2. amps-preamps
  3. 1425839986

help me build a cheap second system

Hiya,

I got lucky, and am going bi-coastal. My NYC apt rig is:

TAD CR1 speakers,
TAD M2500 power amp,
MSB Platinum Signature DAC IV/Diamond Power base
Sonore Custom Music server
HiDiamond 7 speaker cables

My New LA apt's listening/living room is approx 13X15, and I'd like to go the other route, and see how much great sound I can get for under 7k?

My contenders for now:

Evolution Acoustics MM Micro Ones
OR
Dynaudio Excite x14's (thinking mostly of monitors, due to neighbor considerations)

Job 225 Amp OR maybe a used Ayre AX 7E

Benchmark HGC, OR used Auralic Vega, OR Mytek (would like to use my DAC as preamp)...

Mac mini with Pure Music fed from HD...

Thoughts? Suggestions? I value transparency, jump factor, decent bass... listen mostly to well recorded rock (Clash, Beatles, Who, Steely Dan) and lots of Jazz.

Thanks!
davidm1108
steelhead
318 posts
 
Go to Pitch perfect audio in LA and check out some fantastic gear.

Matt is heavy on tubes and analog but you should check it out and hear some of the gear.

Wonderful place and used as well as new gear. Close to Hollywood Amoeba and that is a fun place to shop.

Have Fun.
tbg
5,263 posts
 
I have a somewhat smaller room in my NM summer home. It is 13 x 10 x 8'. I use the LSA Statement monitors on false emory stands. The electronics are an Exemplar eXception integrated amp and a music server that I take back and fourth as I do my High Fidelity cables and power cords. But the Zilplexes on the walls are the key to my satisfaction with the room.
oregonpapa's avatar
oregonpapa
4,867 posts
 
You want cheap good sound? Okay, here goes:

Sherwood 7100 receiver. Available in thrift stores (I paid $20.00 for mine). You can pick these up on Ebay for 50 bucks or so. If you like tube sound get the 7100. If you prefer solid state get the 7100A.

Sharp CD player. Available in thrift stores or Ebay. Another sleeper. No remote. Just great sound ... for CD that is.

Speakers: A set of NON-POWERED Audio Engine speakers. Either the Two's or the Fives.
davidm1108 OP
17 posts
 
Thanks all for the responses, keep em coming!
arnettpartners
312 posts
 
Response? Don't go with TT. Is too difficult. Snap, crackle,pop? adjusting pick-up, tracking force, fighting dust, cleaning vinyl? You don't want to go there.
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