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  1. #1
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    $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    System is going in a multipurpose room. Will be used for parties and late night listening. I like to listen loud (not ear bleeding levels).

    Requirements:

    - turntable
    - streamer (ideally something that can be controlled by phone)

    Would love to hear some opinions.

    Here’s a system someone local has suggested:

    Main Stereo

    * Speakers (Options)

    * Bowers & Wilkins 702 S2 Floor Standing Speakers $6000
    * Monitor Audio Gold 200 Floor Standing Speakers $7500

    * Turntable

    * Rega Planar 6 with Ania Pro Moving Coil Cartridge $3500
    * Rega Fono MC Moving Coil Phono Stage $650
    * Total $4150

    * Pre-Amp / Amp / Streamer

    * NAD
    * C 658 Pre-Amp/DAC/Streamer $2000
    * C 298 185 W/Ch Stereo Power Amp in Bridge Mode $2800
    * C 298 185 W/Ch Stereo Power Amp in Bridge Mode $2800
    * Total $7600

  2. #2

    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Stereo system by committee is never a good idea. I recommend that you call Mike and he can suggest systems for you that he has actually heard in your price range.
    Micro 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

  3. #3
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    +1
    Paul

    Speakers: Von Schweikert VR-5 Anniversary MK II Front L/R, LCR-35 Center, VR-1 Rear L/R Sub: JL Audio F113
    Amps: PS Audio BHK Signature 300 Mono, McIntosh MC207 Pre-Amp PS Audio BHK Signature and Gold Note PH-10 Phono Stage/PSU-10 Power Supply
    Turntable: VPI HR-X 12.7 TONEARM (2) and SDS, Stillpoints LPI
    Tape Deck Otari 5050B II2
    Music Server: Aurender N100H
    Cartridges: Ortofon Cadenza Black, Lyra Helikon Mono Digital Source: Oppo UDP-205 DAC: Holo Audio Spring 3 KTE
    SSP: Marantz AV8801 Cables: Wireworld Electra 7 (P) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7, Shunyata Delta NR (I) Wireworld Silver Eclipse 7 (S)
    Wireworld Platinum Starlight 7 (USB)
    AC Power Regeneration: PS Audio DirectStream P15 Power Plant and Shunyata Denali 6000s V2.

  4. #4
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Welcome to AS. You will get tons of very different recommendations here.

    Call Mike at Suncoast Audio. He will be very helpful with different options. So, +2!
    _______________

    Mike

    Amplification: MBL 6010D, MBL 9008A Monos
    Analog: Kuzma R, Kuzma 4Point (11”), MSL Ultra Eminent EX
    Phono Pre: Pass XP-27
    Digital: Esoteric N01XD Esoteric K05
    Speakers: MBL 101E MKII
    Subwoofers: REL Carbon Specials
    Conditioner: Shunyata Triton 3
    Power Cables: Shunyata Sigma 1 & 2, Alpha 2, Delta and Venom
    ICs and SCs: Wireworld Platinum 8
    Rack: Artesania Exoteryc

  5. #5
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Thanks guys. I think the OP is in Canada. I can make recommendations, but I don’t have access to Canadian pricing.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
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    "We can hear everything we measure, but we can't measure everything we hear. Let your ears be your guide."

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  6. #6
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Depending on which side of the country he's on a call to Audio by Mark Jones might be a good place to start.
    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.

  7. #7
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Welcome to the forum.

    Why not look at Sim Audio or Bryston made in Canada and in my opinion would be up from NAD. Sim has some nice integrated with streaming built in, Byston has a stremer or streaming preamp, which you prefer and various power amps. Just a option, with your budget there is many ways to go.

    For playing loud with out any compression or distortion, unless from your amp, take a look at JBL. As to not take too much budget check HDI 3800.

    Rega is a good suggestion. The Marantz Reference table, I think model is TT15, they only have one, is a great value. The table is made by Clear Audio for them. I was also impressed by the EAT table with same brand phono preamp using Ortofon 2m Black.

    Most stand alone streamers and those built into preamps have their own app for tablet or phone control.

