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

It can't be done, but...a stunning sounding system at $10,000 used is still very good... if you play your cards right.

Here goes:

Apogee Duetta Signatures.................$2,000
Rogue Audio 150 tubed monos..............$2,500
Audioprism Mantissa tube preamp..........$1,500
Counterpoint Dac 10A, UltraAnalog card...$500
Good transport of your choice............$600

Comes to $7,100....leaves $2,900 for cables and tweaks of your choice.

Well that was easy...oh thats right, I own most of that stuff already!...well no wonder I'm so happy, I'm a hell of a card player.

Dave

hey thanks to all, I'm here to learn and I welcome the advice and experience of other goners.
AND HEREEEEEEEEEEE 's my system!!!!! tada
Merlin vsm speakers.........$1500. used
Sim audio w-5 amplifier....$2500. used
Sim audio p-5 preamp......$1600. used
E.A.R. phono stage(silver)$ 900. used
Clearaudio satisfy arm.......$ 000.------ won at Home Entertainment
...............................value..$ 500. used------- show in n.y.c.
Grado satin? cartidge........$ 000. gift
value.................................$100 used
vpi TNTI with 5 Motor lead platter(mark I bearing I believe)
........................................$1300. used
For a total of $7900 used of course!!!! not so bad and all my interconnect wires made by me!
I am in heaven,,,, my advice to all -------GO VINYL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We seem to have drifted from the original question a bit but in a positive direction. I found the benefits of nearfield listening by accident when we moved into an apartment temporarily. I still have a dedicated listening room but man is it tiny. Speakers are 5.5 ft apart, ears are 6.5 feet from speakers. This sounds wonderful.
My only disagreement with previous posts is the need for monitor speakers. I tried Von Schweikert, Totem and Acoustic Energy. None of these gave me the sound I was hopong for so I got out the trusty Meadowlark Kestrel Hot Rods and am enjoying the sound. Of course if you lolumook at the Kestrels they are a two way monitor on a column.
We're moving into a new home in a few weeks and my wife is wondering why I'm choosing a small room for my system when others are available.

I agree with Jaybo all the way
I've heard a pretty good array of $$...$$$....$$$$ systems, ie "the $50K" kind you are talking about and was disappointed.
I mean I couldn't wait to exit my friends house/show room.
It was like gawddd aweful. Wouldn't pay half what they are asking.

Here's mine
New Jadis Orch Refer......... $2100
New Cayin 17 cdp ......... $1K(includes ship from china)
New Thor's kit......... $2K(includes ship)
Used Zen interconnects........$300(my $5 rat shaks sounded just as good, so was not necessary)
Thick speaker wire from home Depot ...$20 ($1.00/ft)

Total......duh............$5500/+/-

Savings of $45K
But I have my eye on a few expensive upgrades in the future...
Amp $3500
Speakers $2800
still under your bloated $50K "system".

Here is a thought onnear field experience. Why not just sit in your car with a nice stereo system?
Some are actually quite good sound.

There is one thing not measure by $50K or $10K or $1K is the fun factor. As long as you enjoy it, it doesn't matter how much it cost.

i.e. my TT setup cost more than my two systems combine excluding the TT itself. But that's the main piece of equipment most critical to me which it allows me to enjoy the best possible LP sound.