Hey guys! First time building a system, but have been dreaming about it for a long time, so am very excited and looking to build something that I can enjoy at least for a few years before upgrading.
Because of work, unfortunately, I don't have as much time as I'd like for researching and going to local stores for listening tests (which I will try to do once I have my shortlist), but have been reading forums, reviews, etc.
Still, there are so many nuances that I'm sure I'm missing. So before I make this investment, wanted to ask for advice here (thanks in advance!). Slowly learning about hi-fi, so please pardon any stupid comments/questions.
Some inputs:
The components that I've been looking at from what I've read, but welcome any suggestions:
Because of work, unfortunately, I don't have as much time as I'd like for researching and going to local stores for listening tests (which I will try to do once I have my shortlist), but have been reading forums, reviews, etc.
Still, there are so many nuances that I'm sure I'm missing. So before I make this investment, wanted to ask for advice here (thanks in advance!). Slowly learning about hi-fi, so please pardon any stupid comments/questions.
Some inputs:
- Use: 70% - lossless digital streaming (due to everyday convenience), 25% - vinyl records, 5% - TV (not a priority, but want to have an option)
- Sound: detailed but engaging (slightly colored would be better than sterile)
- Ease of setup/use: would try to avoid components sensitive to fine-tuning that might sound subpar otherwise
- Aesthetics matter: willing to make a marginal sacrifice in sound quality / pay a bit extra if the system looks appealing
- Music that I listen to: all sorts of rock (Muse, Queen, Metallica, etc.), some pop (Pink), some acoustic/orchestra concerts; no blues or jazz
- Live in an apartment but like to listen to music pretty loud
- Speakers placement: on the TV stand. Think this is the only solution (more on this below)
- Distance between speakers: 4ft. Know this isn't great (more on this below)
- Room size: living room is about 12' (depth) x14' (width), but is a part of a larger open layout of 12'x25'
- Listening distance: ~10 feet
The components that I've been looking at from what I've read, but welcome any suggestions:
- Turntable: Rega Planar 6 with Aria Pro MC. Planning to put it on a Rega shelf below the TV to isolate from the speakers - is this worthwhile?
- Preamp: Rega Fono MC
- Streamer: Cambridge Audio CXN (V2). I was also considering EVO 150, but have read that CXA81+CXN (V2) would probably be a more functional and better sounding solution + the flexibility of separates
- Amp: Cambridge Audio CXA81. Plan to stack them on top of each other and put them on one of those shelves (they fit right in) - any potential issues? Heat?
- Speakers: Kef R3. Realize they are big for my setup and should be placed away from the walls, but have read about the benefits of 3-way speakers - any advice? Also, the TV is being re-mounted higher.
- Cables: did not have a chance to research - any recommendations? For the TV, planning to use Apple TV + CXN via AirPlay - this works ok?
- Anything else missing?