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$4000 Challenge!

173.225.52.226
Posted on June 21, 2017 at 06:27:46
Bromo33333
Audiophile

Posts: 3502
Location: Ipswich, MA
Joined: May 4, 2004
 Here's an idea - can we put our heads together and come up with a really good under $4000 system? While I have my stereo and have built it up over the last 15 years or so, there are lots of people looking to get in.

The basic rules:
1) All the gear must be New*
2) It must include 2 sources - 1 streaming, 1 other (turntable, CD, whatever)
3) Suitable for a medium sized room.
4) It must include everything except the rack (so any cabling, power conditioning if you think so, etc.)
5) Include ideas for future upgrades if any could be suggested
6) List what you think it will do well, and what it will not do well.
7) If you can find the right mix of gear even less, that's ok too, $4000 isn't a target, but a ceiling!

*This means an average punter can go out and buy it easily rather than hun on the internet for the gear!

====
"You are precisely as big as what you love and precisely as small as what you allow to annoy you." ~ R A Wilson

 

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    ...
Off the cuff first pass...., posted on June 21, 2017 at 11:23:27
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
So many possibilities and I'm sure others will chime in with their choices and permutations. One of my goals was to leave sufficient funds for a decent set of speakers but I did not choose a pair as I am out of touch with recent high value speaker bargains. All prices below are new MSRP. The integrated amp is priced with typical dealer discount. My off the cuff first pass is listed below.

One of many possibilities:

$580 Laptop Dell Inspiron 5000 (or comparable) 7th Generation Intel Core i5-7200U Processor, 8GB RAM, 1TB HDD, CD/DVD drive -- Can stream music services, rips CDs, plays ripped music files, PC can act as a NAS for a dedicated streamer later, can play CD's directly.... but a CDP/DAC combo is included below.

$550 Music Hall c-dac15.3 CDP/DAC combo.

$1297 Rogue Sphinx V2 Integrated Amp w/phono ($1500 MSRP w/Remote, but figure 10 - 15% dealer discount).

$38 AQ Forest 1.5M USB cable.

$25 AQ Tower 1m interconnects.

$110 AQ Type 4 8ft pair speaker cables.

$0.00 Use stock power cords initially, buy 'accessories' later.

$1400 remaining (over 1/3 of budget) for speakers of your choice.


1) All the gear must be New* CHECK.
2) It must include 2 sources - 1 streaming, 1 other (turntable, CD, whatever) CHECK, CDP source, PC source for music files, PC source for Streaming.
3) Suitable for a medium sized room. CHECK, whatever 'medium sized' is.
4) It must include everything except the rack (so any cabling, power conditioning if you think so, etc.) CHECK, add designer AC power cords and 'accessorize' later.
5) Include ideas for future upgrades if any could be suggested. CHECK, upgrade everything in the future. This is how the hobby works after all! The amp has a phono so an entry turntable may be worth looking into.
6) List what you think it will do well, and what it will not do well. CHECK. "Do well" is a relative term. It plays music and does everything you asked for.
7) If you can find the right mix of gear even less, that's ok too, $4000 isn't a target, but a ceiling! CHECK. You pick the speakers with funds left over after buying the other components.



 

"there are lots of people looking to get in." Who?, posted on June 21, 2017 at 11:33:32
Chip647
Audiophile

Posts: 2647
Location: The South
Joined: December 24, 2012

I have not run into one of those in many, many years.

This is what they will buy, however.

 

All the gear must be New* ..., posted on June 21, 2017 at 12:19:32
reelsmith.
Audiophile

Posts: 13129
Location: CT
Joined: June 7, 2005
Contributor
  Since: January 19, 2010
 I'm out.

Dean.




reelsmith's axiom: Its going to be used equipment when I sell it, so it may as well be used equipment when I buy it.


 

RE: $4000 Challenge!, posted on June 21, 2017 at 12:41:20
Mr Peabody
Audiophile

Posts: 1109
Location: St. Louis, MO, USA
Joined: August 14, 2010
 I'm just going with a few things I'm familiar with. There's a variety of similar integrated amps in the same range ie NAD, Peachtree.

