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General Asylum General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories. |
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General Asylum General audio topics that don't fit into specific categories. |
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In Reply to: Build a $7500 system. posted by bh46118 on December 6, 2014 at 04:59:04:
$7,500 is a very workable budget and will get you a really, really nice system. With that, here's how I would spend your money.
For speakers I would choose the Golden Ear Triton 3.
I have heard these 3 or 4 times and they are a very impressive speaker.
They have the smoothest upper mid range I have ever heard with their folded ribbon tweeter. The bass is humongous without being bloated. Claimed response is 21 hz @ -3 db! Sub woofer NOT necessary. The Triton 3's have built in 800 wpc amplifiers to do the heavy lifting. What this will do is relieve your main amp of the chore of producing thunderous bass so it can concentrate it's efforts on the easier to produce upper bass through treble. Price - $1800 to $2000 per pair.
For your digital source I would not bother with a traditional disc spinner. Instead I would go the music server route with the Mac Mini as the centerpiece. You can build a digital front end for less than $1000 - less if you go used. I have included a link.
To go along with your server you will need a DAC with a USB input (get one with digital cable input as well). I have a PS Audio Nuwave that is a very nice DAC, though there are many in the sub $1500 range from manufacturers like the aforementioned PS Audio, as well as Schiit, Metrum, Eastern Electric, and many more.
For your main amp I like the integrated amp option as this will be more in keeping with your budget. Also, since this is my recommendation, I will recommend a tubed unit as they have a more realistic portrayal of space (width & depth).
You have two ways to go here, newer or vintage.
You may have noticed I did not say new, but newer. You will get way more for your money with a used Rogue Cronus or Audio Research VS55 or VS60 than is possible with a new Jolida, Prima Luna, or Cayin.
Or..... You could go vintage with a Sherwood S-5000, Scott 222, or similar. The Sherwood pictured is mine, while the 3 deuce Scott is fellow inmate Mr9iron's. These things once rebuilt are spectacular! The Sherwood S-5000 was professionally rebuilt by fellow AA member Michael Samra.
I would budget $1500 to $2500 for a used tube integrated amp.
Lastly, you will need at least 2 pairs of interconnects and a pair of speaker cables.
At this time Music Direct is selling the wonderful Nordost Heimdall cables for half off - $350 per pair. As far as speaker cables are concerned I recommend trying 3 or 4 different brands as they will each sound a little different. I will suggest a few; Decware, DH Labs Q10 (used), Goertz, and Nordost Heimdall (used).
Happy hunting.
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Follow Ups
- RE: Build a $7500 system. - geezerrocket 11:34:20 12/10/14 (0)
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