to drive
your speakers. That means right for you, not necessarily for the
salesdroid at whatever store you shop at. Identify your priorities:
top-notch sound quality, clean performance at loud volume, a system sounds
good on a variety of types of music.

What's that? You don't know what your priorities are? In that case, buy
used and try it out for a while. Then buy something else and try that out.
Then sell what you don't like as much as the other stuff.

Don't forget to try different placement in your listening room. Did you
already match your speakers to your room? If not, check out the
manufacturer's site to see what they recommend. Bigger and more expensive
speakers are better suited to bigger rooms. You can't see the sound waves,
but they have a way of finding you.

[Jenn]

In article <1199066545.3521.13.camel@humboldt>,
joe cipale > wrote:

> On Sun, 2007-12-30 at 16:16 -0800, degarmo wrote:
> > Hi all,
> >
> > In the past I have used Rotel and paradigm and then upgraded to B&W
> > keeping the rotel. I am in the process of researching what to buy to
> > build a new system as I sold my former system. For the past few weeks
> > I have been researching various hifi companies and their gear to try
> > to determine the best bang for the buck. Obviously, one is limited by
> > how much one can afford to spend. My question to you is, what is the
> > best bang for the buck in terms of sound quality? To give you some
> > idea of the level of gear I can afford, I am looking and comparing the
> > following brands: Rotel, Arcam, Parasound, NAD, Adcom & Marantz. From
> > your own knowledge and experience, are there other comparable brands
> > out there that I should also be including in my search for the best
> > sound for the money, and if so, which ones?
> >
> > Also, it should be mentioned that I prefer an integrated to an amp/
> > preamp setup. Please let me know what your top three picks are (brand-
> > wise) in terms of best sound for the money.
> >
> > Thanks and I look forward to reading your suggestions.
> >
> > Michael
>
> Personally, you have chosen some good brands. I myself would go the
> seperates route with an amp/preamp over an integrated amp. I have been
> finding some good deals on vintage gear on eBay. I just purchased a Sony
> PS212 and a Denon TU-600. If I can find a Nakamichi/Pioneer/Marantz
> cassette and TEAC or Revox reel deck, I would be happy as a clam!
>
> Joe

Joe, I have a Nak deck for sale. If you're interested, please send me
an email.

[xxxxxx]

I would go for something like an acurus DIA 100 or 150
or some high end integrated amp. there are many. look at
audiogon. one of my favorites is YBA and Electrocompaniet
a good suggestion is to read 80s and 90s stereophile and absolute sound
and look for used gear on ebay and audiogon.

what area are you in?
I suggest you make the rounds of all the stereo stores in your
area (*yes the high end stores) and listen to their systems.

I also regularly shop pawn shops for equipment and its incredible some of
the finds I make there sometimes. However you have to know your stuff about
w
what to buy and what is good price.

Read and study. right now I am wanting to move into a higher end turntable
(i have two a sony 340 lx and rega plana2) I cannot spend $2000 to $5000
for one of the tables I want.
by doing a lot of study research etc etc and watching ebay audiogon all the
time. I have located high end turntable for $900 that someone paid a couple
thousand for.

look at all the acurus brands you cannot go wrong there
look at ps audio preamps
or get something integrated - as mentioned before



xxxx


"degarmo" > wrote in message
...
> On Dec 30, 8:02 pm, joe cipale > wrote:
>> On Sun, 2007-12-30 at 16:16 -0800, degarmo wrote:
>> > Hi all,
>>
>> > In the past I have used Rotel and paradigm and then upgraded to B&W
>> > keeping the rotel. I am in the process of researching what to buy to
>> > build a new system as I sold my former system. For the past few weeks
>> > I have been researching various hifi companies and their gear to try
>> > to determine the best bang for the buck. Obviously, one is limited by
>> > how much one can afford to spend. My question to you is, what is the
>> > best bang for the buck in terms of sound quality? To give you some
>> > idea of the level of gear I can afford, I am looking and comparing the
>> > following brands: Rotel, Arcam, Parasound, NAD, Adcom & Marantz. From
>> > your own knowledge and experience, are there other comparable brands
>> > out there that I should also be including in my search for the best
>> > sound for the money, and if so, which ones?
>>
>> > Also, it should be mentioned that I prefer an integrated to an amp/
>> > preamp setup. Please let me know what your top three picks are (brand-
>> > wise) in terms of best sound for the money.
>>
>> > Thanks and I look forward to reading your suggestions.
>>
>> > Michael
>>
>> Personally, you have chosen some good brands. I myself would go the
>> seperates route with an amp/preamp over an integrated amp. I have been
>> finding some good deals on vintage gear on eBay. I just purchased a Sony
>> PS212 and a Denon TU-600. If I can find a Nakamichi/Pioneer/Marantz
>> cassette and TEAC or Revox reel deck, I would be happy as a clam!
>>
>> Joe
>
>
>
> Thanks Joe,
>
> Yea, I was thinking a little higher end than either Sony or Denon,
> however, I like you have seen some pretty good deals on e-bay on older
> onkyo separates. I don't think onkyo separates are in the same league
> as Arcam or parasound, but, the price is substantially lower, which
> then begs the question, is the sound of an Arcam versus a onkyo really
> worth that much more money.
>
> I previously owned an Onkyo receiver and then Rotel separates and I
> would say that the difference in sound quality was worth the extra
> cost. Having owned Rotel in the past, I guess I was thinking that I'd
> like to take it one step further, which is why I am looking hard at
> Arcam.
>
> Don't know if anyone here owns or has owned a NAD amp/preamp, but I
> was curious how NAD would compare to Rotel. Would it be considered a
> step up or more of a lateral move?
>
> Anyone's experience would greatly appreciated. Happy New Year.
>
> Best,
>
> Michael

