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Best Value System

A lot of stuff has been written about how great this or that piece of hifi gear was and we are all familiar with such talk. Yes, we can talk about THE very best system available but how many can afford that very best system?
So, I think we should talk about the best value systems available. Yes, there are many such systems as well and maybe you good folks out there can make some suggestions so that the not so experienced players like me can benefit.
Even though I am relatively inexperienced, I am not new to hifi. I have listened to systems ranging from a couple of thousand to about a hundred K.
After going through this humbling experience, I found what I thought was my best value system and that is:
Any reasonable quality cdp with a volume control and this can be had for less than $1000 used. You can then run it straight to the ATC SCM 100 ASL (New $14000, used-between 8-10K. You only need 1 pr of interconnect. So, for between 10-15K, you can have a world class system. From there on you can slowly upgrade the front end (and maybe, add a supratek pre) You can spend many times more and you may not even get this sound quality.
I hope this doesn't bore you. After all, I believe this forum is all about value.
Enjoy.
thf
piezo
304 posts
 
Boni, if you want to be truely amazed at what discrecionary funds can buy look here: http://www.higherfi.com/. It's where Doug's friends sneek off to over lunch.

As to the best value system. In my room, mine pretty much wins. I've heard much better for a LOT more money and i've heard some pretty spendy systems (>$50k retail)that I wouldn't trade mine for.

Dunlavy Athena about $3,000 to $3,500 though i've seen em cheaper. Cantatas are about the same and as low as $2500

ARC CD-2 about $1,200- 1,500
VTL 5.5 pre About $2,000
VTL MB 185 mono blocks About $4,000

options
Chang lighspeed 9600 conditioner $about $400
Harmonic tech cabling, poly crystal amp stands, home brew component stand probably around $1000

total complete cost for used gear would be about $11,000 to $12,500 depending on your shopping luck. I spent about $15 when i built the system and don't regret a dime of it. What's better is there is nothing nagging at me to upgrade except tweaking the room some
shadorne's avatar
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shadorne
7,477 posts
 
Stehno,

Interesting viewpoint. I am sure many, perhaps even the majority of people on Audiogon, will share your point of view....that a pragmatic approach used by professionals is non-sensical way to think about buying high-end audio equipment.

Indeed "best value" has no place in high-end audio.....after all, it is all about the hardship of saving up, the continual fun of upgrading, tweaking, changing, comparing the improvements, and digging out those old CD's and enjoying them again!
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Actually, Shadorne, there is no 'best value' system without properly addressing a few fundatmental and universal issues.

And just because some to many may deny or ignore these fundamental and foundational issues does not mean that their effects and influences do not exist.

What I find rather humorous are those that fumble forever seeking 'best values' and better sonics when the proper foundation was never laid. And then defend their insignificance whilest chasing their tail around the expensive mulberry bush.

-IMO
hifi111
35 posts
 
If you don't have a great speaker,it's impossible to hear the
great amp.If John thought this one over again,he would change
his order. Garbage In Garbage out Is true,but If you send
clean detailed sound to a lousy speaker,how can you possibly hear the magic of that clean detailed sound. As far as best
value system,this IMHO,would depend on personal tastes and funds.What is ones pride and joy,might be another's third
system.
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gawdbless
1,235 posts
 
Garbage in, garbage out' was coined by Linn back in the day when it was beleived that the source was the most crucial item in the hi-fi chain and the speaker was last after the amp.
The best value system is one that one can live with,IMO.
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