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Really Inexpensive Systems That Sounded Great?

I think there is a big difference between "cheap" and inexpensive. I have blown money on "cheap" cables and immediately regretted it when my ears started bleeding from the brightness in my digital components. I also don’t mean "bargains" like the time I scored $2000 speakers for $200 on Craigslist, that is basically luck.

I am talking about inexpensive (less than $1500) for a system that sounded really great to you.

I fell into a whole house audio system from DTS Play-Fi because I wanted to try and compare different brands. I picked up Play-Fi amps, preamps and active speakers made by Polk, Paradigm, Klipsch, Onkyo and DefTech all for less than $1000 a pop. For what it is, whole house audio/casual listening it sounds great.

What inexpensive great sounding systems have you tried?

 

kota1
guamie
12 posts
 

My current system. Conrad Johnson PV12 preamp ($500) score!!!!

Super Clef Ribbons ( free!!! ) given to me by the late Bob Gross’s wife from his listening room. Amazing speakers!!!

2 Bryston 3b NPR amplifier that’s bridged to each Clefs ( $500 for the pair )

Kenwood KD500 with Signet XK50 tonearm ( free!!! ) also from Bob Gross personal stash.

The reason I’ve gotten much more free stuff from Bob Gross is that I’ve build new Clefs bookshelf and the TL using all his parts that he had and audio gear he used for shows and sold them  to help Mrs Gross financially.

I’ve built myself a set of his Super Clef and TL and are truly amazing speakers.

 

Ag insider logo xs@2x
bruce19
249 posts
 

Tribbett Stormbox $60 Bluetooth speaker.

jonwolfpell
391 posts
 

I have a pretty tube based system that my wife doesn’t feel comfortable using but enjoys listening to music so I bought her a Sonos powered speaker (about $500) that you sink up w/ your phone w/ any source on it. That could be Qobuz, iTunes, whatever you have.  It sounds surprisingly good w/ just one speaker; nice midrange, some extension on each end & can play pretty loud. I think for what it is, is a great product. 

crustycoot
644 posts
 

For the tool using hobbyist, get Akitika PR102 and GT108.  For speakers, PE Morel Ardons.  For source, Wiim Pro and if a turntable is needed, a Teac TN3.  This would all set you back under $2K.  Much less if no phono and no preamp…just plug Wiim into amp, and you’re under a grand!  
For non-kit builders, a pair of B&W 606S2AE speakers and a Rega Io integrated with a Wiim Pro…$1800.00.  To stay under $1500, NAD C316BEEv2 and Wiim Mini.

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

The kits are a brilliant idea, I want to get one to build with my teenager. 

I have a Carver AV505 amp that uses trickle down tech from the Lightstar, craigslist find for $200. I really like Carver/Sunfire gear.

 

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