How much does your system retail for?

Mine is $10k. I've found having been in this hobby since the 70s is you get what you pay for. A $50k or $60 system sounds way better than a $10k or $20k system and a 10k system really sounds a lot better than a 3k system. It's just a painful reality.

Some time ago a guy I knew, a bit of a an audiophile snob actually, with a bunch of Levinson equipment told me once you listen to the good stuff it's difficult to listen to lesser equipment. At the time I thought what a snob that he feels he must listen to the expensive stuff or he's bothered. I wouldn't go so far to paint myself in that box but I understand where he's coming from. The good stuff really does sound so much better to my ears. I recently upgraded to a more expensive amp I can surely here the difference. Same with speakers. And the same with the CDP.

But honestly I think a lot of us just try to reach analog nirvana that we remember for youth. :)

regards, David

"A $50k or $60 system sounds way better than a $10k or $20k system and a 10k system really sounds a lot better than a 3k system. It's just a painful reality."

I agree and disagree. I've had several people listen to my system and they all agree that it is wonderful. One of my friends has over 20K in McIntosh gear and honestly says it sounds as good as his. I have done serious tweeks on my system (rolled tubes, custome capped, wired my own crossovers, etc) but mostly it is off the shelf. That being said, what you said by the more spent the better it sounds is mostly true - only up to a point though. And I base this statement on what I've seen in production houses across the country. Personally I believe that high dollar systems are mostly a pshycological thing. If it cost 100 grand it MUST sound good. IF it cost 200 it must sound even better. So in theory there is no limit to great sound, but it is based on money not science. And technically speaking, you can re-create the recording session for alot less than 10 grand. And if you want more than the exact reproduction of the session , you are coloring the music. And that's a no-no. Isn't it?

Rs422,

I in turn "agree and disagree" with your assessment. Obviously, there is some truth to what you say if not only potentially, but, IF you spend wisely, and the components you choose are well designed for sound quality rather than bling, then there is no end to the money that can be poured into the "science" of it and have it pay off in sonic dividends. A basic example of this is that there is literally no point at which a bigger better power supply (more and better quality caps and more attention to lowering noise) will not sound better. This gets pricey fast. Even VERY expensive gear usually doesn't use the very best components available at any price, and they usually DO make a difference. Of course, this doesn't mean that a designer can't come up with a more elegant (more efficient) answer to the challenges of say speaker cabinets. This is what makes pursuing great sound such an interesting sport, where there is room for both the modest and exhorbitant. Check out my system for some very cost effective answers. Although not cheap, there are much more expensive components out there that don't sound as good, especially after they've been tweaked, as both you and I have done. Cheers!

Update new used pre and new tube power amps total now $17,000

Rs422: great post.

I've got $900.00 total. 400.00 for the Luxman integrated I bought new in 1979, 100.00 for a phillips CD player I bought from a friend in graduate school and 400.00 for a pair of used Spica TC-60's. I heard a system with Thiel 2.4's, Ayre amp, pre and sacd player, and it didn't sound as good as my sub 1k system. I was surprised. Maybe I have a good room. Whatever the reason, my system sounds really good with classical.

Steve O.