2. misc-audio
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New sound system, $5000 max- what a would you do?

Suppose a friend, not previously into audio, but enjoys music, finally said to you that he (and I will assume this is a he) finally understands what a good sound system can do and tells you he wants a great system, but $5,000 is the limit. You get to put it together. What do you choose? Your friend has tons of CDs so you need a cd spinner

Here's my $5,000 system (all new, based on list price)

Hegel H80 integrated amp/dac
Cambridge Audio CXC disc transport
Magneplanar .7 speakers
Analysis Plus Oval 12 speaker cables
Blue Jeans spdif cable

still have lots of $ left for more music. And tell your friend to use his Mac for downloaded music too. 

128x128zavato
freediver
1,187 posts
 
Based on an average size listening room...Source:ANY decent quality DVD Player from Yamaha/Marantz/Denon etc..with a Toslink Out $200.00...Integrated Amplifier:Peachtree Audio Decco 65SE $800.00...Speakers:Harbeth Compact 7ES $3000.00...Headphones $500.00...Stands & Cables$500.00....
chayro
2,985 posts
 
Depends on what kind of music he's into for speakers.  But for the rest, I would go for one brand like Cambridge or Marantz so the guy has tone controls.  Budding audiophiles need to add some bass here and there.  Plus, he can use one remote for the amp and cd.  For speakers, assuming he's partial to pop music, I'd go with maybe a Wharfedale tower or maybe one of the Axiom speakers.  It's pretty far from high-end, but it's better than most people are used to.  I set a friend up with a system like this and it's quite listenable.  Oh, forgot the cables.  Probably just some Blue Jeans Belden and maybe a $150 Audioquest IC.  I would also recommend a Wiremold power strip with a few Volex PCs, just to have something half decent.  
zavato's avatar
zavato OP
1,403 posts
 
I second the volex  power cords
zavato's avatar
zavato OP
1,403 posts
 
I read I remember when the Wiremold strips were $40! 

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