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Help me build a $2,500 system

So, as a budget Audiophiliac, I’m looking to take the next step up the stairs. My budget is $2,500 but I’m thinking I will keep two of my current set up’s pieces, unless swayed otherwise, my Onkyo C-7030 CD player and Musical Fidelity V-90 DAC. 

I’m not opposed to completely restored vintage stuff or brand new. I just want the absolute best sounding set up I can have. 

My room is open to the rest of the downstairs and is roughly 15X15. 

I listen to mostly rock at low to medium volumes. I’m a stickler for well produced stuff and stream lossless as well as listen to well recorded CD’s and will choose my vinyl carefully as well. 


I’m looking for:

Amp/Receiver

Turntable (leaning hard to Pro-Ject Debut)

Speakers (prefer floors)

Cables


So, go to it and give me your best suggestions!  I greatly appreciate all input and opinions. 


Thanks all. 😊


34dean
rego
378 posts
 
Look for an integrated and work on lower cost cables.
b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,288 posts
 
You’ll probably get 20 different answers to this question.

If you enjoy having multiple components and cables that you can continue to upgrade, buy separates.  I’m one of those guys who likes to change out and tweak my systems. 

If you want to go an all in one solution, Dynaudio Xeo 20 with a sub might be something to look at.  I’d recommend Kef LS50W’s and sub but I feel the Dynaudios are more reliable.  

The Xeo 20’s and the project debut with a $200 phono amp would be close to budget.  Add sub later...

I’m thinking about it now and I don’t know how I’d divide up $2500 for an amp, preamp, dac, speakers, cables, project debut, phono preamp...  Parasound Halo integrated (?)  used for $1600 and $1000 for speakers...blue jeans cables which you can upgrade later
noromance's avatar
noromance
10,026 posts
 
Look at new Schiit Sol and Mani phono amp for your turntable. 


mesch
3,529 posts
 
I agree with keeping the CD player and DAC. I would invest in a used, however recent vintage integrated amp with phonostage. Search out speakers that are not difficult to drive, thus saving money on amplification.

As an alternative you might check out the Yamaha A-S801 integrated amplifier.  A full function integrated that will serve vinyl and digital sources. 


4krowme's avatar
4krowme
542 posts
 
One aspect to getting the most for your money is to build your own speakers, if you have the ability. I have been doing it for years, and have enjoyed sound far beyond the cost of this effort.
 Also, as probably mentioned, buy good used equipment. 
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