Cambridge Audio CXA-80 - $1k (built-in DAC) I'd like to use the Cambridge transport but it's expensive, I'm assuming a DVD player or something around already for transport or budget $100.00 or so) This gives streamin or CD playback, you could even add $100.00 more a Bluetooth dongle from CA.

The Cambridge phono stage $229.00. Thinking other options for the money as well, perhaps Bellari.

Elac B6 bookself & S10 sub for around $800.00 a package. I'd like to use the tower as an option but didn't see a model or price right off for the Andrew Jones.

Music Hall 5.3 has cart and believe around $800.00 or less.

Use some Bluejeans cabling and I believe I'm under the goal.

With some exact pricing I may be able to squeeze in the Golden Ear passive entry speaker.

I think for the budget you could do pretty well. I saw a new Music Hall 2.2 for $299.00, a lot of options to save or add depending on priority. A younger person may not even want TT.

 

RE: All the gear must be New* ..., posted on June 21, 2017 at 14:11:15
AudioSoul
Audiophile

Posts: 4594
Location: north central AZ
Joined: July 9, 2005

I am out to. It's a waist buying new equipment....

 

Yea but if no one did it..., posted on June 21, 2017 at 14:39:04
musetap
Audiophile

Posts: 31871
Location: San Francisco
Joined: July 8, 2003
Contributor
  Since: January 28, 2004
 us used gear folk would be shit out of luck.

"Once this was all Black Plasma and Imagination"-Michael McClure



 

Glad you said it first... Not much new gear appeals to me., posted on June 21, 2017 at 15:17:07
David S.
Audiophile

Posts: 3552
Location: Mountains of WNC
Joined: August 31, 2000
 I could surely put together a system for $4000 today, using components that retailed for in the high 5 figures to low 6 figures when new, that would be pretty awesome.

 

No grade for incomplete work!, posted on June 21, 2017 at 17:04:29
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
 You must suggest a pair of speakers Abe. The world awaits! ;-)
___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

RE: $4000 Challenge!, posted on June 21, 2017 at 17:33:15
Ric Schultz
Manufacturer

Posts: 843
Joined: August 7, 2000
 Powered Kef LS50W speakers.....$2200 and has digital and analog input and even wireless streaming. Just add some inexpensive sources.....streamer, whatever. Here is a link to one review:

http://positive-feedback.com/reviews/hardware-reviews/kef-ls50-wireless-loudspeakers/

and another:

http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/2016/12/kef-ls50-wireless-review-dars-product-of-the-year-2016/

 

RE: $4000 Challenge!, posted on June 21, 2017 at 18:53:00
Todd Krieger
Audiophile

Posts: 37333
Location: SW United States
Joined: November 2, 2000
 "1) All the gear must be New*"

I haven't auditioned new products in roughly 10 years..... (Except for audio shows I attended.) If I find something interesting at THE Show in Anaheim, I'll note it here.

"2) It must include 2 sources - 1 streaming, 1 other (turntable, CD, whatever)"

I was never impressed with streaming sources.... So I guess this is a disqualifier for me......

Now if used products were allowed and one source doesn't have to be streaming, then I could provide input.

 

RE: $4000 Challenge!, posted on June 21, 2017 at 19:01:14
pbarach
Audiophile

Posts: 3306
Location: Ohio
Joined: June 22, 2008
 For the "2 sources," the best money-saving deal is probably a combo, such as one of the Oppo players, which will play CDs and BluRay audio, and will stream music from Tidal or digital audio files on a USB drive or anywhere in your home network. At $549 if you want the digital output, or $1249 if you prefer to go with analog output, you have plenty left for speakers, amp, and all the accessories.

 

That's why the OP called it a challenge...., posted on June 21, 2017 at 20:40:53
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
 ...look at all the cop-outs! ;-)



 

RE: $4000 Challenge!, posted on June 21, 2017 at 21:01:15
RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001
 Audio Note AZ Two floorstanding loudspeakers ($1700) Hemp driver version no stands necessary - 95dB sensitive good to 35hz so plenty of bass for most music

KingKo KA 101. $825US. This is a 12 watt tube integrated amplifier but it can also be used as a power amplifier and is a first rate headphone amplifier. Auto-bias and has meters.

