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Thread: Top Value Under $500.00
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February 9, 2020, 03:12 PM #1
Top Value Under $500.00
Thought some threads can be started where tested products by forum members can be shared starting in the $500 and under category, first up;
Shunyata’s plug in Defender conditioner at $199.00 MSRP.
These little guys do help by plugging them in an open wall receptacle. I use them in each system in the home including my reference systems digital circuit.
They provide noise reduction and transient protection (surge), I did notice and experience too much a good thing when I plugged a second into the star grounded distribution, it over conditions and took away some of the dynamics, so try them first one at a time starting with the receptacle and see what’s right in your system.
Regarding video, I run 3 Pioneer Elite plasmas and have no plans to upgrade - these plug ins really clean up an already stellar image.
Source Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
Speakers: Wilson Alexias
Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS
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February 9, 2020, 05:03 PM #2
- Join Date
- Dec 2019
- Location
- USA
- Posts
- 786
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
Essentially Shunyata "Venom" everything. They are a good value for the money, perform higher than some cables 2-3 times their cost.
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February 9, 2020, 05:22 PM #3
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
To which Nordost plug-in device is this an equivalent (they have two)?
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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February 9, 2020, 06:40 PM #4
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
The way I see it, neither, but both I believe can be called conditioners acting in different ways.
The Nordost solution IME works well, but better when using both the QV2 and QK1, but now your north of $500.00, and alone both are more than Shunyata thinking $350 and $250.
The Nordost QV2 and QK1 harmonize the line by emitting pulses to manipulate the sine wave, and resonators to create passive fields - sound familiar?
I run a pair of each in a full Nordost QRT solution.
The Shunysta Defender uses a filter to reduce noise along with surge protection.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProSource Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
Speakers: Wilson Alexias
Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS
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February 9, 2020, 06:53 PM #5
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
Topping D50(s) DAC $250
XMOS XU208 + 2 x ES9038Q2M + 3 x OPA1612 = really nice chipset
USB: DSD512 and PCM 32bit/768kHz.
COAX and OPT: PCM 24bit/192kHz and DOP DSD64
This little DAC sounds lot like my Stereophile Class A Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Buy an analog power supply with the remaining $250Tom
Audio:
Amati Futura Mains
Amati Homage VOX Center,
Proac Response 1sc Rears,
Three MC2301's for L,C,R
MC 602 for the rears
C 1100, MX 151, MCD 1100, MR 77
Nottingham Dais with Sumiko Palo Santos Presentation
SurfacePro 3, JRiver, WW Starlight Platinum USB, Schiit Yggdrasil, Benchmark DAC3 HGC
Video:
MX 151, OppO BDP-95, JVC RS-500 DILA projector, 106" diagonal Stewart Luxus Screenwall Deluxe with Studiotek 130 G3 material.
Lake House:
Ohm F, MC 275V, C2300, MR 80, Rega P3
OnDeck:
McIntosh MAC 4300v
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February 9, 2020, 08:19 PM #6
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
Surprised Randy didn’t beat me.
A UTurn Turntable Custom with phono and upgraded cartridge.
Plug into your phono aux input then drop the arm, your playing vinyl!
$454.00.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk ProSource Analog: Kuzma Stabi R w/4point 11 arm | Kuzma 50 Cartridge
Source Digital: Aurender N10 | Brinkmann Nyquist MK II
Amplification: Dan D’Agostino Momentum HD and M400’s | Boulder 508
Speakers: Wilson Alexias
Cabling: Nordost Leif, Norse, V2 and Odin
Power and Isolation: Audio-Ultra Home & Room Power Foundation Performance Package with StromTank S1000 | HRS
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February 9, 2020, 11:31 PM #7
- Join Date
- Aug 2014
- Posts
- 685
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
The great Elac B5 (now version 5.2) speakers designed by Andrew Jones. $289 a pair!
