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Building a new system for about 5 grand

I haven't been a member here long, so forgive me if this is a repeat question.

If I have about $5000 and want to put together a quality system, where I do put the most money? I've heard speakers; others have said power source. Some say spend about equally on all components. I'd like to hear some direct answers to the question from Audiogon members (if you have to point me to an earlier forum, great).

A few things that might help:

1. My system is in a living room that is far from audio friendly. It measures about 18'x16', with some angles and openings, along with a large open area coming off one side and leading to the dining room (where I have my study). Wood floors, French doors with lots of glass about 5 feet behind the sofa, and no chance of making any adjustments (adding thick curtains, carpet or rugs, or eliminating all furniture apart from a chair and a small bourbon table).  

2. I have floor standing speakers now, and they fit the room fairly well. I'm not averse to bookshelf speakers on stands, though.

3. I play some vinyl and mostly cd's. That's not likely to change. A Bluesound streamer will likely be added down the road, but shouldn't figure in to the 5 grand limit.

4. I am willing to buy used, except perhaps the cd player (or sacd/cd), unless it's under about 3 years old. I worry about older units that have wear and won't have readily available parts. If I'm being too restrictive on this, please set me straight.

5. Our tv and Blue-ray player (on which I also play SACD's) are hooked up to my power source. I'm not at all interested in an AV receiver, surround sound, or adding a sub. Two speakers only.

6, and most important. I love listening to music; I love learning about, dreaming about, scheming about, audio. I love all the time I spending browsing on Audiogon. But I love my wife more. That directly addresses the price limit, the room set up, and the number of speakers.

Again, that first question about how to spend money is important to me, though a little puzzling. Spending more on speakers is my instinct at this point; I'm glad to be corrected.

Thanks.
anton99
mesch
3,427 posts
 
Given the info you provided, with digital being the primary source over vinyl, I would:

1)Identify a short list of speakers that are not difficult to drive, having a sensitivity of 87dB or greater and true 6-8 ohm impedance. I would allocate $1500-$2000 to these.

2)Purchase a quality integrated amplifier with a phonostage providing 50-100wpc depending on the speaker chosen. Amplifier/speaker synergy is important.  $1000-$1500.

3)Purchase a DAC that would support a transport (the Cambridge or Audiolab are good choices) and a streamer (also possibly your TV/Blueray). $500-$800.

4)Purchase a TT/Arm/Cartridge (possiblyProJect or Rega) with the thought to upgrade cartridge at a later date. As transducers, the speakers and the cartridge has greatest impact on the character of a system. $500-$1000.
 
5)Purchase cables from BlueJean Cable Company.  ~$500

Total system price range herein is $4000- $5800 leaving considerable flexibility. When it comes to integrated amplifiers they can be found with internal DACs and phonostages or without either or both. Budgets for these components can be combined if space or cabling is a concern. 

There are many threads on AG on each of these topics. I would suggest researching these. You may wish to start ones specific to your case thereafter.

Good luck on your quest and please keep us posted.

petg60
1,486 posts
 
Hi,
@anton99 it is not clear if you want as a primary source a TT or a CD player.
Taking the asssumption that you need a CD player i would have a look at the following, all brand new:
Speakers-Wharfedale Lintons plus their stands, a Rega Apollo CD player and an Exposure amp 3010, sell whatever you do not need and buy Audioquest cabling. 
If you want more a TT then a VPI or a Rega would be perfect in place of the CD as you have already one.

tweak1
3,576 posts
 
EBM +1 for Underwood HiFi.


They are running a Father’s Day special W4S integrated for ~ $1200 would be a great centerpiece


hth
anton99 OP
54 posts
 
Thank you all who responded; lots of things to think about because of your replies.

I do have a turntable (Rega P3) and phono amp (Vincent PHO-8) already, and don't feel the need to replace either.

As for speakers, I'm inclined to spend a little more here than on the other pieces. My heart is currently set on the Buchardt S400's; well-reviewed, and can reach down low enough for my tastes. The smoked oak version is a thing of beauty, and by the time I'm ready to buy, there might be more available used. Otherwise, a little more than 2 grand is required.

For an integrated, Hegel or Luxman would be 1 and 1A, though finding a Luxman at my price range seems unlikely. But having browsed Audiogon long enough, I suspect that I'll be able to find a used a very nice something-or-other in the $1200-2000 range. (Though Buchardt is releasing an integrated amp sometime this year, and I'll have to see what that's like; probably a little pricier than I like).

That's leaves the CD player and cables. $5000 total is an unlikely target, but that's fine, as I'll be purchasing a piece at a time. I'll have to decide whether or not to risk buying a used CD player.

Again, thanks. 
phcollie's avatar
phcollie
342 posts
 
@millercarbon and @mesch have posted solid recommendations.
I would add:
1. Choosing speakers you enjoy is important because if you are like me and love the planar sound, it changes the game regarding amplification. 
2. If you like speakers that are enclosed, an integrated will be a wise choice.
3.  Be sure every thing has Balanced and SE options. 
4.  Budget for room treatments, this will make the biggest difference between pretty good and amazing no matter your budget. 

My list would be 5:  Speakers, Amp, Source, Wire, Room


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