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

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. 

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.

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.

 

+1 for crustycoot and the Akitika Class B DIY amplifier kits for around $400. If you don't want to DIY, they will build it for you for another $100 or so.