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  1. #1
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    Low To Mid Priced Systems

    I thought it might be kinda interesting to put together your take on low to mid priced systems with low priced defined as up to $5000 and midpriced defined as up to $15,000. With this in mind what would your low and mid priced system entail? What components and what brands? Let's keep this simple and straight forward. You can use any music source/s. Headphones or no headphones.
    Amplifier: Pass Labs INT 250 integrated.

    DAC/Streamer: MSB Discrete Dual Power Supply.

    Server: Roon Nucleus with lifetime subscription.

    Speakers: Harbeth Super HL 5+ 40th Anniversary
    Model.

    Headphones/Amp: Focal Stellia phones, NAIM Uniti Atom Headphone Edition headphone amp/music player/server/streamer.

    Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 speaker cables,
    Mackenzie interconnects.

    Speaker Stands: HiFi Man.

  2. #2
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Great idea for a thread. For the 5K system perhaps something like:

    Naim Uniti Atom Music Player - $3290
    Bowers & Wilkins 707 S2 Speakers - $742
    Shunayta Venom Defender - $225
    AQ Rocket 44 Speaker Cables - $580

    App. $4837 + Tax before any discount …

  3. #3
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    And another option for the 5K and probably a better balance in the system (providing they already own a computer) would be:

    Lumin M1 Integrated / streamer - 2000
    B&W 703 S2 Speakers - 2000
    Shunayta Venom Defender - $225
    AQ Rocket 44 Speaker Cables - $580

    App $4805 + tax before any discounts (which would be very small, but …)

  4. #4
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    My mid price system is in my sig and was under $15K
    -----------------
    Brian

    Main System -
    Rotel RCD-1572 / Rega P3 > Luxman 505UX Mark II > Fyne Audio F502SPs > Synergistic Cables

    Secondary - OPPO 93 > VAC CLA 1 MKII Pre > Odyssey Stratos > Dynaudio Audience 82s > Tara Labs Cables


  5. #5
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    At both of those price points speakers and room should be 30-50% of your budget. So spending upwards to 10-20% on 'wire' would be foolish.
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  6. #6
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Amazing the level of audio quality you can achieve today with such little money.
    Marty

    Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
    MSB Premier
    Constellation Inspiration Preamp 1.0 / Mono 1.0
    Dynaudio Confidence 50 / SVS SB13 Ultra
    PS Audio Powerplant 15

  7. #7
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Quote Originally Posted by nc42acc View Post
    Amazing the level of audio quality you can achieve today with such little money.
    So very true
    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)

  8. #8
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Quote Originally Posted by Shadowfax View Post
    My mid price system is in my sig and was under $15K
    Wow, Brian, you really put together a killer system for a very reasonable price!! Well done. I'll bet that Luxman amp and Fyne Audio speakers sound superb together.
    Amplifier: Pass Labs INT 250 integrated.

    DAC/Streamer: MSB Discrete Dual Power Supply.

    Server: Roon Nucleus with lifetime subscription.

    Speakers: Harbeth Super HL 5+ 40th Anniversary
    Model.

    Headphones/Amp: Focal Stellia phones, NAIM Uniti Atom Headphone Edition headphone amp/music player/server/streamer.

    Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 speaker cables,
    Mackenzie interconnects.

    Speaker Stands: HiFi Man.

  9. #9
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    I'll be putting together a secondary system some day and I'm taking a hard look at Naim and the Supernait 3 along with some of their other components. Maybe an all Naim system. Not sure about speakers. There are just so many great choices. But I would take a serious look at Fyne (Might be out of my budget?), B&W, and Focal. My budget would be $10,000 to $12,000. But there is a lot more out there that is serious audiophile gear for very reasonable prices. I would like to see several different combinations in this thread. It gives me ideas for low to medium budget, high quality systems.
    Amplifier: Pass Labs INT 250 integrated.

    DAC/Streamer: MSB Discrete Dual Power Supply.

    Server: Roon Nucleus with lifetime subscription.

    Speakers: Harbeth Super HL 5+ 40th Anniversary
    Model.

    Headphones/Amp: Focal Stellia phones, NAIM Uniti Atom Headphone Edition headphone amp/music player/server/streamer.

    Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 speaker cables,
    Mackenzie interconnects.