Oppo Sonica DAC/Streamer $750

Pro-Ject Debut Carbon $400 which includes cartridge and arm

Pro-Ject - Phono Box DC - MM/MC Phono preamp ($100)

Audio Note AN-A interconnects and AN D speaker cables for the remaining $225.

$4,000 nice musical system


Of course there a bunch of other ways to go - the Omega 8XRS loudspeakers for $1800, or Tekton or Zu speaker and us a less expensive cable - you could switch out the Pro-Ject for a Rega - that sort of thing.

 

RE: $4000 Challenge! Powered Speakers!!, posted on June 22, 2017 at 03:14:52
Robert J
 Finally, someone suggested powered speakers!
Frees up alot of money!

 

RE: That's why the OP called it a challenge...., posted on June 22, 2017 at 03:56:14
fantja
Audiophile

Posts: 15518
Location: Alabama
Joined: September 11, 2010
 Abe-

one could not go wrong w/ Thiel CS 2.4 speakers.

 

Agree. A really nice setup could be had $4K used.. nt, posted on June 22, 2017 at 09:48:33
3+4=5
 .

 

RE: $4000 Challenge! Powered Speakers!!, posted on June 22, 2017 at 13:14:55
AbeCollins
Audiophile

Posts: 46280
Location: USA
Joined: June 22, 2001
Contributor
  Since: February 2, 2002
and locks you into powered speakers. ;-)


 

Yes!, posted on June 22, 2017 at 14:54:49
Larry I
Audiophile

Posts: 2229
Location: No. Va.
Joined: June 28, 2000
 Given that, as you go up the price scale on Audio Note gear, the climb can get very steep, it is easy to not think of them as a "budget" company. But, their lower end stuff is really quite a bargain, given how musical and lively their gear sounds. Their speakers, in particular, are all quite good even though they don't have much bling to them.

I have never heard of KingKo amps. Is it something with EL 84s in them? When it comes to budget tube amps, it is hard to beat that tube.

 

RE: $4000 Challenge! Powered Speakers!!, posted on June 22, 2017 at 15:14:56
Robert J
 I'd rather go shopping for powered speakers than power amplifiers.

 

RE: Yes!, posted on June 22, 2017 at 16:11:25
RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001
 Yes my review is in and coming. The KingKo is push pull EL84 and valve rectified - auto bias, meters, headphone out from the transformer (EI), and King put a hole on the bottom so you can use a tripod set-up (three feet instead of four). Can be used as a power amp and has a switch on the side to change the voltage from US to Euro/Asia. Weighs in at 24lbs.

King was the repair person for Rogue Audio, LM, Melody, Almarro for 10 years and a computer tech/engineer before that. He decided to go on his own and this is his first product.

 

Challenge, Indeed!, posted on June 22, 2017 at 16:14:15
Jim Hodgson
Audiophile

Posts: 399
Location: New York City
Joined: March 9, 2006
 I found this exercise to be both fun and really aggravating! (And somehow I feel like it would have gone much more smoothly with a 25% higher budget.) One thing I learned: one-shot system building with new gear at retail prices is way out of my reach/experience/interest. What made it particularly difficult was the inclusion of a turntable as one of the two sources (my own self-imposed requirement).

After putting this together, it dawned on me that, if a friend of mine were to come to me and tell me that he had just blown 4000 bucks on the following, I would probably cry. But, here goes...

$650 Magnepan MMGi (add DWM bass panel later +$795 or trade in for .7 +$750)

$995 Parasound Halo A23 power amp

$699 Schiit Freya preamp (spend a fortune on 6SN7s later)

$675 Rega P2 / RB220 / Carbon MM (tons of upgrades to consider later)

$129 Schiit Mani phono preamp

$349 Sonos Connect (upgrade later with Wyred4Sound mod +$550)

$399 Schiit Bifrost (upgrade later with Multibit board +$250)

$109 SignalCable Ultra speaker cables

Free Supplied interconnect cables and power cords

$4005

For mid-four-figures, I feel like an enthusiast should have a somewhat "exotic" system, and that's what I tried to assemble. I think that this system would come up short, however; and it may even be a disaster -- who knows?! I'm sure that new retail pricing accounts for the gap between my intuition and the reality of it.

