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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
reubent
6,939 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.
reubent
6,939 posts
 
Jh2os,

If you are looking for a pair of really inexpensive speakers, I see that BestBuy has the Athena AS-B1 on sale for $119/pr. right now. I just bought a pair. Out of the box they are unoffensive and show some promise. I know this line of speakers has been pretty well reviewed over the last couple of years.

So, $200 for the Sharp and a pair of decent speakers. I don't think it can be beat!

Enjoy,

TIC
srbarnett
4 posts
 
I also bought a pair of the AS-B1's. Even at the price, I have to say I am disappointed in the sound.

My first quick impression was decent highs and lows, but was it missing something in the midrange? I had been using them for a week as low background in another room.

When I finally got around to comparing them side by side to my B&W DM302 ($250 retail), I quickly realized that the B&Ws sounded very balanced, and are in fact, an extremely good sounding economy speaker. The Athenas, in direct A-B comparison, sounded kind of nasal, honky and hollow.

Just my 2 cents. I wanted to like them, I had read the modest hype and they seemed to be finished nicely for the price and had nice big metal binding posts....but

(On the other hand, if you find they work well with your electronics, my pair is available. There are 3 pair currently on Agon, I'll make you an even better deal!)
jh2os OP
244 posts
 
Srbarnett, I felt much the same way, even though I only listened to them in BestBuy, I figured even a better set-up couldn't help these speakers. A totally unengaging sound IMO. I am enjoying the Sharp (arrived yesterday) though. I currently have it set up with my Aperion 522's, stolen from rear channel duty in the HT temporarily. I think I am going to try a pair of Totem Acoustic Dreamcatchers with it next.
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