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Thread: Budgeting your system
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June 22, 2017, 01:58 AM #51
Re: Budgeting your system
I have 3 sources and one integrated amplifier , so the breakdown is as following:
speakers: 33%
integrated amp: 10%
files( server and dac) :14%
cd/sacd player:12%
analog ( with phono pre): 12%
cabling ( including power distributor) : 15%
Platforms, footers, tweaks : 4%Aurender W20->Lampizator Pacific SE/Audio Aero La Fontaine->Ayon Crossfire III or Circle Labs A100-> Avantgarde Acoustic Trio LE 26, 4x REL Carbon Special Subwoofers
Analog : Fat Bob S with SME 5, Shelter Harmony, Tom Evans Groove+ SRX mk2, Muarah PSC with InteliClamp
cabling: Duelund DCA 16GA, Acrolink, Vovox, Siltech, Transparent, Audio Phase , NxLT The Flame, FTA Callisto and Sinope usb, Fadel Art , Argentum , REL Bassline Blue
HT : Sony HW 50 ES, Oppo 93 EU, Darbee DVP-5000 ,Yamaha Aventage RX-A 3010 , B&W 9.1, screen 120 inches matt white
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June 22, 2017, 02:07 AM #52
Budgeting your system
I'm at:
Speakers: 18%
Amps: 4.3%
Preamp: 7.6%
Sources: 33.3%
Phono Pre: 11%
Cables, Power, Racks, etc.: 25.8%
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
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June 22, 2017, 07:34 AM #53
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Re: Budgeting your system
To the people that have posted their percentages. Is it what you actually paid or is it the list price?
Pre amp: Ocatve Phono Module Power amps: Octave MRE130 Turntable: SAC Girati Grande. Tonearm: Dynavector 507mkII Cartridge: Dynavector Ikeda 9TT Streamer: Aurender A10 Power Distributor: Anzus Mains D8 Speakers: Raidho X-3 Speaker Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 XLR Interlink: Ansuz A2, [B]XLR Interlink: [B]Phono interlink: Cammino Serie 1.0 - PH 1.0s Power cables: Anzus Mains Ceramic, two Pom, Aluminium, X series Audio Rack: Rack of Silence 4 and 2.
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June 22, 2017, 09:23 AM #54
Re: Budgeting your system
mine turned out to be
Speakers: 31%
Amps: 12%
Preamp: 8%
Sources: 25%
Phono Pre: 10%
Cables, Power, Racks, etc.: 14 %
only thing I purchased new was my speakers and one source item.2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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June 22, 2017, 10:09 AM #55
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Re: Budgeting your system
I bought most second hand I used new prices for this:
Speakers 21%
Integrated amp 17%
source: 37% (streamer, CD transport DAC, phono amp TT etc etc)
cables: 26%
If I count what I actually paid the sources would be by far the largest part,Pre amp: Ocatve Phono Module Power amps: Octave MRE130 Turntable: SAC Girati Grande. Tonearm: Dynavector 507mkII Cartridge: Dynavector Ikeda 9TT Streamer: Aurender A10 Power Distributor: Anzus Mains D8 Speakers: Raidho X-3 Speaker Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 XLR Interlink: Ansuz A2, [B]XLR Interlink: [B]Phono interlink: Cammino Serie 1.0 - PH 1.0s Power cables: Anzus Mains Ceramic, two Pom, Aluminium, X series Audio Rack: Rack of Silence 4 and 2.
