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Help me spend $100,000 on a new system

I’ve recently been considering moving and downsizing my home. While exploring how much I might sell my house and land for, I was shocked that I might have an excess of $100,000 after selling and buying a smaller new home with less acreage. I’m 71 years old and can’t take it with me, so I’m trying to figure out how to spend that potential resource.

One possibility would be to purchase a new stereo system with all that cash. I would like to demo a system costing that much to see what sound quality you could get for a stupendous amount like that. But I don’t have any idea what brand/model components to look at. Perhaps you could suggest components you might consider if you were setting up a system at that price point. Also how would you budget the total amount per component including wiring.

I am not interested in adding streaming or anything else I might not already have to the system. I would be open to buying separates to replace any single component such as the integrated amplifier. Maybe a separate DAC, phono stage, preamp etc. Please tell me what you would do.

Following are the components I already have to upgrade. My system consists of Magico A3 speakers, a Luxman 507uX MK2 integrated amp, a Marantz Ruby KI CD/SACD player, A VPI Classic 2 turntable with a Fatboy tonearm and a Lyra Kleos cartridge. Wiring consists of Audioquest Rocket 88 speaker cables, and VPI house brand wires that connect to the tonearm. I forget the brands of the other wires and cables, but they are of similar quality to the above.

I also have a Shunyata Hydra Denali 4000 power conditioner with a Venom power cord (I think) that I will continue to use without upgrading.

I would welcome any of your suggestions and utilize them next time I go up to Washington DC to visit dealer showrooms for demos. Thank you much.

It does sound weird to consider spending that much on a system costing over three times what I paid for my first home, so I hope I’m not sounding uppity here.

Mike

 

 

skyscraper
mtbiker29's avatar
mtbiker29
170 posts
 

@skyscraper great post and fun to think about.  First of all you've built a great system (and not just saying that because of our shared good taste).  The law of diminishing returns is very real IMHO, and you'll have a tough time getting more than a few % improvement over what you have with this budget.  If you did pick up some more space a bigger Magico (A5 or S3/S5) would serve you well.  Looking outside of that line others have suggested Joseph Audio, YG and those are worth a look.  If I were upgrading my Luxman gear for my Magico's I'd be considering Accuphase, Gryphon and maybe D'Agostino.  

My initial thought was much like others, focused on the room and ensuring a dedicated listening space.  If nothing else I might collect some rare first edition vinyl.  

But I'm going to take the conversation in a different direction that no one has picked up on.  You mentioned in your original post the possibility of a Mercedes convertible.  If you have no toy/fun car today than my unequivocal vote is to buy that, paired with your current system.  

 

maxwave's avatar
maxwave
978 posts
 

@immatthewj +1 @skyscraper

With Vinnie Rossi Brama line , you have the choice to listen in SS mode and Tubes mode .
300B tubes last a very very long time.

Brama integrated : SS mode or Tube mode
Brama preamplifier : SS mode or Tube mode / or a mixt of both .
You will not find this feature  , anywhere else.

10 years warranty

In Audio Shows , Vinnie Rossi Brama line has been paired with Magico , Rockport , QLN , YG .

 

garrettc
40 posts
 

You could buy some killer Wilson Alexx speakers and supplement the setup with a  high end amp and preamp.  The guys here will have plenty of suggestions.  Alternatively, maybe write the editors at Stereophile for some recommendations.  I like the idea of buying a a house with a room you could dedicate to a listening. room.  Another un-exciting option would be save that $100k for times when you have health problems and need to pay the bills.  Actually, it's kind of nice just having the cash and not having to use it.

maxwave's avatar
maxwave
978 posts
 

@skyscraper

YG Speakers / Vinnie Rossi electronics / Room’s acoustic

 

maxwave's avatar
maxwave
978 posts
 

a)Room ( acoustic / dedicated electricity / pleasant room design )

If you have to ……..  :

b)Speakers choice ( +cables / anti vibration feet )
c)Electronics ( +cables / anti vibration feet / good rack , not between the speakers )

 

Keep in mind that when you will sell your new house one day , you will not get the room’s money back.

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