 

RE: $4000 Challenge! Powered Speakers!!, posted on June 22, 2017 at 18:09:04
RGA
Reviewer

Posts: 15177
Location: Hong Kong
Joined: August 8, 2001
 when one fails they both fail.

 

RE: Challenge, Indeed!, posted on June 22, 2017 at 18:15:50
pictureguy
Audiophile

Posts: 22597
Location: SoCal
Joined: October 19, 2008
 I was thinking MMG / Parasound, too. But hadn't gotten to a 'complete' system yet.


Too much is never enough

 

RE: "there are lots of people looking to get in." Who?, posted on June 22, 2017 at 18:50:15
Wojciech
Audiophile

Posts: 4123
Joined: June 23, 2009
 Right on the money. Lots of people are trying to get rid of any remaining audio pieces they might have inherited. $4K as an entry system? You're out of your head! , $400 or better $40 and this is the "challenge"

 

I'll play along, posted on June 22, 2017 at 19:30:33
Ross
Audiophile

Posts: 1814
Joined: January 24, 2000
 Magneplanar .7 speakers $1400
Blue Sound Node Streamer $400
Parasound Halo a2.3 amp $1000
Rega Planar 2 $675
Lehman Black Cube $600

$4075

I am sure a dealer would discount by $75 and throw in some cables for a $4k sale....

Upgrade paths would include a better cartridge and the Rega P2/3 enhancement package.

This would be a nice musical system. The Parasound can delivery plenty of high current power to control the Maggies, which many say require power to fully appreciate. The key is the Blue Sound Node. It is a 24/192 capable media streamer (will stream network and Tidal/Spotify etc) that will accept an analogue line level input- thus it can operate as a preamp. Plug in an ethernet cable, USB drive and connect the phono stage and you are ready to go. And it is controllable by app on your phone or tablet.

My current system points in another direction, but if I were looking to build a new stepping stone system I would seriously consider the components I referenced.

 

I'd be very happy with this system . . ., posted on June 22, 2017 at 20:25:55
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
 Here is a system I think would sound fantastic and be a lot of fun to own:

SOURCES

Tunrtable
U Turn Orbit upgraded with acrylic platter and cue lever - $294
Replace AT91B with new AT95C - $40
(Use included cables)

Digital
Mac mini with 2.6GHz processor, 8GB RAM and 1TB Drive as dedicated server/streamer - $670
Lacie external 1 TB hard drive - $95
External USB Optical Drive - $80
Pure Music 3 - $130
Schiit Bifrost DAC - $400

INTEGRATED AMPLIFIER

Rogue Audio Sphinx v2 - $1,495
(Includes built-in MM phono stage and headphone amp)

SPEAKERS

Q Acoustics 3050 floor standing speakers - $700
(I have the little brother 3020 stand mount speakers and they are amazing for their price)

CABLES

1 pair of Blue Jeans Cables LC-1 Interconnect - $35
16 feet of Blue Jeans Belden 5000 speaker cable - $18
AudioQuest Forest USB - $35

No question you could do just as well for less on computer audio equipment, but I have listed stuff I know how to use and sounds good to me.

Total price is $3,922 before sales tax, but most dealers would discount the Rogue at least 10%. Also, this list assumes the buyer doesn't already have a computer or even an external back-up drive.



___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

RE: $4000 Challenge! Powered Speakers!!, posted on June 23, 2017 at 03:38:08
Robert J
 What point are you making? If anything fails, repair it!
And, the Original Post states *NEW* products only.
Most powered speakers have a 5 year warranty.
In five years it's time for a change!

 

My version, posted on June 23, 2017 at 05:57:38
G Squared
Audiophile

Posts: 8474
Location: Washington, DC Metro Area
Joined: November 16, 2004
Contributor
  Since: May 23, 2023
 Great system Josh.

