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ralphgonz
50
Feb 6, 2019
Here are some recommendations assuming you're on a budget. I prefer amp and passive speakers for greater flexibility when upgrading. 21st century system Amp:
  • SMSL AD18, $115 on Massdrop from time to time
  • PS Audio Sprout if you have a turntable -- oh I said 21st century system?
Speakers:
  • KEF Q100, $300, sometimes $250
  • Elac Debut, $200
  • AudioEngine HDP6, $400 if you want real, furniture grade wood cabinets

Retro 20th century system Amp:
  • Used Creek 4140 or Arcam Alpha 2, $100-$200 on Ebay. These are beautiful, compact, vintage British amps, switchable to 120v.
  • Used Advent Model 300 or NAD 310 if you want a turntable-friendly, well-engineered, aesthetically pleasing North American design for under $200.
  • DIY tube amp, like one of the $140 6N2+6P1 units from China. I added a headphone jack to mine but you have to know what you're doing!
Speakers:
  • Used KEF K120, about $100/pair on Ebay. Compact, well balanced, great imaging from a British company that knows engineering. In comparison most American speakers from this era are kinda huge.

(Edited)
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