Current upgrade plan - could use advice

ledhed

So, I got to thinking yesterday about where I want my system to be in a few years and the purchase order. I think I've decided that it is useless to buy alot of small steps instead of waiting and getting what I want the first time. Right now, I'm aiming to set up a good Lsi system, as I really want those speakers. I also figured that because they are power hungry, this setup should last while. I'm hoping for all this to be together in about 4-5 years and last at least a few more years after that.

I like the idea of a tube pre and SS amp along with a tube CDP. I would like to assemble all this in less time, but I have to finance all my films in school, two of which will probably run between 3 and 5 grand each (junior and senior years).

I think my first step will be the BADA HD-22 Tube CDP
next would be an amp, probably around 200 wpc
next would be the pre.
Finally, speakers. Hopefully some Lsi's - maybe 9s - i like bookshelves

So, I need some advice on the amp and pre. I am planning on spending 500-800 or so on the amp and probably up to 700 on the pre. I guess I want the advice so I can start to formulate costs and start a nice budget (for when I actually can get work :rolleyes: ) I have no problems buying used and actually, that is probably my preferred method. Does all this sound like a good idea? Are there any weak points or am I foolish to think I can get a decent system for this amount of coin?

Thanks for the help.

EDIT: Forgot to mention my current setup. I have RT5s (I'm very pleased with these speakers and plan on keeping them, I believe they will respond to the power well, they sounded very nice on my 180 wpc receiver before it crapped out), an old Kenwood AVR (no clue on power) and a very old CDP. None of it is top or even middle tier. I love music/audio and I know exactly the type of sound i am going for and believe the setup described above will get me there and prepare me for the big dive into the deep end of audio lunacy

markmarc

First off, I can testify that quality power is far more important than big power with the LSi's. You may want to consider the Jolida SJ502 Integrated. It has 100 wpc at 8ohms, with a tube preamp and SS amp section. Next, get the BADA modded. Third, get quality, but not overpriced cables such as Audio Art or Zebra cables. Fourth, a set of speakers stands that can be sand-filled. Fifth, if WAF is gained room treatments. And finally, a power conditioner.

Refefer

Does that jolida do 4 ohms well? Make sure you remember you want an amp that can solidly hit 4 ohms and preferably a little bit lower if you're gonna go LSi... oh, and get the 9's. They do not disappoint.

ledhed

I was definitely going to mod the BADA, especially after the review in Affordable Audio. Cables are of course a major issue but I won't go overboard. I currently have some stands I made for my RT5s that need to be filled with sand. I will probably try to improve my design and make a new set.

Thanks for all the help guys, I really need to get a plan so i can start tracking prices

reeltrouble1

Thinking about each piece is the key, there is so much to choose from, no doubt alot of audio gear sounds really good these days once you get past the 59.00 level lo-fi stuff. I like tube cd players and have had some great solid state as well, its a system of interdependant parts, its problems will be systemic to itself, with a unique user to boot YOU!!! I have found the hunt to be quite alot of fun, although I have had my disappointments stay with it and let the passion grow. Although looking to the future is something to keep in mind, dont spend to much time living there the present is now so get your ears on with the best you can get now. Turntables can be fun, some pretty nice ones can be had used for not alot of dough and lots of albums in the 1-4 dollar range to build a collection, just keep listening as much as you can. Your budget leaves alot of opportunities, the usual suspects mentioned all over the forum are good places to start.

RT1

Early B.

Forget about planning your system. Just buy the best quality you can afford right now. Be patient, save your money, do lots of research, then execute. That's all you can do. Besides, you may find a great deal tomorrow on a pair of awesome speakers and buying them will screw up all of your plans.

VR3

Dido to Early...

I originally wanted to do this with my upgrade plans...

Speakers > Amp > Preamp > Subwoofers > CDP

So far, Ive done...

Amp > CDP > Speakers

So... save your cash and get ready to pounce on the best you can get...

Bill Ayotte

I track everything I am looking for all at once. That way when a deal comes along I can take it right then and there. I managed to stumble upon a Sunfire TGP for a song while I was looking for a Sunfire sub. I Found a Carver C-19 and S/A 490t while I was looking for a more powerful amp. I found a set of Tannoy System 8's while I was looking for a tweeter for one of my pairs of PBM-8's. I have always managed to stumble upon other stuff while I was on "my plan", so keep the blinders off, and at the very least you could buy it and flip it to help with the end game. Good luck.

reeltrouble1

it has been verifed that the children who did not eat the marshmallow when asked not to so for 10 minutes scored an average of 210 points higher on their SAT exam.

RT1

VR3

Ted - w..t..f

ledhed

Early B. wrote:

Forget about planning your system. Just buy the best quality you can afford right now. Be patient, save your money, do lots of research, then execute. That's all you can do. Besides, you may find a great deal tomorrow on a pair of awesome speakers and buying them will screw up all of your plans.

Well, the thing is, I can't afford ANYTHING right now. None of this is etched in stone, I just figured if I started to plan some things, I could actually build my system faster. Odd I know, but I have a bad tendency to go crazy with money If I'm not saving for something in particular

VR3

Ledhed...

You want some RT55?

Ill hook you up broham... shoot me an email at vr3mxdmicblce2k7@gmail.com

Early B.

Sid -- when are those Taylos comin'?

VR3

Mid March

reeltrouble1

Vr3MxStyler2k3 wrote:

Ted - w..t..f

delayed gratification is directly related to increased emotional intelligence, however, you do not get to listen to any tunes.

Back in the 1960s Walter Mischel, a psychologist at Stanford University, gave marshmallows to groups of four-year-olds and then left the room, promising that any child who could postpone eating the marshmallow until he came back, some 15 to 20 minutes later, would be rewarded with a second marshmallow. Years later, Mischel discovered that the kids who triumphed over their desire had grown into teenagers who were socially, emotionally and academically more competent than the four-year-olds who ate the marshmallow at once. Self-control in the face of a marshmallow at four was shown to be "twice as powerful a predictor of later academic prowess as IQ", says Goleman in his book.

Goleman sees the ability to delay gratification as a master skill, a triumph of the reasoning brain over the impulsive one. But does it really provide a fundamental measure of emotional IQ? Unfortunately, the marshmallow test turns out to conceal some very complex mental behaviour.

Now then, back to audio

---

Ledhed, those 55's would be a great start to any rock system.

RT1

ledhed

reeltrouble1 wrote:

Now then, back to audio

---

Ledhed, those 55's would be a great start to any rock system.
RT1

But I don't like rock, I'm more of an opera guy
Just kidding of course, I'm 18, I HAVE to like rock

You guys are bad influences, you keep pushing me to spend money that I really don't have :eek:

tonyb

ledhed wrote:

But I don't like rock, I'm more of an opera guy
Just kidding of course, I'm 18, I HAVE to like rock

You guys are bad influences, you keep pushing me to spend money that I really don't have :eek:

Yeah...and if your around a bit longer,you can look forward to a divorce,a hefty drinking habit,and rehab.Isn't Audio fun??:)