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$50k - $80k Budget…Opinions please.

Long story short, I sold my beloved 2-channel to reduce family debt. In about a year-ish, I’ll be in a position to rebuild with a hefty budget. I loved my Harbeth + Pass Labs combo. My REL sub died before I really got to integrate it, so opinions wanted there as well. I fully understand the diminishing margin of returns when moving into some arenas, but that’s ok, opinions are strongly encouraged.

I listen to a lot of Miles Davis/Coltrane, Radiohead, Tool, Pearl Jam, Brent Cobb. I’ve often preferred “organic” or neutral, not sure how technical that is.

toddcowles
larryi
3,719 posts
 

With that kind of money, it makes sense to first go to a big audio show.  There are vast differences in sonic approaches and most of them are within your budget.  After you hear stuff that you liked, if you report your preferences, people here can provide informed opinions.

frazeur1
340 posts
 

With a budget like that, if possible, seek a good dealer or three, and listen to complete systems, not just individual components hodge-podge. Then start narrowing down likes/dislikes, and whatever requirements you need for your system. Then, demo a few systems in your own home/room. 

This all may take longer, and more effort on your part, dealers certainly at this price range should have no problem(?) allowing in-home demo-at least I would make it a requirement to do so! Only you know what you like! And the main thing, have fun when you do it, enjoy the process as much as the result!

12many
221 posts
 

I agree with others.  This will require a lot of leg work, and that is part of the fun.  For that money you have to listen.  The upside is that you know what you like and have a trained ear so I think you will know it when you hear it.  You may likely be able to get an amazing system that you are very happy with for much less then your budget.  

markalarsen's avatar
markalarsen
630 posts
 

Check out the YG Acoustics Vantage Live.  Perfect for you. 

elliottbnewcombjr
5,140 posts
 

think preferences thru before reviewing specific equipment:

1. tubes or SS: TUBES,

both preamp and amp, or integrated. 

2.  speakers: EFFICIENT, to keep power need down, heat down, size down, increase flexibility of placement, remember line of sight of any remote beam.

3. type of drivers:

Horns and Big Woofer, no ports;

no horns, lots/enough bass, no ports;

no horns, no ports, stereo pair of subs.

f. Features: many or purist. i.e. Stereo/Mono; Remote Balance; fletcher munson 'loudness' eq for very low listening; some defeatable tone controls; tape loop; dual output

g. Vintage or New or mix.

h. Phono, a big category, keep options and future options, and flexible gain/flexible impedance in mind. SS or Tubes? TUBES

i. Turntable: DD or belt or idler? Plinth size to fit Long Arm

j. Tonearms: Single, Two, Three {MC, MM, Mono ready to go back and forth in any listening session

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