    Sounds like you will be entertaining, look at the Boulder 866 integrated, hard to beat for cool factor and stellar performance. Integrated amps is a good way to go in many instances when wanting High end performance without going to costly separates.

    As mentioned so many ways to go. I actually like getting some independent opinions as the person isn't trying to sell me what they have. On the other hand we all can't be aware/familiar with every product out there.
    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

  8. #8
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    25k is enough that you should listen to whatever speakers you are considering first. DO NOT merely go by some audiophiles recommendation alone. With a budget like that I'd allocate 10k + or - for speakers. Also important to know and understand your room acoustics and associated needs.
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  9. #9

    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by JohnnyMusic View Post
    System is going in a multipurpose room. Will be used for parties and late night listening. I like to listen loud (not ear bleeding levels).

    Requirements:

    - turntable
    - streamer (ideally something that can be controlled by phone)

    Would love to hear some opinions.

    Here’s a system someone local has suggested:

    Main Stereo

    * Speakers (Options)

    * Bowers & Wilkins 702 S2 Floor Standing Speakers $6000
    * Monitor Audio Gold 200 Floor Standing Speakers $7500

    * Turntable

    * Rega Planar 6 with Ania Pro Moving Coil Cartridge $3500
    * Rega Fono MC Moving Coil Phono Stage $650
    * Total $4150

    * Pre-Amp / Amp / Streamer

    * NAD
    * C 658 Pre-Amp/DAC/Streamer $2000
    * C 298 185 W/Ch Stereo Power Amp in Bridge Mode $2800
    * C 298 185 W/Ch Stereo Power Amp in Bridge Mode $2800
    * Total $7600
    If you have a preference for analog or digital It would be helpful for you to share so that readers can make more appropriate suggestions.

    Also It may also be helpful to know what kind of music you like to listen to “loud”.

    The biggest chunk of your money should be spent on speakers/room. In my book, that would be 75% of your budget.

  10. #10
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Whatever you decide your system needs to be balanced in capability. Spending 75% on speakers then driving them with inadequate electronics is foolish.
    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

    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    Whatever you decide your system needs to be balanced in capability. Spending 75% on speakers then driving them with inadequate electronics is foolish.
    Not surprised that it sounds foolish to you.

    The cat is out of the bag. And many old school folks are still trying to hold on to myths that the “audiophile” press fed to them over decades.

    Let me say it another way: Not everything matters the same. The speakers and the room are the MOST important elements in any audio system.

    If the OP can spend double what he is considering on speakers, the difference will be much more noticeable than spending it on electronics.

  12. #12
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoff View Post
    Not surprised that it sounds foolish to you.

    The cat is out of the bag. And many old school folks are still trying to hold on to myths that the “audiophile” press fed to them over decades.

    Let me say it another way: Not everything matters the same. The speakers and the room are the MOST important elements in any audio system.

    If the OP can spend double what he is considering on speakers, the difference will be much more noticeable than spending it on electronics.
    Agreed, lets just hope he doesn't spend 25% on wire, that would be beyond foolish !!
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  13. #13
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    It doesn't take an audiophile to understand if you play music through a system that costs $5k through 20 or even $15k speakers you are still listening to a $5k worth of electronics through speakers that will never realize their potential. You are still limited by the electronics.

    If your source doesn't retrieve or reproduce the information/detail in the beginning you can have a million dollar speaker and you will never hear that lost information from the recording.

    So you can see your statements are illogical and wrong and you are fighting windmills.
    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

  14. #14

    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Exactly. Spoken as a guy who spent more money on just one piece of electronics (a 2-channel preamp) than on his main speakers.

  15. #15
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    It doesn't take an audiophile to understand if you play music through a system that costs $5k through 20 or even $15k speakers you are still listening to a $5k worth of electronics through speakers that will never realize their potential. You are still limited by the electronics.

    If your source doesn't retrieve or reproduce the information/detail in the beginning you can have a million dollar speaker and you will never hear that lost information from the recording.

    So you can see your statements are illogical and wrong and you are fighting windmills.
    so let me get this straight....... you're saying that the 'electronics' are more important than speakers / room ?