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June 22, 2017, 10:59 AM #56
Re: Budgeting your system
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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June 22, 2017, 11:20 AM #57
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June 22, 2017, 12:36 PM #58
Re: Budgeting your system
My Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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June 22, 2017, 02:54 PM #59
Re: Budgeting your system
Not what I expected when I did the math...
speakers = 35%
amps = 29%
preamp = 14%
source = 13%
cables = 5%
power = 4%
Ken"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
--------------------------------------------
Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords
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June 22, 2017, 03:10 PM #60
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June 22, 2017, 03:33 PM #61
Re: Budgeting your system
Speakers / Subs: 16% Amps: 16% Preamp: 13% Source / DAC: 20% Cables: 17% Power Cond. & Cables: 18%
I went for a more balanced approach. If I were to follow the ratio in the opening post, I would need a 225K pair of speakers, which would make no sense, considering the equipment I have.Rick
Ayre MX-R Focal Diablo Utopia III REL S/2 (x2) emm Labs PRE2, DAC2X Aurender N10 Shunyata Triton/Typhon, Zitron Python, Zitron Alpha HC, Zitron Alpha Digital and Zitron Alpha Analog PC's Siltech Royal Signature Prince SC's, Royal Signature Princess IC's, Royal Signature Golden Ridge II AES/EBU Quadraspire Q4L Rack
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June 22, 2017, 04:00 PM #62
Re: Budgeting your system
This is a great thread that makes me think about my budget if I were to start again from scratch.
Let's just say I had $50,000 to spend on an entire new audio system. What would I get? What would that look like in terms of percentages? Let's see...
Speakers: Harbeth 40.2 ($15,700 or 32%)
Amp: PrimaLuna Dialogue HP monoblocks ($7800 or 16%)
Preamp: PrimaLuna Dialogue Premium ($3200 or 6.5%)
Tubes (KT150's, NOS Brimar and Mullard 12AU7's, and rectifier): $3020 or 6%
Digital: PS Audio DirectStream DAC with Bridge II ($6900 or 14%)
Power: maybe going a little overboard here, but PS Audio Power Plant P10 ($5000 or 10%)
Cables: not sure what brand, but budget roughly 10% ($5000)
Rack and speaker stands: budget $2500 or 5%
This comes to $49,120, so a little wiggle room for other accessories if wanted.
Now, I would also consider going to a Luxman L-590AX Mk. II integrated ($9000) as opposed to the PrimaLuna gear. This would save a little money on cables and tubes (about $6000 total), which could be reinvested in a turntable setup or better DAC or speakers.
What systems would others put together from scratch?Kevin
Main: VPI Aries 3/Grado Reference3, and Aurender N200 > PS Audio DS DAC. Luxman L-509Z integrated amp. Sonus Faber Elipsa SE speakers. PS Audio P10 power. Transparent Audio, Cardas and Audioquest cables.
Bar: EAT C-sharp/Hana MH, and exaSound s82 > Luxman L-595SE amp. GolderEar One.R speakers. Shunyata power, Audioquest cables.
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June 22, 2017, 04:07 PM #63
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June 22, 2017, 06:39 PM #64
Re: Budgeting your system
I'd start with a MSB Select dac, fully hot rodded & do the trickle down effect from there.
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June 22, 2017, 07:11 PM #65
Re: Budgeting your system
Yeah Paul McGowan did that for years ( sideways digital) and then got serious ..
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NPazywXrqJo
While i can agree there are differences in Digital performance, IMO, most are making sideways moves with a big dose of placebo. Analog is a different story, so much variables there to discuss With an analog TT , that it would require its own section.
Speakers and amplifiers sets the stage , the rest is icing ....
Regards
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June 22, 2017, 07:23 PM #66
Re: Budgeting your system
I agree that the MSB Select II DAC is probably the only DAC on the market that could be the anchor component for my system. No preamp is needed. MSB M204 monoblocks for the amps and then choose your speakers. YG Sonja sounded wonderful. I bet my Vandersteen 7 MkII would be awesome on the system too.
"No summit worth climbing is easily attained."