LarryAnalog-VPIClassic3-3DArm,Lyra Skala+MiyajimaZeroMono,2xAmpex ATR-102,Otari MX5050B2, Merrill Trident Tape Preamp, Herron VTPH-2A&BottleheadPhonoPre,
Dig Rip-Pyramix,IzotopeRX3Adv,MykerinosCard,PacificMicroso nicsModel2 AD
Dig Play-Lampi Horizon, mch NADAC Roon/HQPlayer,Oppo105
Electronics-DoshiPre,CJ MET1mchPre,Cary2A3monoamps
Speakers-AvantgardeDuosLR,3SolosC,LR,RR
Other-512 Engineering Tim Marutani Symmetrical Power IsoTrans and cables,AudioDiskVinylCleaner,
Music-2.3KR2Rtapes,1.5KCD's,500SACDs,60TBripped files
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February 10, 2020, 04:50 AM #8
- Join Date
- Jan 2017
- Location
- Leyden
- Posts
- 596
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
Onkyo 9010 (now replaced by the 9130). I's a great amp for the money. I use mine with my CEC TL51x transport in my study (computer gaming room).
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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May 3, 2020, 11:53 PM #9
- Join Date
- Jul 2015
- Location
- Golden, CO
- Posts
- 858
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
I hear the Topping D90 and Gustard A22 DACs with the latest greatest DAC chip, the AK4499EQ, are supposed to be fantastic DACs not only for their price, but compared to many other more expensive DACs. Both DACs are over the $500 threshold suggested by the OP, but not by much.
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May 4, 2020, 11:42 AM #10
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
Hehe... a good one to be on this list. I would add the Ortofon 2M Bronze cartridge, the SimAudio MOON 110 v2 phono stage, the Wyred 4 Sound Recovery (really good USB re-clocker), Elac Debut Sub 3010; I was going to say Roon lifetime but that is no longer under $500 .
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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May 4, 2020, 12:26 PM #11
- Join Date
- Nov 2013
- Location
- Minnesota
- Posts
- 1,369
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
Nagaoka MP-200 cartridge $480
Nagaoka MP-150
Elac B6.2 speakers now on sale for $230pr, normally $300
Belden 8402 IC's and XLR's $50pr
Teralink X1/X2 Linear power supply from Teradac for Regen $75
Dayton Audio DTA 120a digital amp $100
Wharfedale Diamond 11.2 $500prMy 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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May 4, 2020, 01:39 PM #12
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
Stillpoints LPI record clamp, $499,- I believe.
Superb performance.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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May 4, 2020, 01:55 PM #13Micro Seiki SX-8000 air bearing table, SME 312s arm, SME 3012R arn, Dynavector XV-1s cartridge, Lyra Etna SL cartridge, ARC Ref 3 phono stage, Otari MX-55 2 track R2R, Ampex 350 tape repros, Roon Nucleus Plus music server, HiFi Rose 150B DAC, ARC Ref 6, ARC Ref 75 with KT-150s, Parasound JC5 amp , JBL 4345 speakers, Viero Equilibro Level 3 speaker cables, and Definitive Technology Ref subs.
Reviewer for Positive Feedback
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May 4, 2020, 01:56 PM #14
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
I see, lucky me. When I bought it it was 499.
But that was several years ago.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk“Life’s too short to listen to bad audio.”
Big rig: Brinkmann Taurus DD TT + 12.1 arm + Lyra Etna Lambda SL MC + HRS M3X2/ Cardas Clear Beyond phono/ Stillpoints LPI/ Brinkmann Edison mk2 phono + RöNT II Tube PS/ Synology NAS with Roon + HD Plex linear PSU + Shunyata HD/ AQ Vodka RJ45 + Aqvox Network Switch SE + AQ Diamond RJ45 into DAC/ Brinkmann Nyquist mk2/ Audionet Humboldt/ Cardas Clear Beyond ICs/ Kharma DB9-S 1.1 LS/ Inakustik Reference LS 4004 AIR/ Audioquest Niagara 5000/ Shunyata Alpha power (HC, Analogue, Digital)/ Finite Elemente Pagode Rack/ Stillpoints Ultra SS/ Vicoustic panels + Stillpoints Aperture II.
Small rig: Naim UnitiServe/ Curious USB/ Tidal/ Linn Klimax DS3/ Shunyata Power cable/ Pass Labs INT-60/ Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II/ HiD Diamond 8/ Harbeth 30.2 40th Anniversary/ Shunyata Venom EU7 & Venom 3 HD.
