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Looking to build a system for under $5k

Hello,

I am brand new to audio and looking to put a system together for around/under $5k all in. Any recommendations?

This would be mainly for CD audio but expandable for phono in the future. I have a small bedroom that I am dedicating as a music room upstairs in a cape cod style home. So it has angled walls that follow the roof line.

Looking for components that offer the biggest bang for the buck. I've done some research over the last couple of months and it seems like the Vandersteen 1Ci might be a good cornerstone to design a system around.


Thanks,

Joe

128x128audionoobie
keithtexas
352 posts
 

Here’s an alternative suggestion from a bottom up (bass reproduction) perspective vs. the source/amp first viewpoint:

Get 1 (or 2) SVS SB12-NSD subwoofers. Currently at $399 each, shipped. 45 day trial period with return shipping included. 5 year unconditional warranty.
https://www.amazon.com/SVS-SB12-NSD-400-watt-Controlled-Subwoofer/dp/B009F8Y7SO

The real value of this somewhat reversed approach - is that you could then focus on any amp/speaker combo best matches SONICALLY, without worrying (too much) about how the amp will ’drive’ the speakers - because you have relieved the amp of bass duties. A decent sub will also make your midrange and highs sound better as well. You could even consider single ended tubes and high efficiency designs at that point.

Another integrated amp I did not hear above that I would recommend you consider is a Jolida tube integrated. Decent as a low/mid budget alternative.  Or a Wyred4Sound M-Int for higher (class D) power.

If you like the Vandersteen house sound, and don’t mind older/used, you could get into these 2CEs for around a $1000. http://www.tmraudio.com/product/tj-791. As an alternative, try to listen to the new Elac speakers designed by Andrew Jones. Cables - Belden 8402 or WE or Duelund 16 guage. Finally, consider adding a network player/streamer to expand your access to content.

Good luck and have fun!

audionoobie's avatar
audionoobie OP
363 posts
 

So a quick update...

I have placed an order for the following:

- Vandersteen 1ci speakers
- Belles Aria integrated
- Rotel DAC
- Audio Quest speaker cables and interconnects

To start I’ll be using an existing Kenwood CD player with an optical line out into the Rotel and also a PC connected via USB w/ Tidal.

I’m super excited and can’t thank this forum enough for all the great commentary and suggestions. I literally knew nothing about this stuff a month ago and feel like I made informed decisions based on advice and due diligence.

Many thanks to the great folks at Quest for Sound, Dave and Troy from Audio Doctors, and of course Johnny R. from Audio Connection.

Cheers,
Joe

mesch
3,519 posts
 
You did well my friend. Please get back to us once system is set up in your room and you have spent some time with it. I believe you made some wise choices all around. I wasn't sure if you intended on using a computer for streaming and did not know you had a player with digital out. Knowing that I would have more strongly suggested you purchase a DAC. That is one thing about a DAC with appropriate inputs, it can serve two sources. I am not sure if I mentioned this on your thread but I also like to spin a disc, even though I rip my CDa as files onto my MAC mini computer.

Enjoy the music! 
audionoobie's avatar
audionoobie OP
363 posts
 
@mesch Thanks! Appreciate the kind words. I'll absolutely check in once everything is up and running. Johnny even offered to come to my house to help me optimize everything. He's a real good dude!
alpha_gt
155 posts
 
Instead of recommending any particular brands, I would just offer that you divide the money up to best effect. 

Spend $2k on speakers, if they are $1500 to $1800, or $2200 no big deal. But buy speakers to fit the room. Wires included in this price. Start with simple wires, this is something you can upgrade later. 

Buy a separate amp and praamp, I've always found best results with separates, so glad the day I went with separates. Spend about $2k on the both. And include any cables in that price, no need to buy any exotic wires just yet, just something nice for $100. 

That leaves you a grand to spend on a nice CD player! And wires, again, just something nice, no need to spend equal amounts on wires and some folks do, anything is better than the skinny throw away RCA's they put in the box. 

Decent tuners can be had for a few hundred bucks, no need to go crazy here, but if you like background music a radio is nice. 

And i strongly suggest buying it all used. My entire system was built from used gear, and it would have cost me 3 times as much to buy it new, you get a lot more bang for the buck used. Of course you don't get to audition your gear, or hear it in your own system before buying. But, if any of it turns out to be objectionable, just resell it and try again. Personally, with reading online reviews and knowledge gained from these forums, I've made good choices and have not had to retry very often, only once I replaced an amp I wasn't happy with, no big deal really, considering the money I've saved. 
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