    Speaker Stands: HiFi Man.

  10. #10
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Naim was a good suggestion.

    One option would be the Halo integrated, Bluesound Node & remaining $2k or so for JBL 4312g or maybe a Kef R-series, not sure the pricing. If not open box the 4312g would take me over budget.

    So many options for up to $15k, not sure where to start
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  11. #11

    Low To Mid Priced Systems

    With so many folks here with really expensive set ups I wonder how many of the guys recommending the $5k systems even heard the system that they are recommending.
    I personally would not be able to name specific components. However I can share a few generic guidelines that I would follow if I was building a $5k system with MY money.
    1. buy used components (that should double the purchasing power.
    2. Go digital (you can’t beat digital in that price range)
    3. Don’t invest in fancy (i.e., expensive) speaker cables, interconnects, power cords, or digital cables. A well-built cable will do.
    4. Go streaming. Most streaming services already offer or will start offering CD-quality music. And while on the subject of streaming, there is no need to spend a thousand dollars on a streamer either! Anyone with basic computer skills can build a Raspberry Pi-based streamer for $100 bucks! (Folks will be surprised how many thousand-dollar streamers are based on a RPI computer that retail for $40).
    5. Put the big bucks in the speakers and the Room (75%-80%). The amp/DAC/ streamer will take you to 98% (the amp gets the bulk of that) and you have 2% left for wires.

    I don’t expect that this will work for everyone, but it certainly works for me even on systems with a much larger budget.

  12. #12
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Well, someone woke up on the wrong side of the listening chair. And, quite presumptuous of you I must say.

    I can only speak for me, I have heard what I recommended and only recommend what I'm familiar with, unless specified. As you see in my sig I own a P6 and not listed is an older HCA-750. As a kid I had some really entry level stuff, getting my first receiver at 16, so I still remember those days. Plus, I get around. I'm not a dealer or looking to buy but have attended several audio shows for the pure love of the gear and audio. Not only the upper level gear are shown, you see brands like Emotiva, Schiit, Cambridge etc.

    I marvel at those who hang out on audio forums/pages with a chip on their shoulder and have to rave cheap stuff is all one needs. If that was true nothing would have motivated me to progress beyond my first receiver.

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoff View Post
    With so many folks here with really expensive set ups I wonder how many of the guys recommending the $5k systems even heard the system that they are recommending.
    I personally would not be able to name specific components. However I can share a few generic guidelines that I would follow if I was building a $5k system with MY money.
    1. buy used components (that should double the purchasing power.
    2. Go digital (you can’t beat digital in that price range)
    3. Don’t invest in fancy (i.e., expensive) speaker cables, interconnects, power cords, or digital cables. A well-built cable will do.

    * Cables, tweaks can work and can be worth the expense. Like any component you keep within reason to what you have, or he rest of the system, a balance in performance and expense.

    4. Go streaming. Most streaming services already offer or will start offering CD-quality music. And while on the subject of streaming, there is no need to spend a thousand dollars on a streamer either! Anyone with basic computer skills can build a Raspberry Pi-based streamer for $100 bucks! (Folks will be surprised how many thousand-dollar streamers are based on a RPI computer that retail for $40).

    * Wrong. I've used a $349 HEOS and up, I know streamers absolutely have differences in performance.

    5. Put the big bucks in the speakers and the Room (75%-80%). The amp/DAC/ streamer will take you to 98% (the amp gets the bulk of that) and you have 2% left for wires.

    * Again, backwards. You cannot skimp on the source. Any information not retrieved at the source is just never going to be heard because nothing downstream will allow you to hear information not there. You need a balanced approach throughout he system, not lopsided one end or the other but a good source is a must

    I don’t expect that this will work for everyone, but it certainly works for me even on systems with a much larger budget.
    Keep telling yourself that and enjoy. If it works for you then no need for the attempts to belittle those who want better.
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  13. #13
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoff View Post
    With so many folks here with really expensive set ups I wonder how many of the guys recommending the $5k systems even heard the system that they are recommending.
    I personally would not be able to name specific components. However I can share a few generic guidelines that I would follow if I was building a $5k system with MY money.
    1. buy used components (that should double the purchasing power.
    2. Go digital (you can’t beat digital in that price range)
    3. Don’t invest in fancy (i.e., expensive) speaker cables, interconnects, power cords, or digital cables. A well-built cable will do.
    4. Go streaming. Most streaming services already offer or will start offering CD-quality music. And while on the subject of streaming, there is no need to spend a thousand dollars on a streamer either! Anyone with basic computer skills can build a Raspberry Pi-based streamer for $100 bucks! (Folks will be surprised how many thousand-dollar streamers are based on a RPI computer that retail for $40).
    5. Put the big bucks in the speakers and the Room (75%-80%). The amp/DAC/ streamer will take you to 98% (the amp gets the bulk of that) and you have 2% left for wires.

