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'Complete' modern system for $1000

_note: forum.audiogon.com seems to be organized around ’separates’, where there’s no current ’integrated’ room for discussions like this. Taking my chances posting here - citizenry/forum mod can ignore/remove my post if it offends anyone._

In ongoing conquest to hifi every room in the house except bathrooms, I’m assembling a ’complete’, modern hifi system for $1000. No ’save your money and get ______’ or ’spend a little more on _______’ ... already did that for other rooms.

Modern means, well, modern: technology, materials, sources, connectivity & delivery, etc. My ’complete’ means it plays hifi music. It also means no phono or CDP.

Inspiration: https://www.soundstagehifi.com/index.php/opinion/1213-a-feature-rich-fully-modern-hi-fi-system-you-c...

Requirements/spec:

- amp <= all-in-one amp/dac best for me. _Must_ have headphone stage competent for Sennheiser HD650. Ethernet-in and sub-out highly desirable.
- dac <= prefer all-in-one but will do separates if optimal for inputs & still within budget
- speakers^ <= will consider active monitors & skip amp ... but then I won’t get any replies in this room ; )
- stands to get speaker axis up to 48" <= room has variable-height listening

sources: flac on NAS via UPnP/DLNA, Qobuz/Tidal, Spotify 320kbps
room: 20 x 15 x 8

Permutations I’m thinking about’:

- amp/dac all-in-one + passive speakers
- amp + dac + passive speakers
- DAC + active monitors

^ : already got sub to add to system if needed
’ : all include Chromecast Audio - because at $35 it’s a no-brainer for what you get


Thanks for considering, all helpful and sincere feedback appreciated.
usery
mzkmxcv
777 posts
 
@usery 
 
Yeah, Audiiholics has some superficial measurements of the Denon X3300 (which has the next tier up for Audyssey), and it’s real suffice to for Hi-Fi given the price: 90dB SNR, super linear power output, 2nd order harmonics below 95dB, etc. 
  
Cause yeah, 2xh music isn’t their main intended use, but also be aware of how much more popular they are than integrated stereo amp; mass production means a lot lower production cost; and it’s also a comely I’ve space, so the mark up for the performance can’t be much higher than competition. And, like I said, factory refurb (individually inspected) gets you a like-new model for much cheaper.
audiothesis
168 posts
 
If you can find it used, consider the iFi Stereo 50 and a pair of Polk T50.  It has AptX bluetooth and the T50 are akin to the AJ Pioneers in spirit, but better overall.  Fry's sometimes sells them for half off to make the deal even better.

I think focusing on quality bluetooth will be a good fit for your system as it fits the price structure and intent of your build.
usery OP
131 posts
 
"...consider the iFi Stereo 50 and a pair of Polk T50"
Thanks audiothesis, didn't know that part of iFi product line.  Glanced at availability, didn't see any used but didn't look very hard.  Price for new is of course 2x above my project budget.  Added Polk T50's to my speaker short list.
gabor2525
24 posts
 
I would recommend considering some of the "Audioengine" components.My daughter has a modest system.
They are decent products,up to date and versatile.(Quite reliable too.)I have no association with them....)

Have fun!

Gabe
usery OP
131 posts
 
"...[consider] some of the "Audioengine" components..."

thanks for replying. Call me principled (or naive), but I longer do business with Audioengine due to encountering shady behavior from one of the founders a few years ago. This was after I purchased their A2+ desktop speakers. Speakers are ok, but personally I hear less-than-honest audio EQ from them. Others may have a different experience.
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