The 10 Question

There have been some recent threads regarding the cost of putting together a high quality system and this is a variation on that theme.

Put together a system, real or imagined, that you would consider to offer excellent to outstanding performance. This system doesn't have to ultra expensive, but don't let cost issues limit you. Then put together a second system that only cost 1/10th of the first system, but one that substantially equals the musical satisfaction of the first system. In other words, the second system won't be your dream system, but one you could, if you had to, live with and be more or less happy.

For simplicity please limit your systems to 2 channels with source components, amplification and loudspeakers. If you desire, throw in a single dollar figure for cables, cords, footers and other assorted tweaks.

Here's my examples:

#1 -- Coincident speakers and amplifiers, Pure Reference Extreme loudspeakers, Statement preamp, Dragon mono amps with an Esoteric K-01 CD player. Throw in some money for cables and whatever and I'm at roughly $70,000.

#2 -- Kef LS50 speakers, Ayre AX-7e integrated amp and Sony HAPZ1ES digital player. With cables and speaker stands I'm slightly over $7,000.

Clearly, one system is far better than the other, but both system are capable of a high level of musical satisfaction.