2. speakers
  3. 1143692302

Here's a challenge:a class A sound system for less

You may have heard the finest systems in show rooms or in expos or in a friend's house, those system's that cost well over $50,000. So you know the sound I'm talking about...... But can you get this sound for less? Name the system and components that make up a system that brings the sense of you are there experience but cost much less. Let's set the limit to $10,000. Name the components and speakers and cost, even used prices could be used since the components most likely are available here on agon. Let's see who could come up with the best deal.
pedrillo
jaybo
4,478 posts
 
most 50k systems don't sound much different than 10k systems. synergy is the thing...not the dollars spent. going used is always helpful to save money on gear and have more to spend on the music.
d_edwards
204 posts
 
The Hardway; (Equivalent to Meitner Kharma Lamm)

Lake Contour w/Digital input---$6000 (functions as DAC & X-over)
(2) Audio Refinement Multi 3----($2000)

Cambridge Audio DVD Azur 540D ($400)

Custom Eton 11.2 3 ways with Hiquphon tweeter upgrade ($1600)

The Easy way ($10K, better than your milkshakes :)

Focal SM8's with matching DSP Subwoofer,
Cambridge Audio 640H Music Server (digital out only)

These are shockingly good systems (no not kidding) I know because I own them they both compare very well to my ATC Anniversary 50 /ATC SCA-2 pre and Meridian system which costs 4 times more
nickt
172 posts
 
No you cant, and believe me cuz I had tried. When an audio company introduces a new product into the market, they have priced it accordingly to their overall cost. You wont see the same parts or build quality inside a $1000 component vs. a $5000 unit so naturally they would not sound alike.
And the same thing would apply to cars, clothes, houses, etc...
reubent
7,005 posts
 
Earnrg,

I wasn't really referring to studio monitors. I was using the term "monitor" instead of stand-mount or bookshelf speaker.

Currently my speakers are Reference 3A MM DeCapo. They sound very good in my nearfield setup. I've also used many other quality stand-mounts in a nearfield setup and had good results with nearly all of them.

Enjoy,

TIC
jafox
1,457 posts
 
"most 50k systems don't sound much different than 10k systems"

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm, NOT! If such observations are being made at trade shows, this is hardly a place to make such judgements. And if this is happening at a dealer showroom, it does not say much about that dealer's competence; I'd look for another dealer.

I think Nsgarch is onto something to cut down on the cost of the system and shift the focus to max'ing out the front end. As I have recently learned from a local audiophile friend, sitting nearfield is actually quite a cool experience. You do indeed hear some details that were not so clear before and I have to assume much of this is room interactions.

John
More to discover