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Best Budget system? $500-$750 tops

Partially out of curiousity and partially because I am pondering this myself for a second set-up, can a moderately musical system be set-up for $500-$750???

Components:
CD
Integrated
Speakers

(cabling, stands etc. would be above and beyond)

Here's my submission:

I first heard a pair of Kirksaeter Silverline 60's at a local dealer and was impressed for their size and price, they were also modestly paired with a Pioneer Elite A35r integrated amp and multi-disc CDP (forget model). There retail price is $850, however I've seen them go on here for more like $300. So...

CDP - Pioneer Elite DV-45a $240
Integrated - Pioneer Elite A-35r $165
Speaker - Kirkseater Silverline 60 $300

Total - $705

How musical that system is is questionable, but for the price I beleive it would be musically tolerable. In my case the system would be background and entertaining only, so I think it would perform pretty well in those functions.

So, what's your BUDGET system look like?
jh2os
dlwask
270 posts
 
I've been thinking about this for a while to as I'm considering it as a system for my father...

NAD 320 BEE
Epos ELS-3
Toshiba 4960 (whater model thats getting the raves on AA)

Might be possible to swing it as all new gear for that price or maybe consider used and get some decent cables/stands.

Seems silly to think I'm considering speaker cables that retail for twice what this system would cost.
jndean
132 posts
 
I would suggest a Marantz/Psb system. You could buy a Marantz PM-7000 B stock Integrated for $349 at accessories4less.com and a Marantz CC-4300 B stock CD player there for $129. You could then buy PSB Image B-25 speakers B stock for $299(the redone PSB Image 2B) at DMC-electronics.com. Great reviews on the speakers. Great inexpensive system.
gslone
274 posts
 
I agree with Pabelson, but did you know you can get a factory refurbished TX-8511 for 189.95? It has 100w/ch. onkyousa.com, that's for you Jh2os
bruce_1
96 posts
 
How about an iPod and good pair of headphones? Use AIFF or Apple Lossless for importing, then add integrated and speakers later.
pe3046
120 posts
 
I have a both a perreuax 200i reference integrated and a panasonic sa-xr50 that I use with my kirksaeter silverline 220's. While the perreaux has a much larger soundstage and musical presence, the panasonic for $220 with digital in sounds very detailed and can power my 5.1 system in the next room. At low or high levels of sound their is incredible detail and lack of distortion. Depends on what type of system you like-a warm or detailed sound. The panasonic with the kirksaeters, axioms, swans, rockets, or for a different sound some vandersteen model 2's. DVD player look for something like the toshiba 3950 or 3960 that people rave about on the asylum for $50 from amazon. Should easily be able to do that for under $800, I did a fosgate surround system based on the panasonic for $575 total and it outperforms my 9000es sony separates.
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