[joe cipale]

On Sun, 2007-12-30 at 20:52 -0800, Jenn wrote:
> In article <1199066545.3521.13.camel@humboldt>,
> joe cipale > wrote:
>
> > On Sun, 2007-12-30 at 16:16 -0800, degarmo wrote:
> > > Hi all,
> > >
> > > In the past I have used Rotel and paradigm and then upgraded to B&W
> > > keeping the rotel. I am in the process of researching what to buy to
> > > build a new system as I sold my former system. For the past few weeks
> > > I have been researching various hifi companies and their gear to try
> > > to determine the best bang for the buck. Obviously, one is limited by
> > > how much one can afford to spend. My question to you is, what is the
> > > best bang for the buck in terms of sound quality? To give you some
> > > idea of the level of gear I can afford, I am looking and comparing the
> > > following brands: Rotel, Arcam, Parasound, NAD, Adcom & Marantz. From
> > > your own knowledge and experience, are there other comparable brands
> > > out there that I should also be including in my search for the best
> > > sound for the money, and if so, which ones?
> > >
> > > Also, it should be mentioned that I prefer an integrated to an amp/
> > > preamp setup. Please let me know what your top three picks are (brand-
> > > wise) in terms of best sound for the money.
> > >
> > > Thanks and I look forward to reading your suggestions.
> > >
> > > Michael
> >
> > Personally, you have chosen some good brands. I myself would go the
> > seperates route with an amp/preamp over an integrated amp. I have been
> > finding some good deals on vintage gear on eBay. I just purchased a Sony
> > PS212 and a Denon TU-600. If I can find a Nakamichi/Pioneer/Marantz
> > cassette and TEAC or Revox reel deck, I would be happy as a clam!
> >
> > Joe
>
> Joe, I have a Nak deck for sale. If you're interested, please send me
> an email.

Thanks Jenn,

I think my purchases are on hold for awhile by order of the Spousal
Unit. Maybe in a month or so. :)

Joe

[Jenn]

In article <1199159647.8949.0.camel@humboldt>,
joe cipale > wrote:

> On Sun, 2007-12-30 at 20:52 -0800, Jenn wrote:
> > In article <1199066545.3521.13.camel@humboldt>,
> > joe cipale > wrote:
> >
> > > On Sun, 2007-12-30 at 16:16 -0800, degarmo wrote:
> > > > Hi all,
> > > >
> > > > In the past I have used Rotel and paradigm and then upgraded to B&W
> > > > keeping the rotel. I am in the process of researching what to buy to
> > > > build a new system as I sold my former system. For the past few weeks
> > > > I have been researching various hifi companies and their gear to try
> > > > to determine the best bang for the buck. Obviously, one is limited by
> > > > how much one can afford to spend. My question to you is, what is the
> > > > best bang for the buck in terms of sound quality? To give you some
> > > > idea of the level of gear I can afford, I am looking and comparing the
> > > > following brands: Rotel, Arcam, Parasound, NAD, Adcom & Marantz. From
> > > > your own knowledge and experience, are there other comparable brands
> > > > out there that I should also be including in my search for the best
> > > > sound for the money, and if so, which ones?
> > > >
> > > > Also, it should be mentioned that I prefer an integrated to an amp/
> > > > preamp setup. Please let me know what your top three picks are (brand-
> > > > wise) in terms of best sound for the money.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks and I look forward to reading your suggestions.
> > > >
> > > > Michael
> > >
> > > Personally, you have chosen some good brands. I myself would go the
> > > seperates route with an amp/preamp over an integrated amp. I have been
> > > finding some good deals on vintage gear on eBay. I just purchased a Sony
> > > PS212 and a Denon TU-600. If I can find a Nakamichi/Pioneer/Marantz
> > > cassette and TEAC or Revox reel deck, I would be happy as a clam!
> > >
> > > Joe
> >
> > Joe, I have a Nak deck for sale. If you're interested, please send me
> > an email.
>
> Thanks Jenn,
>
> I think my purchases are on hold for awhile by order of the Spousal
> Unit. Maybe in a month or so. :)
>
> Joe

lol Understood. If you want it for about $50 plus shipping, just let
me know. I'll be happy to ship it to you and you can pay later. It's a
Nak 480, in fine condition as far as I can tell.

[dizzy]

xxxxxx wrote:

>look at all the acurus brands you cannot go wrong there
>look at ps audio preamps

Good brands, if you can live without tone controls. From the tone (no
pun intended) of the OP, he's used to having this functionality.