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How many enjoy low $ second system sound?

To many my $10K system of Zu Essence and various amps of SET mono's, SET integrated, hybrid integrated etc. might be meager pickings but even the founder of ZU was impressed with the sonics provided. But I am amazed how satisfying it is to listen to my new Energy RC 10's at less then $300/pr. connected to a rare, $200 Adcom SS integrated streaming jazz through my iMac connected with RShack 3.5mm y-connectors from computer to amp. All bought for back ground music in the evening's or Saturdays when I don't want to fire the SET tube monoblocks and just want some sound. This little set up is really satisfying and I am amazed how nice it sounds each time I listen. So now the question - how much have I overspent through the years when I am so taken back by $500 worth of components? Get's one to thinking!!
kckrs
roscoeiii's avatar
roscoeiii
1,155 posts
 
I have really enjoyed the bedroom system I have put together with some HornShoppe Horns and a MiniWatt amp. Really nice combo and the advantage of the single driver design of the Hornshoppe is that it sounds quite nice and still reveals a good deal of detail at low volume.

Other thoughts for a successful second system is to get one that has different strengths or a different type of sound than you find in your main rig. That way you are more able to appreciate what the second system does and highlights rather than thinking of it as just an inferior version of the main rig.
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
5,227 posts
 
I like Roscoeiii's comment about the systems' having differing strengths.

Also, low cost is a relative thing. If you're fortunate enough to have a $200,000k plus main system, your low cost system could be $20-30k. Even if you eliminate cost from the equation I think it's a good thing for audiophiles to have more than one better quality system.
tmsorosk
1,013 posts
 
I do enjoy my second system and it delicacies, ( Red Rose Music R3 speakers, Jadis tube integrated, Jadis Ref3 CD player ) that resides at our summer spot. But by the time the weekend is over I'm quite ready to get reacquainted with my main system and it's full sound. The second music maker is in a very large room with a 12' vaulted ceiling and many windows so the room is less than ideal for two way speakers. I have tried a number of quality subs but they seemed to cause as many problems as they solve.
Inna , I have a friend with an elaborate bathroom/ensuite system, just upgraded from two 15"sub's to two 18's. I should mention the bathroom is huge and sports a 12 man hot tub , big screen and mini bar.
polk432
1,142 posts
 
I enjoy my Linn Classik with Katan speakers when I only want to listen for a few hours, and not fire up my tube system. Questioon.. How many of you like the new Agon format compared to the old one?
mezzanine
129 posts
 
Hi Polk432,
I recently bought a Linn Classic Music, the newer one with Chakra amp in it. Sounds great. Looking to replace my Proacs and I heard a pair of used Katans for sale at my local dealer. How do you like them? I liked them a lot, they were very musical. They were a little bright sounding though. Maybe it was the NAD electronics running them? Not sure. I will try them again this week and also the newer Majik 109's.
BTW, to answer your question, I prefer the old Audiogon. Not liking this new version very much.
To answer this thread, I prefer low $ systems. There is a lot variety out there and I can afford to change around and try out lots of gear this way. Some of the most enjoyable systems I heard were affordable ones. I especially like British integrated amps. Tons of them out there.
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