If you drop the TT - your digital system will already play CDs and stream. Upgrade the Bifrost to Multibit.

Two options depending on listening preferences.

Replace the Rogue with a Schiit Ragnarok (you get a great headphone amp).

Switch speakers to Elac B6 paired with a Rythmic L12 sub.

This system can rock.

Or same digital from end with. NAD 326BEE and a pair of Ohm Walsh 1000s.

A more spacious soundstage.


Gsquared

 

RE: $4000 Challenge!, posted on June 23, 2017 at 08:10:59
BigguyinATL
Manufacturer

Posts: 3475
Joined: April 10, 2002
 How about this one:
Outlaw 2160 Receiver $800
Oppo BDP203 for digital and streaming w. Chromecast Audio for streaming from mobile device $600
Magnepan 0.7 $1400
2 x SVS SB-1000 subs $1000
Cables: $120 - doesn't really matter!



"The hardest thing of all is to find a black cat in a dark room, especially if there is no cat" - Confucius

 

RE: $4000 Challenge!, posted on June 23, 2017 at 08:29:01
Bromo33333
Audiophile

Posts: 3502
Location: Ipswich, MA
Joined: May 4, 2004
 I probably should add a system for myself. I picked $4000 New because it is hard to do, and of the people that I have given advice is likely the top end of what many of them would be willing to spend (many of them were only willing to spend less than that!)

Mine is a low power/tube based system:

1. Klipsch Heresy III Speakers $1700
2. Jolida FX10 tube integrated Amp $649
3. Sonos Connect $345 (Streaming)
4. ProJect Carbon Debut DC $399
5. Project Tube Box S $449
6. 8 foot speaker cables (AQ type 4): $80
7. 3 1m pairs of interconnects (AQ Evergreen): $95
8. Dayton Audio DTA-1 Class T Battery Powered Mini Amplifier 15 WPC T amplifier with volume control (15W) $28 (for playing with/experiments)

Total: $3745

You could swap out the Carbon Debut for the Classic at $1200 as an upgrade, too, plus you get the neoretro look!

But I wanted to give someone some high efficiency tube-goodness and have the cheap class T amp to swap in for some fun considering it can eaily drive that speaker). The FX10 is a pretty limited amp for power delivery and distortion but at 99dB of efficiency, the Heresies should be able to extract everything out of it. They aren't perfect, detailed speakers, but they are a bit of a classic.

I think it puts the user on a path where you can play all kinds of tube and high efficiency games.

If I had more money to play with or could go used, I would have upgraded the speakers to one of the larger Klipsch ones (like the Cornwall!), and grab a SET based amp system.


====
"You are precisely as big as what you love and precisely as small as what you allow to annoy you." ~ R A Wilson

 

RE: Yea but if no one did it..., posted on June 23, 2017 at 10:59:59
Uncle Mike
 A $4000 system used a few years from now won't be that great then either.

 

RE: Yea but if no one did it..., posted on June 23, 2017 at 16:22:08
Bromo33333
Audiophile

Posts: 3502
Location: Ipswich, MA
Joined: May 4, 2004
 I don't think you can really say that.
====
"You are precisely as big as what you love and precisely as small as what you allow to annoy you." ~ R A Wilson

 

RE: $4000 Challenge!, posted on June 24, 2017 at 07:01:07
Bill the K
Audiophile

Posts: 8383
Joined: June 3, 2006
Bromo, you seem to like the Klipschs a lot. I wanted to suggest the Golden Ear Triton 7 for $1400.

Cheers
Bill

 

RE: $4000 Challenge!, posted on June 24, 2017 at 07:19:14
Bromo33333
Audiophile

Posts: 3502
Location: Ipswich, MA
Joined: May 4, 2004
 I have a soft spot for high efficiency horns!

But ... I like that, too. It's cheaper, and efficiency would easily be powered by the tubes!