    I don’t expect that this will work for everyone, but it certainly works for me even on systems with a much larger budget.
    most level headed post of the thread !
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  14. #14
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    A person can really influence their system choices by looking at the used market. Instead of throwing down huge sums of money at a new component, you can find some really nice gear in the used market. My system the only thing I purchased new many years ago was my speakers and streamer.
    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)

  15. #15
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Quote Originally Posted by CPP View Post
    A person can really influence their system choices by looking at the used market. Instead of throwing down huge sums of money at a new component, you can find some really nice gear in the used market. My system the only thing I purchased new many years ago was my speakers and streamer.
    Agreed and if you don't feel comfortable buying used seek out the help of a friend with some knowledge.
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  16. #16
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    In the under $5k category, I would suggest looking at the KEF LS50 Wireless (now in version II). If you are already a Roon user, you can simply connect them to your network and you are all set. If not, they have digital and analog inputs as well as native spotify and tidal apps. I have a pair for my second system that I really enjoy. Mine are version I and while I haven't heard version II yet, all reports are favorable.
    Morgan

    NEW SYSTEM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

  17. #17
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    The one thing I see over and over again is that your speakers should be 50% of your budget, your speakers should be 80% of your budget, etc., etc.

    This may be true in many circumstances, but not all.

    Example in point is the KEF speakers... I have read reviews for very high end components where the reviewer stated that he used his trusty LS50's when reviewing that $15k, $20k, etc. component.

    I have also seen reviews where it is stated that for some speakers to truly come alive they require to be hooked up to quality power amps, many times the amplifier is more costly than the speakers.

    It is really a matter of getting each component with your end results in mind. If one particular component cost more than another, oh well. It does not matter; if it functions as you need in your over all system configuration then it may very well be the perfect component for you.

    In my view, which is admittedly a minority view on this forum, I do not feel I need incredibly high priced speakers. In fact my top headphones cost almost as much as both pairs of my speakers and subs combined . For my use I really love my two modest priced speakers and the reasonably priced, top notch subwoofers. I do not need to, nor desire to put oodles and gobs of money into huge fancy boxes which adds multiple times the price to speakers. In fact I very much prefer a small stand mount speaker or an open baffle design, both of which is much easier to live with in my room.
    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) | 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

  18. #18
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Randy, your last paragraph speaks volumes for the simple fact that your headphones are in themselves 'speakers' ! So, add them to the cost and I'll bet you're close to 50% ?
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  19. #19
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Hmmm, never figured that Dave... lets not count my secondary speakers (Magnepan's) and headphones (Audeze's) because I may sell either of these ...

    Actually it is more like 20% ... including the secondary speakers and headphones and we are about 25% or so .
    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) | 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

  20. #20
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    Hmmm, never figured that Dave... lets not count my secondary speakers (Magnepan's) and headphones (Audeze's) because I may sell either of these ...

    Actually it is more like 20% ... including the secondary speakers and headphones and we are about 25% or so .
    gotcha, but with both analog and digital sources that does stand to reason. Regardless, in the budgetary realm of this thread I would keep 30% as my minimum. Also, at the 5k level, myself I'd limit source to one domain, probably digital since it can be done to a higher level with a lower budget.
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  21. #21
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    The one thing I see over and over again is that your speakers should be 50% of your budget, your speakers should be 80% of your budget, etc., etc.

    This may be true in many circumstances, but not all.

    Example in point is the KEF speakers... I have read reviews for very high end components where the reviewer stated that he used his trusty LS50's when reviewing that $15k, $20k, etc. component.

    I have also seen reviews where it is stated that for some speakers to truly come alive they require to be hooked up to quality power amps, many times the amplifier is more costly than the speakers.

