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Best sounding system for under $10k

I had been dreaming about acquiring a pair of mbl 116e's since I heard them last year at the expo. I knew I had a very good system but the mbl's give you that you are there feeling. Well I just made a few changes to my setup recently and things kept getting better, so much in fact that I no longer will be looking at those mbls. It was the last change I made that really was the killer. I have sims pre p-5 and power w-5 amp, I had them coupled with rca i/c's, and just yesterday I switched to balanced and WOW what a difference. I am willing to bet that there is nothing out there for under $20k (list prices of course) that can beat this sound. If you are looking for that you are there experience consider how I got there. Speakers; merlin, these are incredible and worth every penny, amp as mentioned earlier sims p-5 w-5 they too are just awesome most defenitely world class , phonostage ear834p another excellent component, tonearm: clearaudio emotion, cartridge : sumiko bluepoint amazing for the money will probably get the blackbird, turntable: vpi tnt mark I and V world class and not overpriced, cables: bluejeans xlr balanced amazing cannot believe how much better the system just got from that change, other cables my own rca interconnects, room treatment: acoustical ceiling tiles, records as in lp's, and book shelves with books on health must be on health ha-ha. And that's it, hard to believe but this was all found used here on agon for under $10k. And I have to add that rarely did I hear a system in any of the retail shops get it right like this one.
pedrillo
pedrillo OP
560 posts
 
ANOTHER ADDITION : Graham 2.2 deluxe tonearm WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!
really worth it !
ckoffend
684 posts
 
It amazes me that the best system in the world for X dollars was able to be improved upon by a big notch with two rather small changes (that may have not even added tot he overall cost of the system).

Yes, I realize that all systems can be improved upon in some way or another, but come on folks lets get real about proclaiming "best" so prematurely.

I wouldn't mind seeing a posting of people suggesting a complete system based on years of development and based on the key factors - what they want in sound, what type of music they listen to, the size of their room. After pointing out all of the positive aspects of such a system, the poster should be compelled to point out the weaknesses of the same system (ie. great with classical, not so much with hard rock). (Great with bass extension, but not quite as tight as standard acceptability.)

I think it is more informative to convey this information, and I think it is also more helpful to all involved.
rockadanny
1,226 posts
 
Mine! (Best for me by all comparisons.) I've seen all of my gear as used for sale here on A'gon except for the WyWires ICs and NOS tubes. You can duplicate my entire system buying used on A'gon except for the WyWires ICs and NOS tubes you'd have to buy as new/NOS, including subwoofer ICs, PCs, SCs, and surge suppressor/filterer (for CDP and pre), all for just under $10k. Room: large, oddly shaped, open, cathedral ceiling. Habits: all music except rap and serious classical; peaks at seat 11’ away never breach 100db. Best attributes: organic, unrestricted, non-fatiguing, natural tone, fully extended, clear. Worst attributes (although not important at all to me): unsatisfying at low SPLs; not most resolving; not most dynamic. I can live very happily ever after with this system as is.
ckoffend
684 posts
 
Rockadanny, that is a great post, especially due to the fact that you are honest about weaknesses and well described strengths/listening habits. However, for long term useage by others, I would suggest listing the components (as going to your system thread is likely to change as things move forward - possibly at least).
rockadanny
1,226 posts
 
Ck - actually, my system thread is up to date and likely to not change (seriously, I mean it this time :^). But here it is anyway:
CDP - Opera Audio Consonance Ref 2.2 (upgraded w/ AuriCaps and ECC99);
Pre - Mapletree Audio 2A/SE (upgraded w/ Back Gates; NOS Sylvania rectifier tube; NOS 12SN7 Tung-Sol grey T plates for line stage);
Power Amps - Audio Mirro 45 Watt SET monoblocks (NOS Sylvania input and driver tubes);
Mains - EgglestonWorks Fontaines (originals, not model IIs);
Subs - ACI Titans (2);
PCs for amps - VH Audio Flavor 4s;
ICs for CDP-pre-amps - WyWires;
ICs for subs - bluejeanscable;
SCs - Harmonic Technology Pro 9+;
BrickWall Power Surge Suporssor/Filterer - for CDP and pre only.
And BTW, when I stated "not most resolving" or "dynamic", I do not mean it is not so, just not hyper resolving or hyper dynamic. It is satisfyingly resolving and dynamic enough for me while retaining massive musical appeal.
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