--------------------------------------------
Source: MSB Select II DAC with Two Mono Powerbases and Femto 33 Clock; Renderer V2 Digital Input Module and Roon Nucleus Plus; MSB UMT V Signature Transport
Amps: Vandersteen M7-HPA Mono Amps; MSB M204 Mono Amps
Speakers: Vandersteen Model 7 Mk2
Power: Two AudioQuest Niagara 5000’s with AudioQuest Dragon and Hurricane Power Cords
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June 22, 2017, 07:30 PM #67
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Re: Budgeting your system
Brinkmann Bardo w/ EMT HSD-006 cart, MSB Reference DAC --> Linear Tube Audio MicroZOTL --> Ampzilla 2000, 2nd Edition --> Fyne Audio F1-12
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June 22, 2017, 07:38 PM #68
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June 22, 2017, 07:43 PM #69
Budgeting your system
Keith - I guess my "fear" is that digital ages so quickly. Wasn't the Trinity DAC all the rage just a couple of years ago? And the CH DAC just after that? I remember when they came out, people went crazy and now you can't give them away. Ditto for the $50k CH DAC and so many others that set new prices for digital playback.
That being said, what I have seen is that MSB and DCS (and Berkeley in the $20k range) don't leave their owners behind. They provide an upgrade path and that's good!
Would I rather have a $60K pimped out Kronos Pro with SCPS-1 with a killer $15k cart and a $15k ARC phonostage for a total of $90k than a $90k DAC? For me, yes. But I consider a great analog setup worth the money over a modest one. When it comes to digital and the comparisons I've done against a friends DCS, I have a hard time making the leap from my Berk REF2 to his DCS Vivaldi. That $90k turntable rig will still be great in 15 years.
Now in a perfect world, I wouldn't have to choose.
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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June 22, 2017, 11:22 PM #70
Re: Budgeting your system
Mike, we both know tt's are changing as much as digital. How long has the Kronos Pro been around? How long was the best Kronos on the market before that etc. etc. We, as the mass market swarm to the idea of the next latest greatest, it's called the dragon's tail. If we were to choose with our ears when we hear an improvement, I'm guessing the audio industry would fail quite rapidly in the high end. I think digital has arrived, the recording technicians on the other hand, well. I can't say I've heard vinyl that has made me feel any better than digital & vice versa, I've heard plenty of bad examples in both, but, when I have heard something that has been recorded in the best possible way & is not detrimental to the naturalness of the original sound, in a studio that is extremely beneficial to carrying that recording into any format, I don't care if it is either or either. Maybe you need to put the Kronos through a MSB Select II
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June 22, 2017, 11:43 PM #71
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Re: Budgeting your system
The thread seems to have morphed to a different topic, but as to the original question....
First, budgeting is not one of my better skills.
My main system is Pass INT-250 integrated amp, Esoteric K03X cd player and B&W 803 D2.
So I'm at 1:1:1 for source, amp, speakers.
I have Transparent speaker cables, interconnects and power cords, but I don't think they cost 10% of the total system.
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June 23, 2017, 12:08 AM #72
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Re: Budgeting your system
I'm at:
Speakers: 41% (38%)
Amps (integrated): 25% (24%)
Sources Digital: 22% (20%)
Source Analog: 1% (7%)
Cables, Power, Racks, etc.: 11% (11%)
I have not realized an update of analog path yet. (% = inclusive planned update of analog source)
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June 23, 2017, 07:01 AM #73
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June 23, 2017, 07:23 AM #74
Re: Budgeting your system
100% agree. For the sake of my consideration, I was only going with new equipment. Easier to determine list prices that way. In reality, I would look very hard at the used market as one can really increase value that way.
For me, the "ideal" percentages would be:
Speakers: 35%
Source: 25%
Amplification: 20%
Other (cables, rack, power, etc.): 20%
In the real world (at least in my home), my system has not evolved from an ideal. I have basically upgraded over time - always trying to improve the weakest link - and trying to get the best component I can afford at the time. So my current system is:
Speakers: 29%
Sources: 30%
Amplification: 17%
Other (cables, rack, power, etc.): 24%
When I look at that, I realize that my "Other" category is a little out of whack. Certainly not the next place I will look to upgrade.Kevin
Main: VPI Aries 3/Grado Reference3, and Aurender N200 > PS Audio DS DAC. Luxman L-509Z integrated amp. Sonus Faber Elipsa SE speakers. PS Audio P10 power. Transparent Audio, Cardas and Audioquest cables.
