Second audio system in your house?

@mesch you said: "One thing about spending $1000 on a second system is that you might find out how good one can sound with such an expenditure."

I could not agree with you more. A "reasonably priced" second system that sounds great can moderate your compulsive tweaking on a more expensive primary system.  (Yeah, right.) (...Well, at least it will whisper to you that you are chasing shadows when you A/B the same media on it.)

Yeah, I have a second system (bedroom) that gets regular use. After being unable to sell a modified Oppo 983, I took that and an old Outlaw subwoofer to build around. Added a low-cost (< $300) Yaqin Chinese tube integrated and small speakers, with Blue Jeans cabling throughout. Volex and Pangea cords provide power. With upgraded tubes, this budget system sounds pretty darn good. What makes it really useful is the Audioengine W3 wireless adapter with add-on receiver. Using my laptop as source, I can listen to iTunes library, Pandora, or internet radio played stand-alone or simultaneously on the main rig and bedroom system. Like this morning when the Mrs. left to go shopping, I had both systems playing - upstairs and downstairs - while I was busy doing a few things around the house.  

Forgot to mention the Audioquest Jitterbug USB filter in front of W3 adapter. Definitely improves streaming sound IMHO.

Vicweast, yea, gives one something to play with/spend on without breaking the bank, and with the exception of minor tweeks I tend to leave my primary system alone.  

@strateahed That second system sounds like it's "tasty"!