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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
davewav1
47 posts
 
denon dcd-1800 (older 2nd gen processor) with headphone volume control.

grado sr-80 headphones

enjoy
reubent
6,940 posts
 
The absolute value king today (IMHO) is the Sharp SD-EX111 all-in-one combined with a decent pair of speakers. Check out this amazing thread at AudioCircle:

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=15694

I own a quality 2-channel system and a separate HT system. Based on my personal experience, I could live with the Sharp if my finances dictated a reduction in audio spending.

The Sharp is now sold out at Overstock.com, but many were purchased for $70-85 (yes, that's $75 for a digital amplifier, tuner, built-in CD player, pre-amp, aux inputs, and 5-way speaker binding post), so some will likely show up for sale here (at much greater prices based on supply/demand).

So, Sharp CD-EX111 (I paid $79 including shipping!) and a pair of Athena AS-F2 floorstanders ($399 at Audioadvisor) or a pair of Athena AS-B1 bookshelfs ($179 at AudioAdvisor). For as little as $260 total you have a real audio system that will scare the pants (if they wore pants!) off of many $1000 rigs.

Tis true, I tell you! It's a good time to be a jr. Audiophile!!

Enjoy,

TIC
jh2os OP
244 posts
 
Reubent, I too have seperate 2-channel and HT set-ups, just looking for something for the LR on the cheap! ;)

I looks like you may have nailed it! I picked one up, now I just need speakers. Thanks! It should be interesting to see what this things got. For the price though, even if it doesn't perform, I'm not out much and it can move to the bedroom! ;)
reubent
6,940 posts
 
Jh2os,

The Sharp is very good for the price. It does take considerable time to break-in, so you will want to connect it in a way that you can play it a lot over a short period of time. Thankfully, you can use the tuner for this or connect it to a TV based system via the Aux input.

Mine got a lot better over a couple of weeks. Also, if you want to take it to another level, www.redwineaudio.com performs mods on this unit and they are pretty reasonable on pricing.

I hope to find a good home for mine somewhere in the house where it will get used. It's way to good to be used on a occassional basis.

Enjoy,

TIC
tripper
223 posts
 
You might want to consider the active Swans offered at newegg.com

Plenty of $$ left over for your source, and cables, and stands, plus Swan quality [although they are made offshore].
A little different approach but well worth the mouse click.
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