Might allow you to upgrade the Turntable, or add an outboard DAC for the streamer!
====
"You are precisely as big as what you love and precisely as small as what you allow to annoy you." ~ R A Wilson

 

Reasons for this challenge!, posted on June 24, 2017 at 07:25:34
Bromo33333
Audiophile

Posts: 3502
Location: Ipswich, MA
Joined: May 4, 2004
 THe reason for this chellenge is simple, I was in a discussion with a non audiophile friend who talks like he and his wife want to take the plunge, but couldn't spend more than $4000. They have enjoyed evenings with us (our system is considerably more than $4k at this point) and they have been talking for years.

But also I have been hearing two chains of thought online and in magazines - that it's cheaper than ever to take the plunge, and it's also more expensive than ever.

So ... I wanted to see if a few of us were to put our heads together and come up with some decent examples, that could help people like our friends get started.

Of course they could go gear hunting for the right piece of used gear to make their $$$ go further -- which is what I did as I upgraded so I have a mixture of new and used in my stack.

But I want to thank everyone! And keep the ideas coming!


====
"You are precisely as big as what you love and precisely as small as what you allow to annoy you." ~ R A Wilson

 

RE: Reasons for this challenge!, posted on June 24, 2017 at 11:46:01
Todd Krieger
Audiophile

Posts: 37333
Location: SW United States
Joined: November 2, 2000
 "THe reason for this chellenge is simple, I was in a discussion with a non audiophile friend who talks like he and his wife want to take the plunge, but couldn't spend more than $4000. They have enjoyed evenings with us (our system is considerably more than $4k at this point) and they have been talking for years."

Your "non-audiophile" friend may have become an "audiophile" friend.... At least he has a wife willing to go along with it......

"But also I have been hearing two chains of thought online and in magazines - that it's cheaper than ever to take the plunge, and it's also more expensive than ever."

It's "cheaper than ever" because streaming files are cheap.... Streaming playback is also cheap.... But to get good sound, it's "more-expensive than ever".... Sad to say.

I believe the excessive RF pollution on the mains line and in the air (in a computer-dominant world) is to blame.... Prior to the computer era, it was relatively easy and inexpensive to get good sound.

You shouldn't limit your friend to new gear. You'd be doing a major disservice to him. The best bang for the buck is in used gear. Just help him find good pre-owned gear.

"So ... I wanted to see if a few of us were to put our heads together and come up with some decent examples, that could help people like our friends get started."

I'm not impressed with the inexpensive stuff on the market today.... Save for loudspeakers..... Speakers are the only thing I'd buy new.

"Of course they could go gear hunting for the right piece of used gear to make their $$$ go further -- which is what I did as I upgraded so I have a mixture of new and used in my stack."

Bingo......

"But I want to thank everyone! And keep the ideas coming!"

The source in my opinion is the most important part of any audio system. If the source doesn't get it right, what follows it can't fix it. I think going streaming would sell yourself short here.

I think a good inexpensive starting point is a Schiit Bifrost DAC, and build from there. The DAC gives you a lot of options, from a CD transport, and streaming is an option. A good transport is a used JVC XL-Z1050 CD player. Get a good Toslink cable like the Blue Jeans Eska Toslink. I'm not up to speed on speakers, but I'd suggest getting something as efficient as possible. I've heard good things about the Tekton M-Lore, for example. (Never listened to them.) A high-efficiency speaker can open the gate for low-power tubes, which IMO yields the best sonics. I'd research some inexpensive amps on this site, Audiogon, eBay, and on the web. An integrated tube amp would be a good first option.

The key is enjoying the music. There is so much stuff out there that in my opinion breaks the music. Best go slow, and audition, if at all possible. A $4000 endeavor can easily double or triple in price (or become an unplayed eyesore) if one doesn't get it right in the first place.

 

RE: $4000 Challenge!, posted on June 24, 2017 at 22:06:04
John N
Audiophile

Posts: 1325
Joined: May 10, 2000
 I did a calculation - I bought my first "good" stereo system in 1978 - it met all of the criteria listed two sources (turntable and cassette deck) - no significant costs for wiring (I wash't an "audiophile" then)
I spent $1050 for the system new. Using an online calculator for inflation it spit out $3850 as the inflation adjusted cost

 

I like the idea of the Ohm Walsh!, posted on June 25, 2017 at 19:42:33
JoshT
Audiophile

Posts: 6622
Location: Eastern Massachusetts
Joined: July 4, 2000
 I haven't heard one since the Model 4 (I think) came out in 1982 (I think), but I loved it when I heard it at Tech HiFi and have always wanted to get a pair since then. I wish they used dealers.

