Looking for a good system for my apartment. Any advise?

@twoleftears Hey thanks for the advise! I always figured speakers would be the first thing on the list to look at. I DID check out the Schiit's range of products and I'm blown away! Cool company.

@ebm Not sure about the banks being broken or not. But if I was a bank, top on the list would be to make my branch a sonic wonderland complete w/speakers under the floors.

@tomstruck Impressive. How do you those Vandersteen Quatro Wood speakers?

I saw this setup at an audio show in Toronto a year ago .... a GREAT. modest priced system....the in-person audition  was jaw-dropping for its price- point strata.

Here is the show reporter take on it that echoes that sentiment . It impressed me enough to buy the TRIANGLE. standmount speakers  for my “C” system that I listen to in my office daily.

highly recommended .... 

”.... In one room, Toronto retailer Star Electronics / Motet demonstrated that you can achieve some great sound without spending a ton of money. The affordable system here showcased the Triangle Borea bookshelf speakers ($599), Triangle Tales 340 subwoofer, Music Hall A15.3 integrated amp ($750), Music Hall C-DAC15.3 DAC / transport ($750) and Music Hall mmf-2.3wh turntable. The music had me tapping my toes in seconds flat. Vocals were vibrant, clean, articulate and full of emotion. Guitars displayed detailed string textures as they danced around in the mid / high ranges. The bass was also surprisingly deep and well articulated for such a small and inexpensive system. Overall, this was perhaps the highest value system I had the pleasure of listening to at the show. Amazing value!...”

@mesch  Thanks for the sage advise! As for the neighbors, we only share (1) wall.. so a non-issue.

I agree that with a $5000 budget you can put together a very nice system. Are you willing to purchase some items used?

- Yes of course! Any way to bring that 5k down a rung or two, the better.

For the same sound quality, vinyl is more expensive that digital. Which is most important?

Good question. I prefer vinyl (the sound is just richer and more flavorful in my opinion). That being said, it'll be a healthy mix of the two since (as of now) the majority of the music i listen to is "streaming" from the internet or from my own dig. library.

I would limit my choices of speakers that would play well with 50-80wpc into a medium size room. What is room size?

Room size is: roughly 13' x 25'. Good to know. I read that.. "As a general guideline, it is better to get an amplifier that is slightly more powerful than your speakers are rated for. " So perhaps go w/a 150pc amp in this case?

Consider integrated amplifiers. There are many that have both internal DACs and phonostages. A great way to get started within budget. If desired an external DAC or phonostage can be added at a later date as funds become available.

Good suggestion.

Select speakers that have reasonable sensitivity and not difficult to drive impedance wise (therefore fitting the 50-80wpc power restriction).

What is a good example of this?

Well, I need to get a bird on, happy Thanksgiving!

I should do the same .. but I'm trapped in this sonic rabbit hole. I'll need a lifeline if I can't pull myself out on my own.