    I suspect not, regardless, do you not agree as to the pecking order with respect to speakers/room ?
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  16. #16
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    I’m one of those that has a $6k int driving a $30 k pair of speakers and maybe a $5k pair of speakers would sound as good, idk, but I can’t afford to buy everything at once.
    KEF Blade, Mc-611's, C49 rega jupiter, roon nucleus, revox tuner. Meridian dsp8000 se upgrade, meridian 218 zone controller VA Beethoven's, Hegel h360.

  17. #17
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Speakers first then amplification for the load ( Speakers ) selected, will always produce the best overall results regardless of budget ..!



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

  18. #18
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by JohnnyMusic View Post
    System is going in a multipurpose room. Will be used for parties and late night listening. I like to listen loud (not ear bleeding levels).

    Requirements:

    - turntable
    - streamer (ideally something that can be controlled by phone)

    Would love to hear some opinions.

    Here’s a system someone local has suggested:

    Main Stereo

    * Speakers (Options)

    * Bowers & Wilkins 702 S2 Floor Standing Speakers $6000
    * Monitor Audio Gold 200 Floor Standing Speakers $7500

    * Turntable

    * Rega Planar 6 with Ania Pro Moving Coil Cartridge $3500
    * Rega Fono MC Moving Coil Phono Stage $650
    * Total $4150

    * Pre-Amp / Amp / Streamer

    * NAD
    * C 658 Pre-Amp/DAC/Streamer $2000
    * C 298 185 W/Ch Stereo Power Amp in Bridge Mode $2800
    * C 298 185 W/Ch Stereo Power Amp in Bridge Mode $2800
    * Total $7600
    You list a pile of NAD electronics - Yes - I'm a fan but don'r spend $7600 on multiple boxes from their mid-range kit with all those unnecessary cables you haven't costed - spend less on a single box, the M33 from their exceptional Master Series. This offers streaming, phono input (if you must have a turntable), room correction, oodles of power (if you choose reasonably efficient speakers) from the latest and best Class D amp technology on the market, and can be controlled from your phone, PC, tablet, front panel LED screen, or IR remote using NAD's excellent BluOS app.

    I'd spend the rest on first class speakers (look at Avantgarde Unos perhaps or used Duos) and you're done, apart from a turntable that I know nothing about since selling my Garrard 301 with Shure M212 arm and stylus (very rare, very expensive arm - look it up) 30+ years ago. Good hunting. Peter

    PS - It would be helpful if we know the size / shape of the OP's listening room as this will hugely affect speaker choice
    Sources - NAD M50.2 (streamer, CD player, CD ripper, hard drive music store)
    Amplification - NAD M33 all-in-one, NAD M12 preamp (in reserve), Atma-Sphere Class D monos
    Speakers - Avantgarde Duo XD, Avantgarde Duo (2006) - both aesthetically modified

  19. #19
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoff View Post
    If you have a preference for analog or digital It would be helpful for you to share so that readers can make more appropriate suggestions.

    Also It may also be helpful to know what kind of music you like to listen to “loud”.

    The biggest chunk of your money should be spent on speakers/room. In my book, that would be 75% of your budget.
    While I agree that the speakers/room are the most important part of the equation, I question assigning a dollar/value percentage to this.
    It is quite possible that an $8000 pair of speakers could integrate and perform better in a given room than a $16000+K (75%) pair of speakers.
    Very large expensive speakers in a small room is not a good match. Conversely, very expensive small speakers in a large room doesn't work well either.
    It's more about balance than percentage in my book.
    Furthermore, I support having good source equipment and subscribe to the "garbage in-garbage out" theory.
    But again, Balance wins the day.
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
    Pass XA30.5 or
    Line Magnetic 845ia
    Reference 3A Reflector's
    Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
    Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
    Complete system on battery power/solar
    Core Audio Design Rack
    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  20. #20
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoff View Post
    Not surprised that it sounds foolish to you.

    The cat is out of the bag. And many old school folks are still trying to hold on to myths that the “audiophile” press fed to them over decades.

    Let me say it another way: Not everything matters the same. The speakers and the room are the MOST important elements in any audio system.