    It is really a matter of getting each component with your end results in mind. If one particular component cost more than another, oh well. It does not matter; if it functions as you need in your over all system configuration then it may very well be the perfect component for you.

    In my view, which is admittedly a minority view on this forum, I do not feel I need incredibly high priced speakers. In fact my top headphones cost almost as much as both pairs of my speakers and subs combined . For my use I really love my two modest priced speakers and the reasonably priced, top notch subwoofers. I do not need to, nor desire to put oodles and gobs of money into huge fancy boxes which adds multiple times the price to speakers. In fact I very much prefer a small stand mount speaker or an open baffle design, both of which is much easier to live with in my room.
    IMO,

    Loudspeakers should be the majority of the budget , they bring the biggest difference to the table and sets the tone of where you’re going ...!




    Regards
    * An Audiophile is only as old as his latest Class D incarnation *

  22. #22
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Quote Originally Posted by Mikado463 View Post
    gotcha, but with both analog and digital sources that does stand to reason. Regardless, in the budgetary realm of this thread I would keep 30% as my minimum. Also, at the 5k level, myself I'd limit source to one domain, probably digital since it can be done to a higher level with a lower budget.
    That certainly is reasonable.
    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) | 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

  23. #23
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    That makes no sense. Especially if your goal is best sound for the money. If you have $3k speakers ad a $300.00 streamer all you get is a $300.00 sound. Granted the $300 sound will be better through a $3k speaker opposed to $300 speaker ingeneral.

    You guys are killing me with this crap. It's crazy to spend 80% of a budget on speakers and feed it crap. Crap in, crap out, no matter if the speakers were $100k.

    Quote Originally Posted by a.wayne View Post
    IMO,

    Loudspeakers should be the majority of the budget , they bring the biggest difference to the table and sets the tone of where you’re going ...!




    Regards
    Aurender ACS10 w/Audioquest Diamond USB, Esoteric N05xd
    Mark Levinson #526, 534 & JBL 4367's
    Clearaudio Performance DC w/Maestro cart
    Clarus Concerto & their Crimson cables

    HT: Marantz AV8003, Linn 5125, JBL SAM3ha, Revel s30,
    SVS PC13 Ultra
    Transparent, Analysis Plus & Tributaries. PS Audio filtering
    Sony XBR-75X940D & BDP
    Parasound P6, MBL 8006b, Artisan speakers/subwoofer

  24. #24
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    I'm one of those guys that believes there are so many outstanding components on the market that when systems are made up of certain components they will "hold their own" in SQ with systems costing twice as much. You just have to do the leg work and research and find the right combination of components. I believe such components are out there.
    Amplifier: Pass Labs INT 250 integrated.

    DAC/Streamer: MSB Discrete Dual Power Supply.

    Server: Roon Nucleus with lifetime subscription.

    Speakers: Harbeth Super HL 5+ 40th Anniversary
    Model.

    Headphones/Amp: Focal Stellia phones, NAIM Uniti Atom Headphone Edition headphone amp/music player/server/streamer.

    Cables: AudioQuest Rocket 88 speaker cables,
    Mackenzie interconnects.

    Speaker Stands: HiFi Man.

  25. #25

    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Quote Originally Posted by MPW View Post
    In the under $5k category, I would suggest looking at the KEF LS50 Wireless (now in version II). If you are already a Roon user, you can simply connect them to your network and you are all set. If not, they have digital and analog inputs as well as native spotify and tidal apps. I have a pair for my second system that I really enjoy. Mine are version I and while I haven't heard version II yet, all reports are favorable.
    Morgan, since getting the LS50 Wireless II for my computer speakers & playing hd files as well as Deezer, I haven't gone near my main rig more than once in 4 months.

  26. #26
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    That makes no sense. Especially if your goal is best sound for the money. If you have $3k speakers ad a $300.00 streamer all you get is a $300.00 sound. Granted the $300 sound will be better through a $3k speaker opposed to $300 speaker ingeneral.

    You guys are killing me with this crap. It's crazy to spend 80% of a budget on speakers and feed it crap. Crap in, crap out, no matter if the speakers were $100k.
    Im glad you stopped at 80% and left a little something for the other components ..!




