2. amps-preamps
  3. 1107627093

Anyone else feel left out?

'Gons talk a lot about equipment (new or used) that is way beyond the financial means of most people. Thousands of dollars for a Dac? Ten thousand for a pair of mono blocks?
The pros and cons of 15k a pair speakers? Cabling that costs as much as college tuition? How about a system where the cd player is no more than $500, pre and power amp no more than $500 each, speakers no more than $1k a pair and cabling no more than $10 a foot. Jazz and classical music will be enjoyed. This would be a system that would still be superior to most home systems, but would be within the reach of a wider range of music fans. What are your recommendations for a system of new equipment, used equipment or a mix of both?
jw94055
eldartford
4,262 posts
 
Talk is cheap.
slappy
903 posts
 
Im pretty stoked on my rig and it certainly diddnt break the bank

Denon AVR3805 MSRP 1200 paid 850
Denon DVD2900 MSRP 1000 paid 600
Jm Lab 707S, MSRP 700 paid 450
2 Velodyne DLS4000 MSRP 1200 paid 700

then i got some crap surrounds and my amplifier is currently on the fritz, gotta take it in... thinking of that, i better call the place and see if they think they can fix it.

all in all though it was relativlky inexpencive as far as hi fi systems go and im pretty damn pleased with it.... sure do miss the amp tho
timrhu
2,779 posts
 
There are plenty of solid recommendations so far. I would suggest looking through the budget systems listed on Audiogon. I have downsized and simplified to suit a small dedicated room and am extremely satisfied with what I'm hearing. My system is well within your budget and sounds great to me, especially with acoustic recordings including some jazz. If you click on my sytem be advised that the Vandersteens have been replaced with Meadowlark Kestrel Hot Rods. The Vandy's are in the closet for now as the Kestrels are great fun to listen to.
A lot of homework and some experimentation is all it takes. Good luck.
gmood1
1,251 posts
 
Here are a few items that I think will have you laughing all the way to the bank.Speakers $850 Bob Brines FT-1600 MKII.Source $620 Toshiba 3960 with SC3.Amplifier with volume knob $500 Clari T Amp.This puts you at the $2000 mark.
I have an idea this will go well pass your average setup. I also doubt you will ever feel left out again!
Take the money you save and buy more cds.

Good Luck!
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,769 posts
 
JW ...

You must not read the theads that closely, because just about every day someone is looking to put together a sub $1500 to $2000 system. I get a lot of enjoyment suggesting systems that I will place constraints on like ... you can only buy new. On more than a dozen occasions, I have recommended a NAD C320BEE integrated amp ($400 list); Music Hall CD 25 cd player ($540 list); NHT SB2 speakers ($400 list) with Signal Cable or Better Cables budget system. This would be a very satisfying system that you would be hard pressed to beat and one that you could easily get for less than the $1340 list (add $100 for the cables).

You also need to look around for closeouts ... because they are always out there. I picked up two sets of the speakers that I have used for 5 years now (they are that good) in my main and second systems ... Acoustic Research 302 (a Stereophile Class D in '95 which would make them a Class C today) ... for $250 a pair ($1200 list).

Today, Audio Advisor has some Roksan Caspian amplifiers for 1/2 price ... Buy.com has the Wharfedale Diamond 8 series for 50% off list ... Upscale Audio always has Musical Fidelity equipment discounted. To belabor the point some more ... my main system is comprised of the Musical Fidelity CDPRE 24, the Musical Fidelity A300 Power Amp, and the AR 302 speakers ... $7400 worth of equipment, that I picked up NEW for $3050.

It's out there and people speak about it.

Regards, Rich
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