    If the OP can spend double what he is considering on speakers, the difference will be much more noticeable than spending it on electronics.
    Middle age school , not old school , us old schoolers always bought the biggest loudspeakers in the store ..


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

  21. #21
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by jadedavid View Post
    ...
    Very large expensive speakers in a small room is not a good match...
    Michael Fremer would emphatically disagree with you
    Rob
    __________________________
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    Adona rack, ​​​​​Stillpoints, IsoPods, ASC, GIK Acoustics accessories

  22. #22

    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    This thread has turned out exactly the way I though it would. The donkey was a horse designed by a committee.
    Micro 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

  23. #23
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Dont be so hard on yourself ...!
    * An Audiophile is only as old as his latest Class D incarnation *

  24. #24

    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    As to the theory of a "garbage-in, garbage-out", electronics and front ends being a bottle-neck and cables needing a certain not insignificant investment, I say this is nonsense in most discussions but the last stages of a serious system being optimized for the listener's taste.

    Chances are that anyone asking for help putting a whole system together is not in a position to be judging a system for some pinnacle of accuracy or trying to reach the summit of audio nirvana. There is no way to quantify a meaningful and worthwhile investment between a budget DAC and a super DAC. There is no way to quantify if one is actually a more accurate or somehow superior other than measurements and we don't like measurements. Especially so with difference in cables.

    Going by "ear", since we don't have a mechanism to gauge a system for "accuracy", or a "fidelity meter", even the experienced audiophile is relying on his preference based on how good his/her ears are functioning and what they believe is the closer presentation to the fidelity of the actual recording. Another words what their belief is of what a recording should sound like. Since it will never technically sound the same, even with the same components in two different rooms, the room/speaker interaction is the most important factor.

    Choosing speakers that will get the foot tapping and the head bopping and the brings a smile, every time you fire up your favorite recording, be it moderate or party loudness levels, should be priority number 1.

    How that pair of speakers will integrate into a room, should optimally be discussed with a dealer and perhaps arrange for a home audition/trial.

    As to the other stuff, there is no way to gauge what exactly would be amiss with a lesser DAC or an amplifier that perhaps sounds a tiny bit different... and can easily be explored over the next phases of the hobby throwing money hand over fist at the elusive and unquantifiable target until it gets old....

  25. #25
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Oh for crying out loud Serge, there you go again, trying to shine some common sense into an audiophile discussion.......
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  26. #26
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Everything matters, But ..!

    The Speaker/amp combination is everything, the difference in fidelity at the other end between source and pre drive components will affect the sound far less..


    Its academic really ...!
    * An Audiophile is only as old as his latest Class D incarnation *

  27. #27
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    If, by late night listening, you mean low volume listening....

    I like larger size woofers for listening at very low volumes when others are sleeping, etc.
    I notice better bass balance with mids when playing soft, and more bass detail when playing soft or loud.

  28. #28
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by rbbert View Post
    Michael Fremer would emphatically disagree with you
    not familiar with his set up. Any details?
    My System
    Acoustic Revive RTP-4
    Innuos Pulsar
    Lampizator BALTIC4
    Cary SLP-05
    Pass XA30.5 or
    Line Magnetic 845ia
    Reference 3A Reflector's
    Pr SVS SB3000 Subs
    Cables & Tubes "subject to change without notification".
    Complete system on battery power/solar
    Core Audio Design Rack
    DIY bass traps and custom curved diffusors.

  29. #29
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    It really don't matter, but, my preamp also has a DAC & Class A phono stage, so things still balance out.

    Quote Originally Posted by nicoff View Post
    Exactly. Spoken as a guy who spent more money on just one piece of electronics (a 2-channel preamp) than on his main speakers.
    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

  30. #30
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    I can tell reading comprehension isn't your strong suit, or, you like to twist what people say to forward your troll like tendencies.

    Quote Originally Posted by Mikado463 View Post
    so let me get this straight....... you're saying that the 'electronics' are more important than speakers / room ?