Bar: EAT C-sharp/Hana MH, and exaSound s82 > Luxman L-595SE amp. GolderEar One.R speakers. Shunyata power, Audioquest cables.
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June 23, 2017, 08:26 AM #75
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Re: Budgeting your system
If I were to guess my system is about 50K euro new. If someone would give me 50K I'm not sure if I'd buy the same. I'll ponder on that for a while
Edit:
Maybe something like this, all new prices.
Symphonic Line RG10ref amp
Lumin D1 streamer
Dr Feickert Woodpecker II TT
dr Feickerts 12" 2A tonearm
Van Den Hul Crimson cart
Van den Hul Grail phono pre
Ansuz cables and power distributor
Blumenhofer FS2 mkII
More or less.Pre amp: Ocatve Phono Module Power amps: Octave MRE130 Turntable: SAC Girati Grande. Tonearm: Dynavector 507mkII Cartridge: Dynavector Ikeda 9TT Streamer: Aurender A10 Power Distributor: Anzus Mains D8 Speakers: Raidho X-3 Speaker Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 XLR Interlink: Ansuz A2, [B]XLR Interlink: [B]Phono interlink: Cammino Serie 1.0 - PH 1.0s Power cables: Anzus Mains Ceramic, two Pom, Aluminium, X series Audio Rack: Rack of Silence 4 and 2.
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June 23, 2017, 12:01 PM #76
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Re: Budgeting your system
I know you (and likely others) won't believe this, perhaps only the SELECT II owners will at this point, but the SELECT II is such a breakthrough in digital, that it really changes the way you see a system.
Before, people got whatever digital "du jour", and then worked their system around it. DAC too harsh? Tame it with a nicely colored preamp. Or cables. Or bass traps. Or they just didn't care enough about digital and focused in their analog.
With the SELECT II, you don't need to. What you'll get out of the outputs is as close to the original recording as currently possible. So, just add any neutral enough amps, and you're all set. A suitably resolving speaker must also be part of this, of course...
MSB was never the DAC "du jour", it still isn't, and doesn't want to be either.
The jury is still out there for the MSB Reference, but that promises to be the answer for a lot of folks' prayers, for a more reasonably priced SELECT II. So, couple that with the now mythical, hopefully still forthcoming, cheaper darTZeel monoblocks, and you have a killer system
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June 23, 2017, 01:14 PM #77
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Re: Budgeting your system
Well, you've picked my preferred SOTA analog setup But what happens to the folks who just don't want to deal with analog at all, yet still want a SOTA system? For them, $90k in an analog rig like that is just not worth the money, while a $90k digital setup might be exactly what they need to settle down.
But yeah, that last line of yours... You should have t-shirts made with that line
cheers,
alex
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June 23, 2017, 01:28 PM #78
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June 23, 2017, 01:32 PM #79
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June 23, 2017, 01:48 PM #80
Re: Budgeting your system
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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June 23, 2017, 01:50 PM #81
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Re: Budgeting your system
hahaha yeah something like that
straight from Discogs.com, where I keep my collection organized...
Collection Value:*
Min $104,520.33 Med $151,234.39 Max $219,882.44
9219 items in total... And I'm not even close to be done putting them all there...
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June 23, 2017, 02:05 PM #82
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Re: Budgeting your system
One comment about cabling. I can't see budgeting more than 10%cables and power cords on a system totaling $10k or less. Spending $1K or more on cables in lower cost systems is a waste of money that could be put to better speakers or electronics. There are plenty of good sounding IC's, speaker wire and usb cables that can be had for a lot less. Cables would be the easiest and cheapest to upgrade at a later date if you were building a system from scratch. I recently bought a pair of 1 meter XLR cables made of Belden 8402 for my son for $60pr. I tried them in my system and compared them to my Cardas Parsec's and AQ Columbia DBS 72V XLR's and I ended up keeping them and giving the Parsecs to my son. The 8402 were surprisingly way better than the Cardas and AQ's.
If any one is interested in them-
https://btpa.com/IC8402XLR-XX.html
They can also be bought here-
http://www.takefiveaudio.com/product...-cryo-treated/My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.
