2. amps-preamps
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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
magnuman's avatar
magnuman
200 posts
 

I think you should listen to the new SIM audio north collection even the smaller amp is a game changer.

magnuman's avatar
magnuman
200 posts
 

I think you should listen to the new SIM audio north collection even the smaller amp is a game changer.

magnuman's avatar
magnuman
200 posts
 

overthemoon,

just for your knowledge I spoke to Sim audio and they told me that the 761 amplifier is far superior to the 860a V2, and I believe in the US it retails for 14 to 15,000, I'm going to be upgrading my w-8 to the 861 that thing is a beast.

nordicnorm
313 posts
 

OK, I’ll play. I love spending other people’s money!

I’ll assume your listening room is already sorted out.

You haven’t mentioned any sources - streaming, vinyl, CD/SACD, so I’ve chosen to focus on CD/SACD. You’ll notice that I’ve stuck with one company (except for the digital source). I’m a big believer in component compatibility (i.e. components that have been ‘voiced’, or designed, to work with one another). Plus, you have much more room to negotiate (price) when buying a complete system from a single company.

So, here’s my list:

Speakers: Coincident Reference Extreme II new - $30,000, used - virtually unobtanium

Amplifier: Coincident 211PP Dragon MK. II new - $11,000, used ~$6,000

Linestage: Coincident 300B Statement new - $7,000, used - $5,000

Digital Source: Esoteric UX-1 (Modified by APL HiFi NWO) used only - $7,000

IC cables: Teo Audio GC Ultra Balanced (2 pairs) new - $5,000

 

So, total budget comes in around $60,000 (buying mostly new). I haven’t recommended speaker wire or power cabling but you have enough left over in your budget for your favourite flavours (e.g. Shunyata, Nordost, Cardas, Duelund, etc.).

Good luck in your search!

deep_333
1,461 posts
 

You might consider a financial planner as being more of a priority than your next 80k luxury item. I mean, to pay off family debt you get a fraction of your systems value, and a year later drop 80k on a luxury item. That math does not add up. Well, at least not the way I earn my money.

Hmm, agreed, if the dude had to sell gear to reduce ’family debt’?!?!, it doesn’t sound a whole lot like the dude should be operating near this price bracket.

OP, you may want to drop your budget to 5k maybe. Audio nirvana could happen easily even at 5k (It may disappoint the forum’s Dealers Incognitoticus club however). Use the remaining 45k to 75k for other important things in life.

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