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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
mattmiller's avatar
mattmiller
1,497 posts
 

I would go with something from Morrow Audio for cables. The Analysis Plus Oval 12 speaker cables are some of the most bass heavy, colored cables, I have listened to. Kimber Kable or Audio Quest would work as well.  Also, I would make sure the Hegal is up to driving the Maggies, don't they dip pretty low in ohms?


Matt M

zavato's avatar
zavato OP
1,403 posts
 
Volex power cords are ultra cheap but use Belden shielded 14 awg cable
mesch
3,481 posts
 
I think I would advise my friend go listen to some speakers in the $2000 price range, select a pair that pleases, then build around those. I would also encourage my friend to listen to a more forward/detailed system vs one that might be described as more laidback/musical, so he gets a handle of what his preferences are. Understanding his preferences and system environment is paramount to provision of the best advice.

I would enjoy assisting my friend in this quest. I have helped many having budgets less than the one proposed here.

schubert
7,386 posts
 
AP Oval 12 is a very good match with Maggies , nothing anywhere near its price is better.
zavato's avatar
zavato OP
1,403 posts
 
Which is why I said Oval 12 with the .7's! And the H80 has more than enough grunt to drive the .7's to reasonable levels. 

I am am tempted to build this as a 2nd system for myself! 
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