10K system

This is my $10K system so this is my tastes in sound. It is only streaming but you could add 4 analog sources to this system. I have 2 other analog sources that I am not listing (a tuner and SACD player).

- Benchmark HPA4 preamp $3K (or LA4 without headphone for $2500)
- Benchmark DAC3B $1700
- Benchmark AHB2 $3K or Peachtree Nova amp500 ($1500)
- Sonore microRendu $300 (used or new I have not looked recently)
- KEF LS50’s $800 (new price on many KEF sales recently)
- Benchmark XLR interconnects to get 24 dBu signal level (under $300 for DAC+preamp+amp)
- Audience speaker cable (choice based on remaining budget)

I will ignore my Torus RM15 power conditioner ($2500). It is not essential to get up and running but it does make my system sound great. There are many other options such as none at all.

I currently own much more expensive Audience XLR interconnects. I have a feeling these will be replaced by the much cheaper Benchmark XLR’s. I am only stating this preference on Benchmark gear.

Good luck finding any of those Benchmark electronics on the used market.

I have this system listed above in my office except my amp at the moment is the amp section of a Peachtree Nova 150 integrated. I am surprised at how much better than OK it is. I used to own the AHB2 and sold it along with the Benchmark DAC3 HGC. The AHB2 will return to my system when I sell the Nova 150 but you could do a lot worse than this HPA4 and Nova 150 combo. That is why I am suggesting the better Peachtree amp500 (only an amp not an integrated). Actually it could be that any decent class D amp could work in this setup.

Someone above said that the AHB2 + DAC HGC is the way to go. I owned that combo and now have the HPA4 preamp in the mix. The HPA4 maybe the greatest component I have heard (or not heard). It is incredible for my tastes and just blowing me away in the sound I am hearing.

I am going to be adding a AHB2 amp to round out my $10K system. However, I will be buying a second amp to play with (not a necessity). The top contender at the moment is the Luxman m900u amp. I will go and demo the CODA #16 once the local Los Angeles dealer gets one. The specs on the CODA are even better than the Luxman. I think the combination of the HPA4 and the CODA or Luxman could be a reference caliber pairing.

Some Context:

Prior to hearing the HPA4 the Luxman c900u preamp + m900u amp pairing were the best sound I had heard (at my straining to afford price range). Now I am so happy I bought the HPA4 instead of the c900u preamp. The m900u is another matter.

I demoed the Luxman 509x integrated for $10K new. I think I like the Benchmark system a heck of a lot more.

I should have added this system is for a small room and does not have low bass.

I’m glad you qualified that your system doesn’t have any low end because benchmark products tend to be More cool/analytical sounding which other products can be more neutral or more warm. The op needs to specify what type of sound he prefers: neutral, warm, cool, because all products will fit into 1 of these categories.
He also needs to state if it’s going to be an analog plus digital or just digital.
If it’s straight digital, he can spend money on a good dac and a good amp (no preamp) using the dac as a volume control. If you go this route, not all dacs can perform this function well, so you have to be very picky. Also, when getting a dac, get 1 with a network interface, don’t use usb. Then you can route your music using Roon from a computer In another room straight to your dac using Ethernet 
You also need to state: How big Is your room? How loud do you like playing your music? 

The OP posted this in the Pro Audio section. Maybe they are looking for pro audio gear.

Lots of variables here.  

I personally use a Bluesound Node 2i streamer($420 refurbished) and a Topping D90($700). The Topping and my music service both have volume control so I don't use a pre amp. I do not have a turntable.  That is several thousand more I think.  I have not checked out.  I am still heartbroken oven selling all my albums. 

Then you have to choose the speakers.  Efficient?  Sub?  Monitors with stands?  Size of room? I have a dedicated room so I have big Crites speakers and subs.  The Crites were about $2000.  I have had the subs, crossover and amp for quite a while.  If you want the sub, SVS has some good ones for reasonable pricing.  Most subs now are powered and no crossover is needed.  The biggest mistake I see is people have nice speakers and then they jam them against the back wall with an equipment stand in between them.  No way the system is optimized at that point. 

Room treatments are important but not easy if you are combining your system with living area.  But $1500 will get you quite a bit. I got 6 first reflection panels, 3 diffusion panels on rear wall, and sub traps behind my system.  I also have lower quality corner traps. This setup may not be the same for you but GIK is quite helpful and have experienced people.
I have a Schiit Aegir which is $800.  l think it is a superb sounding amp.  If you choose a small Class A amp then your speakers need to be over 90dB.  Efficiency needs to be higher than that if you want to play the system loud.  If you end up with less efficient speakers, the Parasound power amps look good.  The used A23 is reasonable($700).  A new A21+ is about $3000.  Either one has lots of power.  These are Class AB amps.  A Pass Labs amp is a good choice but entry level appears to be $4K.  The Pass Labs XA25 is rated for 25W but will put out about 80W.  Once again, you would need some fairly efficient speakers for an amp such as that. 

For cables,cords and interconnects, I bought most everything from Pine Tree Audio but there are many out there. I have about $1100 in everything.  I think mine sound fine but not here to debate.  You could skip the cords to start with and buy them later. 

In summary:

Source:  $1000-3000Speakers $1500-6000Amp:  $500-$4000Sub(s)  $1000-3000Wires:  $1000-$2000Sound treatment:  $1500

So many choices.  I have about $7000 in mine and I think it sounds wonderful but I already had the subs.  I also sold some other equipment so you could subtract that.   The biggest thing is you match everything correctly to your liking, not someone else's.  Lots of good sounding stuff out there.