Hi-fi in NYC - ril - General Asylum

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Hi-fi in NYC

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Posted by ril on May 20, 2003 at 09:22:24

I'm moving to NYC (just graduated from law school yesterday) and looking to set up a 2 channel audio system. Still apartment hunting, but from what I've seen, I most likely will end up in a studio that's no bigger than 500 sq ft (including the bathroom, closets, kitchen, etc). My musical tastes run mostly to, for lack of a better desciption, "alternative" rock (e.g., Aimee Mann, Coldplay, etc.). My "reference system" for the past three years has been the Grado SR60 with a 4 year old Panasonic portable. My diet has included a lot of hot dogs and cold tuna fish sandwiches.

I'm planning on spending around $1500 for the system (including cables). My virtual system is this:

Speakers: Magnepan MMGs (lack of low frequency output not a problem given thin NYC apartment walls and my fear of eviction);
Amplication: cheapest thing possible (probably used NAD integrated) given my anxiety of being overtaken by the "Digital Revolution" (see, e.g., the success of Spectron and TacT);
Source: Cambridge Audio D500; alternatively, the Ah! Njoe Tjoeb 4000, since it has a variable output and can be run directly into a power amp that's even cheaper than a used NAD integrated (probably a used NAD power amp).

Unfortunately, I'm beginning to question whether MMGs will work in such a small area (they most definitely will NOT be given the 3-4 feet they need from the front wall). So I'm trying to think of alternative systems. Given (1) my space constraints; (2) the fact that I'll be sharing walls with neighbors; (3) my belief that digital amplifiers will eventually make regular Class A/AB/A-AB amps obsolete; (4) my musical tastes; and (4) my budgetary constraints, can anyone PLEASE come up suggestions for a feasible system? Also, suggestions regarding reputable (and not too snotty -- I am sensitive, after all) dealers in Manhattan would be greatly appreciated. My sincerest thanks in advance.

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Topic - Hi-fi in NYC - ril 09:22:24 05/20/03 (17)

Thanks for all the great advice - ril 11:01:40 05/22/03 (0)

Re: Hi-fi in NYC - brb9 08:51:51 05/21/03 (0)

Re: Hi-fi in NYC - Bill O'C 08:47:57 05/21/03 (1)

I 2nd that. Beats the hell out of the stores here in Manhattan! nt - Rick W 21:35:23 05/21/03 (0)

NYC hi-fi shop to avoid? - MM 07:54:26 05/21/03 (3)

Re: NYC hi-fi shop to avoid? - brb9 08:50:23 05/21/03 (2)

There's a sign in the window.... - Kal Rubinson 14:28:33 05/21/03 (1)

Does Kalman Rubinson ever get charged the fee? - howard 09:43:59 05/23/03 (0)

Re: Hi-fi in NYC / A small note of warning . . . . - Musicmaniac 03:21:58 05/21/03 (0)

Here there are a few audio stores... - Antonio Machado 17:05:52 05/20/03 (0)

Re: Hi-fi in NYC - Srajan Ebaen (R) 16:24:00 05/20/03 (1)

I second Srajan's suggestion, it worths it to visit Bob's store. (nt) - Antonio Machado 17:01:34 05/20/03 (0)

Re: Hi-fi in NYC - vonfont 12:25:15 05/20/03 (0)

for speakers - RonyW 11:32:26 05/20/03 (0)

Re: Hi-fi in NYC - rar1 10:38:53 05/20/03 (0)

Re: Maggies in a studio............... - Ned 10:21:09 05/20/03 (1)

Re: Maggies in a studio............... - Mark Cashman 10:34:21 05/20/03 (0)

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