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June 23, 2017, 02:25 PM #83
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June 24, 2017, 01:25 AM #84
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June 24, 2017, 01:38 AM #85
Re: Budgeting your system
ARC REF10 + Auralic G2 stack + AMG V12 + REF3 Phono + Transfiguration Proteus would work.
Based on what myself and others heard at Munich, the Auralic G2 is going to be killer (poor man's Vivaldi Stack without giving up much). We will have to wait until the fall.
I predict the Auralic G2 stack could upset the digital apple cart.
https://www.audiostream.com/content/auralic-g2-series
http://www.digitalaudioreview.net/20...a-g2-dac-more/
Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMy Systems: http://www.audioshark.org/showthread...481#post158481
"We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."
Dealer for: Aqua Hi-Fi, Aurender, AudioQuest Cables & Power Products, Berkeley Audio, Block Audio (distributor), Boulder Amplifiers, Bowers & Wilkins (B&W), Bryston, Clarisys Audio Loudspeakers (distributor), Classe’ Audio, Degritter Record Cleaning Machines, Esoteric, Finite Elemente, FirstWatt, Focal Loudspeakers and Headphones, GigaFoil, Harbeth Loudspeakers, Hegel, HiFi Man, Innuos, ISO Acoustics, Keces Power Supplies, Kharma Loudspeakers and Electronics, Kuzma Turntables, Lumin, Luxman, Magico Loudspeakers, MBL Speakers & Electronics, MSB Technologies, MySonicLabs Phono Cartridges, Nordost Cables, Ortofon, Pass Labs, Quadraspire, Rega Turntables and Electronics, Shunyata Research, STAX, Stein Music Products, Stillpoints, Soulution, VAC, Vicoustics, Viva Audio, VPI Industries, WireWorld Cables.
https://suncoastaudio.com/
Phone: 941-932-0282
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Suncoast-Au...1105178279194/
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June 24, 2017, 01:50 AM #86
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Re: Budgeting your system
kzhtoo,
So you don't think *some* preamps color the sound? Or that *some* cables do the same?
The scenario I posed above, don't you think it's feasible that people (not saying you or even anybody in this forum) would be using cables and other devices in the audio chain to compensate for a lacking source? Mike mentioned a few posts back the "sources first" mentality. You can't fix what was broken from the start... People try, but that doesn't mean it's the right way to do it...
Oh, and I don't doubt superb sound can be had for a fraction of the $90k. I just don't think anything gets even close to the SELECT, though. Not that I've heard.
Have you heard the SELECT II, either at a show or a friend/dealer's?
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June 24, 2017, 01:50 AM #87
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June 24, 2017, 02:08 AM #88
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June 24, 2017, 02:16 AM #89
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Re: Budgeting your system
kzhtoo
I doubt seriously that it is multiple times better than either of the DACs you referenced but Alex doesn't sell either one of those products. And even the two you listed are not on the buy list for the "average" buyer. The answer to good sound is not always tied to cost unless you need it to be.Main - JVC QL-Y7/Denon DL-301 Mk II, Gold Note PH-10, Jays CDT3 Mk3 , Auralic Aries G2.2, Holo May KTE, Supratek Cabernet, Kinki Studio EX-B7 monoblocks, Verity Audio Otello, (2) Rythmik F12SE, Audio Envy IC, SC & PC's, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Inakustik USB and I2S, (2) Puritan Audio Labs PSM-156 with Groundmaster City, Timbernation rack
Family Room - Oppo UDP-203, Auralic Aries, Aqua La Voce S3, Kinki Studio EX-M1+, Nola KO, (2) Rythmik F-12G, Wireworld SC & IC's, Neotech PC's, SurgeX SA-1810
Greenville, SC- Jays CDT2 Mk 3, Auralic Aries G1, Holo Spring 3 KTE, Supratek Chardonnay, Odyssey Audio Kismet Reference, Rosso Fiorentino Volterra 2, (2) RSL Speedwoofers, iFi Audio Power Station, Wireworld IC's, Inakustik USB and I2s, Triode Wire Lab SC, Triode Wire Lab PC's, Furutech NCF Clear Line, Timbernation rack.
