This system took me about 5 months to build which is pretty astonishing considering I was running a 10 year old Harmon Kardon Receiver with 15 year old Pawn shop JBL l/r speakers. However, I did it the right way in that I saved my butt off for a few years (my wife and I did actually) and bought a TV with it. All cash. No credit! None of this American-style buy now pay later crap. Anyways, its pretty ordinary as far as Audiogon goes but I love it. I definitely want more front end with some B&W towers or some other brand (Revel maybe? B/c I think its American made) I need some better speaker wire, a better amp/receiver combo and a good quality UPS/surge protector to keep my stuff safe. Any suggestions are welcome.
EDIT: I have totally revamped my system over the last few years. I changed my processor to a Yamaha 765 and switched to external amplification from Emotiva (LPA-1, from Craigslist). I then picked up a set of B&W 602 s3's with stands that are great. They put out significantly more sound than the 601 s3's I previously had. I now have Klipsh rears for all those accent surround sounds. The coolest part now though is that I installed all of it in a closet behind where the TV is mounted. Therefore, I got a remote to work with this. I went the RF route to avoid the issues with IR repeaters. The Universal MX-450 remote works like a charm as well and is very well built (paired with the RF-260 unit receiver).
bought at a random website for $370 new a few years ago.
B&W asw600
bought used off of audiogon for $265.
B&W htm62
bought used on audigon for $325
Blue Jeans Cable 10 AWG white sleeve/ 14 AWG
Blue Jeans Cable makes really quality stuff for really cheap. I got 10AWG for the fronts/center and 14AWG for the rears. All in white sleeves. The white blends in really well as they come out of the wall and can still be seen.
Sony ps3
I am running a ps3 as a bluyray player for home theater, music hub for mp3's and cd player. Its got a pretty sweet interface but you have to have video on to play it. You cant just plug in a cd and listen immediately. Its worth it though.
Emotiva LPA-1
7 channel amp. 63lb beast. 5x125W + 2x50W for surrounds.
Some of my equipment are purchased used (main speakers JBL S38-purchased used from a neighbor, Totem Storm sub-purchased as a store demo) I can live with that.
If you get used to the B & W signature sound then you should upgrade to the new 683 floorstanders. They look good and sound good too.
Outlaw Audio power sub is an outstanding value for the $$$ if you ever decided to upgrade your sub.
NAD separates or Outlaw monoblocks are good choices to upgrade your amplification.
NAD C545, Cambridge Audio 640, and Rega Apollo are good buys when it comes to source.
PS Audio Duets are a definite value and provide very good protection.
American made? YOU MIGHT WANT TO RETHINK THAT PART. I'm not sure about Revel being all U.S.A. MADE. Nor do I feel it terribly important IF some quality main speakers are later sought. The only speakers i'VE EVER HAD TROUBLE WITH WERE vsa... AND THEY FIXED THEM PROPERLY AND SWIFTLY. I've owned numerous pairs of BW, Phase Tech, and Silverlines, all are worth looking into... especially the phase Techs if 'merican made 100% and value are priorities.
Receiver + amp proposal... Odyssey and the new digi, (ICE?) amps profess both good sonics and value.
Front ends are imposingly numerous. Just starting out or keeping things modest, Oppo is sure a more than fair choice as a 'one size' plays all solution.
Cabling, like sources have as many or more options pinned to them. Blue Jeans, Voodoo power cables, Synergistic research previous models, Cardas, Audio Art too, make exceptional cables hitting all sorts of price points. Audio art definitely is a no brainer sonically and very well made. Vampire too is another if a DIY project isn't out of the question.
Everything matters naturally, and matching is important. However, I like the idea of building from front to back. So as good a source as can be had is real important.
I too like the idea of begining with a receiver, adding an amp, and so forth. Power cords perhaps more so than signal cables on this level will likely gain you the best 'bang for buck' result.
Good luck... it's always great and very important we enjoy what we have over looking elsewhere for that buzz... it'll sure save you lots of $$$$ too.