    Regards
    * An Audiophile is only as old as his latest Class D incarnation *

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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Quote Originally Posted by a.wayne View Post
    Im glad you stopped at 80% and left a little something for the other components ..!
    Ok, I agree 80% for speakers is overboard(although nicoff did include the room in that percentage) but what needs to be kept in perspective here on this thread is that we're talking entry and mid-level systems, thus my post #20
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  28. #28
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Quote Originally Posted by bzr View Post
    Morgan, since getting the LS50 Wireless II for my computer speakers & playing hd files as well as Deezer, I haven't gone near my main rig more than once in 4 months.
    Doesn't surprise me. For the price, these are insanely good. I moved into an apartment for 6 months and all I had was the LS50W during that time. I sometimes wonder why I even went back to the big rig when we moved back into a house again. Don't get me wrong, I love my big system, but it is a reflection on how good the LS50's are that we could even consider making these moves.
    Morgan

    NEW SYSTEM UNDER CONSTRUCTION

  29. #29
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    OK, I'll take a shot at a $5000 system:

    • Raspberry Pi 4 streamer - $150
    • Topping D90SE DAC/preamp - $900
    • VTV Purifi EVAL-1 amp - $1050
    • Revel M106 speakers - $2000
    • Rythmik L12 subwoofer - $560
    • Bluejeans cables, about - $400
    • TOTAL - $5060
    Last edited by Feanor; July 29, 2021 at 02:29 PM. Reason: correction
    ~ Bill

    Win10/Foobar2000 => Topping D90 DAC => Sonic Frontiers Line 1 SE+ preamp => VTV Purifi 1ET400A stereo amp with Sparkos SS3602 op amps => Zaph Audio ZRT speakers (DIY) + PSB Subsonic 5 subwoofer

  30. #30
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Ok my take on a 5K budget system ...!
    Enuff of a budget left over Streamer and cables , Blue jeans is a great choice as is Mogami ...!
    * An Audiophile is only as old as his latest Class D incarnation *

  31. #31
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Henjoy ....
    * An Audiophile is only as old as his latest Class D incarnation *

  32. #32
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    The Rega table and the Schitt amp certainly seem like solid choices. Maybe I am not understanding what you are suggesting, but if your speakers are $3700 a pair would that not pretty much blow your $5k budget?
    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) | 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

  33. #33
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    My little, low budget system for office/bedroom includes Kef LS50W and a Linux computer music server. This computer was replaced with Lumin Mini. If I would like to upgrade this setup, I may be interested in the baby Harbeth and an all-in-one Naim Integrated
    Jim
    ‐--‐-----‐------------‐----------------------------------------------------------
    Esoteric N-05xd, Luxman d08u, Gryphon Diablo-300, Revel Studio2

    Conrad Johnson Premier15 phono, ART-2 pre, Premier8A mono, Lumin T2, VPI Classic3, Magnepan 3.7

  34. #34
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Ok, I'll take a shot...

    Great sale... Wyred 4 Sound integrated ($1299, normally $2499):
    STI-v2 Series | Wyred 4 Sound

    KEF Meta speakers ($1499.98):
    KEF - LS50 Meta Bookshelf Speakers (Pair)

    SimAudio 110LP v2 ($475) - (get from Mr. Mike):
    High End Phono Preamp | 110LP Phono Preamplifier | MOON - Simaudio

    Rega Planar 1 w/cartridge ($525) - (get from Mr. Mike):
    Rega - Planar 1 Turntable (P1) | Shop Music Direct

    Marantz ND8006 CD Player/Music Streamer ($1299):
    Marantz - ND8006 CD Player/Music Streamer

    Total $5097.98... you could probably get a packaged deal and get it down to $5000 .
    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) | 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

  35. #35
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Quote Originally Posted by Randy Myers View Post
    The Rega table and the Schitt amp certainly seem like solid choices. Maybe I am not understanding what you are suggesting, but if your speakers are $3700 a pair would that not pretty much blow your $5k budget?
    Ok wrong model pictured will correct
    * An Audiophile is only as old as his latest Class D incarnation *

  36. #36
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    Re: Low To Mid Priced Systems

    Quote Originally Posted by a.wayne View Post
    Ok wrong model pictured will correct
    Yea, I thought it must have been wrong photo of something . It happens.
    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) | 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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