Best of value-based systems

Dekay: I listened to the Isis speakers and found them very bright. they were fine when listening to classical and jazz, but as soon as I played some good old rock and roll, it became evident the highs were etched. I think even if you listen only to classical that these speakers would be very fatiguing. In other words, I don;t think it's your source, IMO.

Hi Exley. It's always good to hear a "like" opinion on a product. The funny thing about these little boxes is that they really kill on classical music, it's what they do incredibly well. The problem that we have been having is with some popular music including R&R (as you mentioned) and of course so so recordings. I am currently using Kimber 4VS cable and would like to experiment with something a little more musical when I bi-amp. Maybe (used of course) Analysis Plus or Audioquest cables. Maybe a new thread on the subject, if anyone can stand another bi-amp query about warm organic speaker cables on a budget. Who knows, maybe I'll drive by Sluggo's tag sale and hit pay dirt. I have also been auditioning the Soliloquy line and would like to audition Duntech and PSB as well. Other than price limitations I also need stand mounters due to five very industrious male house cats.

Meant Dunlavy not Duntech above. Also Coincident speakers.

Mr. Campbell- Thought-provoking thread. I'm w/you regarding bang-for-buck equipment/system. OR as another post said "try to get the best performance w/the least amount of dough". But before you think I'm toying around w/NaD-quality gear, let me say my system retails for 20k but "only 14k" out-of-hand. My $3300 VAC triode tube amp I bought used for $1700. My $1700 transport, I got brand new for $900. My $3800 speakers, I got just before the price increase, so they set me back $3500. but I did get compensated W/$600 worth of cabling that replaced by prior reference. So while I would not call my system budget or reference quality it keeps me happy. Echoing your later post, I believe value-based prOducts would attract more consumers who can only shake their heads at the prices of our gear, even if they cvan afford it. They have not become accustomed to paying this kind of prices for stereo equipment. Now there will always be those that base the value of their system on cost only. We know that reflexs nothing on the actual performance as a music producing system. But we also know that system-building is very hard- earned skill, once mastered, you can save yourself alot of bucks. Intelligence, sensitivity, dilegence and faith build great systems not big bucks. peace Mike mwalsdor@cscc.edu

I decided that I had about $1500 to get a system, and after much trial and error I came up with this(prices included shipping and tax): Audio Refinement Amp-$590, Nad C520 CDP-$220, Magnum Dynalab FT-11-$325, Acoustic Energy Aegis 1-$225, AP Oval 12-$125, and AQ Topaz .5M-$65. About $1550 and it sounds damn good. I do plan to upgrade, but I'm very happy for my budget. I think that buying used gives one the ability to try things out without taking a major hit. Let's face it, that's why we are a community...we share more than advice. We all will buy new when we need to and then pass the item on when we 'upgrade'. Just MHO.