HP rig: MacBookAir/ Tidal/ Auralic Gemini 2000/ Sbooster LPSU/ Audeze LCD-2 Classic + WyWires Red/ Shunyata HD/ Shunyata Hydra 2/ Shunyata Venom.
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May 4, 2020, 06:16 PM #15
- Join Date
- Nov 2014
- Posts
- 2,104
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
Top value under $500 would have been Roon lifetime subscription. Unfortunately I just found out that it went up. One good thing is that it never needs replacing since it is regularly being updated at no additional cost.
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May 4, 2020, 06:19 PM #16
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
[QUOTE=UltraFast69;294292]Thought some threads can be started where tested products by forum members can be shared starting in the $500 and under category, first up;
Shunyata’s plug in Defender conditioner at $199.00 MSRP.
These little guys do help by plugging them in an open wall receptacle. I use them in each system in the home including my reference systems digital circuit.
They provide noise reduction and transient protection (surge), I did notice and experience too much a good thing when I plugged a second into the star grounded distribution, it over conditions and took away some of the dynamics, so try them first one at a time starting with the receptacle and see what’s right in your system.
Regarding video, I run 3 Pioneer Elite plasmas and have no plans to upgrade - these plug ins really clean up an already stellar image.
[/QUOTE
Each of my power amps is on it’s own 20 amp circuit. I have a Defender plugged in to the open receptacle on each of them.
I am happy with their performance.
]Synology 1019D+ - SGC Sonictransporter I9 w Roon/HQ Player- UltraRendu- PBD Stream IF to Playback Designs MPS5 via fiber optic - ARC 40th Anniversary Pre - ARC 610 T's - Martin Logan CLX's - 4 Martin Logan Depth i Subs - Shunyata Hydra, DIY PCOCC interconnects, speaker cables and power cords with Furutech terminations. Blue Jeans CAT 6's. Acoustically treated room with one permanent chair.
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May 5, 2020, 12:59 PM #17
- Join Date
- Oct 2014
- Location
- Oregon
- Posts
- 234
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
iFi makes a number of products under $500. I have a couple of their AC plugins like the Shunyata pictured. They do help as well.
Main System: Analog - Linn LP12, Origin Live DC motor and Controller, SME V arm, Benz Ruby H 2 cartridge, Wright Sound preamp. Digital - Intel NUC I-7, 16 gig ram, Jriver media center 24, Wyrd4 Sound 2V2 SE Dac, Fathom Hard Drives.
H-Cat Version 9 preamp, ARC Reference 75 amp, Custom line source speakers - 10 SB Acoustics midwoofers, 10 Fountek ribbon tweeters. JL Audio Fathom f112 Subs
Wire - T G Audio, Shunyata, Synergistic Research , Audioquest, Lewis silver foil, Duelund, Transparent.
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May 5, 2020, 04:17 PM #18
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
Schiit Modi Multibit DAC $250
Starting Points Systems Non-Oversampling DAC3 $485
Allo Usbridge Signature Streamer $260
Allo DigiOne Signature Streamer $330
Massdrop CTH headphone amp $175
Monolith by Monoprice Liquid Spark headphone amp $100Craig
JMR Twin Sigs or Klipsch RP600m, Allo DigiOne, Schiit Modi Multibit
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May 6, 2020, 01:42 AM #19
Re: Top Value Under $500.00
B&W STAV24 Monitor Speaker stands....can be used for a number of stand mount loudspeaker designs/types (not just B&W 600 series). Fill them with sand and enjoy their inert behavior for cheap.
I personally use the steel spikes on the footer of the stands, and the half circle rubber feet on the top plate to cradle/suspend my monitors instead of "spiking" the base of my speakers. Works well this way.
https://www.bowerswilkins.com/access...s/stav24-stand
pdf manual: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...nBmGTx5uiWP3cm
Avanti Audio
arc sp-11 or ls27 | arc d130 | vpi classic 2 w/periphery ring w/Si3N4 bearing & sapphire thrust plate & 2x jmw 10.5i | phoenix engineering eagle & road runner | ortofon cadenza bronze, miyajima zero mono | sentec eq11 w/ Sylvania 5751 TMBP & CBS 7318 | auditorium a23 | canton ref 9 dc | 2x m&k v125 | oppo bdp-95 | chord qutest | lumin d1 & sbooster | avanti audio vivace cables
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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
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