___
"If you are the owner of a new stereophonic system, this record will play with even more brilliant true-to-life fidelity. In short, you can purchase this record with no fear of its becoming obsolete in the future."

 

Options options..., posted on June 29, 2017 at 20:09:36
Harmonia
Audiophile

Posts: 1930
Location: Midwestern USA
Joined: November 3, 2000
 Sorry, late to the party, but summer cold put me way behind.'the following combos assembled from actual gear I've heard in the past few months. Would've really liked to have known their music preferences but what the hey.

A: Toe Tapper

GoldenEar Triton Sevens $1400
Rega Brio R Integrated Amp $995 (newest 2017 version)
Rega Apollo R CD Player/DAC $1095 List (Can easily found for less at dealers refurbished or demo, typically for around $800 or slightly less)
Bluesound Node 2 Streamer $499

$3694.00

Don't need speaker stands with floor standers
Don't need subs (but could add GET sub later if they like to crank the bass)

Tritons are efficient, unobtrusive and easy to position in room, open souding, dynamic, sand staging champs. They play all kinds of music well but will boogie with this combo. The Tritons will sound impressive with good source material but are very slightly forgiving, so less than perfect recordings are still enjoyable.

Rega gear makes music fun. Very cool looking too.

No muss no fuss. The Brio has very nice phono stage so if they want to explore vinyl this would offer another source/upgrade path with the addition of a Rega RP 1 (complete with arm & cartridge $445)

Use stock power cords.
This leaves a little over $300 for cabling, power conditioning and tweaks.
Pick out your favorite Audioquest Bridges & Falls interconnects suite and Audioquest FLX-SLiP 14/4, or whatever other budget speaker cable suits. This is an obvious place to upgrade down the road if they get the yen.

B: Heavenly Vocals

GoldenEar Triton Sevens $1400 or upgrade to Triton Fives ($!995)
Marantz PM8005 $1195 (great amp, nice phono stage and line stage, good headphone amp included, could use preamp section with future atand alone amp)
Marantz NA8005 Streaming DAC $450 (Demo at Music Direct- killer piece for this price}
Cabling as above. Use current Blu-Ray or DVD player as disc spinner

$3045 - $3640 less cabling

Additional Option: Rega RP1 as above for vinyl

Smooth and liquid vocals through the Tritons with this combo. Excellent timbre with acoustic music of any sort. Will make the GET's midrange sing.

C: Tubes!

Substitute Rogue Audio Sphinx for either of above integrateds

DRAWBACKS -all the above configurations will play loud but not bone crushingly loud.

 

Media server, posted on June 30, 2017 at 09:51:19
jedrider
Audiophile

Posts: 15166
Location: No. California
Joined: December 26, 2003
 You mean CD, of course. Analog adds it's own costs very quickly.

Interesting how you put 'CD or turntable' side-by-side.

They must not be into hard media at all in that case.

I would suggest a tuner then.

Or, a media server, as opposed to streaming.

I recently picked up some nice home theater gear used at some very low cost; seems that it was too DIFFICULT to use in the family setting. This may be a factor.

Probably, THE FACTOR, is how easy it is to use the system. Tubes, no, no, in that case.

You can stream from a Pi that costs about $100.00 to put together. A laptop can be a media server, though.

 

RE: Media server, posted on June 30, 2017 at 16:07:19
Bromo33333
Audiophile

Posts: 3502
Location: Ipswich, MA
Joined: May 4, 2004
 I abstracted it to the group. I am asked advice from people at work about once a month.

Some might want to get into vinyl, some have a CD collection. And once in awhile someone wants nothing more than streaming these days!
====
"You are precisely as big as what you love and precisely as small as what you allow to annoy you." ~ R A Wilson

 

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