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June 24, 2017, 02:58 AM #90
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June 24, 2017, 03:13 AM #91
Re: Budgeting your system
Unfortunately I, and most of us are not 1%'ers.... actually 99% of us are not.... therefore there is no way that a DAC that cost more than my Benz would ever be considered anything but Ludacris.... however there are very good DACs that my old ears could probably not hear a difference in anyway that are a world less in price.... my W4S DAC2v2SE for example that comes in at just under $4k. I doubt that I could hear a difference between this and the $100k DACs anyway....
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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June 24, 2017, 06:54 AM #92
Re: Budgeting your system
For me the price relation between components is not so important, but we need to be aware that the weak link in our system will determine the final result. Listen to this system with good headphones to get an idea of the quality of this system. I garantee that the quality is way beyond the price tag.
The system is aprox. 150.000€ and more than 100.000€ is just for cables! And the is a big investment is antivibration systems...
The system is from Sonus Sutor, they sell Audiofidem cables and speakers.Dealer for: VCS (Vibration Control Systems) and Audiofidem (Speakers, Cables, Vibration Control Systems, and Fuses).
www.allforhifi.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/allforhifi/
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June 24, 2017, 09:36 AM #93
Re: Budgeting your system
Exactly the point. The two reference DACs that aren't on the buy list for the "average" buyers are 9 times and 5 times cheaper than the SELECT II respectively.
I'm not trying to start another this-is-too-expensive complaint. My initial post is a reply to the comment of "if you don't have SELECT II, your preamps/cables must be colored". I just do not get this logic to say the least.
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June 24, 2017, 11:15 AM #94
Re: Budgeting your system
I think a lot of people just chase a certain sound regardless of gear or how much it cost. . I know my 1950 Martin D28, I can change a brand of strings and size and change the sound to fit a type of music. Why not audio. I harbor no ill feelings to a person that can spend $90k of a dac, god bless em, but it doesn't take $90k to make a person enjoy their music the way they like it.
2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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June 24, 2017, 11:24 AM #95
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June 24, 2017, 11:33 AM #96
Re: Budgeting your system
Everything colors the sound , record a live session and see , of course, some color more than others , the biggest issue is how much coloration before placebo kicks in , the brain takes over once our system gets us close Enuff to "real" , this level of "real" varies from listener to listener ...
Regards
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June 24, 2017, 11:54 AM #97
Re: Budgeting your system
Sure everything colors the sound, my room, myself setting in the room, my tubes, my cartridge etc. etc. I get it but why should we care. You like a way music sounds to you, I could careless if its colored or plain straight up neutral. I don't see any issues at all, people and artist add color or not to their system/music because THEY WANT TO, not to please the audio forum experts. Yep the brain and our inner neurological conduits process what our memory likes and you know it doesn't have to be neutral it could very well be that placebo you speak of with some color added, or even dry or bright, or bassy or loud, but there is nothing wrong with that, its what the listener likes.2chl : Vincent Sp331MkII, W4S STP-SE Stage 2, Kef 201/2, KEF 140, Vapor Breeze, Lumin, Bryston CD, BHA-1, Quicksilver Headamp, HD650, HD800s, HD820's, Dan Clark 1.1, Focal Stellia, OPPO 203, 105. ( Boxed up: Pass Xa-30.5, VPI Classic, Dynavector DV-20XL, Manley Chinook, Cadenza Bronze)
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June 24, 2017, 07:08 PM #98
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- Minnesota
- Posts
- 1,369
Re: Budgeting your system
I could care less if music is colored as long as it sounds great. I actually prefer a slightly warmer and darker sound. I use to be an accuracy, resolution and detail freak but I have mellowed and like a more romantic sound if you will. It certainly helps with poorly recorded music but more importantly it puts a smile on my face and I find myself enjoying the music rather than nitpicking the sound. I have slowly acquired gear that will give me some of that sound.
My Gear- Mains System-Pass X250 amp, BAT VK-51se preamp, Luxman DA-06 DAC, Magnepan 1.6's, Thorens TD-145 TT, Dual Martin Logan Subs, Vintage Luxman T-110 Tuner, Cables-WW Platinum 7 USB, Cardas Parsec XLR, AQ Columbia DBS 72v XLR, Belden 8402 XLR.
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June 24, 2017, 07:38 PM #99
Re: Budgeting your system
How do you know if the music is colored anyway? It's what sounds good to you that matters. For example, my home town line (McIntosh) has an extremely strong and vocal following. They will swear up and down that it is the best sounding equipment on the planet. To me it is good sounding (listening to it all my life) but there is other equipment that sometimes cost less that sounds much better. There is no right or wrong.... and honestly, who is to say that the $90k DAC sounds better? Maybe my $4k DAC sounds better to me in my system. I have heard many system that cost a ton more than mine that I do not like the sound of at all. A great example is at a club meeting we checked out a new speaker that was being reviewed. It was a $40k speaker, and honestly, I did not like it at all, and I would not consider owning them. And I like his electronics (other than he does not have support for DSD ... dam audio reviewers )...
McIntosh C49, MC152, MR85, R778 | T+A DAC 8 DSD | KEF LS50 Meta w/S2, KC62 (x2) | Rega RP8, Ania Pro, NEO PSU | Technics SL-1500C | Audio Technica VM750ML | Hexmat Eclipse, Yellow Bird, Molekula, Molekula Mini | Pro-Ject VC-E | Falcon NW PC Server (Roon Core & HQPlayer) | Microsoft Surface Pro 6 (Roon Controller) | Wyred 4 Sound ISO Recovery, DC Recovery | Abyss Diana Phi | Schiit Jotunheim 2 | Astell&Kern SE200 | Oppo BDP105
“One of the great challenges in life is knowing enough to think you're right but not enough to know you're wrong”
"You can't use reason to convince anyone out of an argument that they didn't use reason to get into"
― Neil deGrasse Tyson
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June 24, 2017, 08:41 PM #100
- Join Date
- Apr 2016
- Location
- Bay Area
- Posts
- 760
Re: Budgeting your system
What were they playing at the LAAS with the YGs ? Its not like I care much but if they were playing a Select II, I will have a tough time even justifying the reason why one would put 90k on it....to my ears, the sound just didn't impress me, forget the price tag that comes along...
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AudioShark forum is a leading forum site for High End Audio Discussion, Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater System Discussion, Best Home Stereo System Discussion, Home Theater Installation Discussion etc.
The AudioShark forum was created for sharing the passion of high-end Audio. We have Audiophiles from all over the world participating and sharing their knowledge. From novice to experts, you will find a friendly environment for discussing about High End Audio, Stereo System, Home Theater System, Home Stereo System, Home Theater Installation, Amplifiers, Speakers, Subwoofers, Integrated System, Acoustic treatments & Digital Room Corrections and many more.
At AudioShark, we also have incorporated an exciting Marketplace where members can peruse terrific buys on used gear, as well as meet dealers and discuss the purchase of new gear.
We are as crazy about this hobby as you are! So come on in and join us! Audioshark.org the Friendliest Audio Forum!
Industry Participation Disclosure : The owner and administrator of Audioshark is the owner of Suncoast Audio LLC in Sarasota Florida. Suncoast Audio has a full brick and mortar presence in Sarasota with several great show rooms with many world class brands. More information can be found at http://www.suncoastaudio.com
Audioshark is a community of like minded individuals. Audioshark welcomes participation from all manufacturers and owners of all brands and products. It is our belief that online forums provide a community of like minded audiophiles and music lovers to encourage the growth of this wonderful hobby.
Sincerely,
The Audioshark.org Team
After 1 year of tremendous enjoyment with my new gear, I have been so lucky to audition a Gryphon Antileon EVO. Being dazzled by the sheer control through unlimited power and resulting vividness and...
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