    I suspect not, regardless, do you not agree as to the pecking order with respect to speakers/room ?
    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
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  31. #31
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by jadedavid View Post
    not familiar with his set up. Any details?
    Wilson Chronosonic XVX in a room that is under 20 feet in both length and width
    Rob
    __________________________
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  32. #32
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by Mr Peabody View Post
    I can tell reading comprehension isn't your strong suit, or, you like to twist what people say to forward your troll like tendencies.
    Thanks Professor 'P', if you understood my post (tongue in cheek) I was using an ounce of levity. Regardless, I gather you're still trying to recover from the Cardinals losing to the Dodgers the other night ..........
    Cheers ! …. Dave

  33. #33

    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by rbbert View Post
    Wilson Chronosonic XVX in a room that is under 20 feet in both length and width
    For $325k or whatever they cost exactly, Fremer could have bought a modest house out in the country and build out a real listening room. But then he wouldn’t have XVX and all that vinyl would be a b^tch to move

  34. #34
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by rbbert View Post
    Wilson Chronosonic XVX in a room that is under 20 feet in both length and width
    not totally unreasonable. Now if you said those speakers in a 10 X 10 room, well that's a different story.
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  35. #35

    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by jadedavid View Post
    not totally unreasonable. Now if you said those speakers in a 10 X 10 room, well that's a different story.
    It may as well be a 10x10 with all the stuff in there but Mickey is happy and his whole life's work and passion is in that room so that's all that matters.


  36. #36
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    It can be a good sounding space, the clutter dampens and diffuses chaotically , i have seen many rooms like that with actual good sound ..



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

  37. #37
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by TheOctopus View Post
    It may as well be a 10x10 with all the stuff in there but Mickey is happy and his whole life's work and passion is in that room so that's all that matters.

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  38. #38

    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend i

    Quote Originally Posted by a.wayne View Post
    It can be a good sounding space, the clutter dampens and diffuses chaotically , i have seen many rooms like that with actual good sound ..



    Regards
    Image density, specificity, focus is typically sacrificed in cluttered rooms. I have yet to hear a palpable 3-D presentation of the sound stage in very cluttered rooms. The odd angles of objects scatter the sound field in unpredictable ways and vectors, thereby decreasing the palatability factor by a significant margin. What I have heard in my friends room many years ago, which was treated and meticulously set up by a very talented recording engineer from Chicago was surreal. The musicians took a few steps outside the speakers towards the listener and their bodies were present with reach out and touch me palpable, from head to toes focus and image density / specificity.

    I have chased that effect for years and built out a designated listening room in my new construction house , based on the golden ratio with 11 foot ceilings, 30 feet length 17 foot width and spent a small fortune on acoustic treatments. I didn’t quite get there as what I heard for many years in my friends system. One day he had to move the speakers and make some changes to the room… the effect was lost forever never to be quite that palpable and three-dimensional again.

    Sometimes all the stars seem to align… so perhaps Mikey’s system is that good in that room.

  39. #39
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    I would spend the money on Paradigm (Canada, eh) Founder 100F speakers and Boulder 866 integrated with built in streamer/DAC.

  40. #40
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Hi JohnnyMusic,

    There is some good advice here and maybe not what you were expecting to hear.

    Have you listened to any of that gear you listed? If not, give it a listen. The B&W and Monitor Audio 5g 200 gold speakers are completely different, especially the tweeters with the MA's using a ribbon tweeter. I don't think that either of those speakers would be good for party's and playing very loud. Since you live in Canada, look at Bryston speakers and electronics. I thought they sounded great at an audio show 2 years ago. They played loud and clear.

    By the way, how big is your room?
    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.

  41. #41
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Audiophile hoarders have great sounding rooms? Might be cheaper than some of the treatment options.


    Quote Originally Posted by a.wayne View Post
    It can be a good sounding space, the clutter dampens and diffuses chaotically , i have seen many rooms like that with actual good sound ..



    Regards
    Marty

    Aurender N20 / SonicTransporter i7 / Roon
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  42. #42
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by nc42acc View Post
    Audiophile hoarders have great sounding rooms? Might be cheaper than some of the treatment options.
    Cheaper? Add up the cost of those records. Fremer's room is fair warning. I stopped buying records because . . . . seriously?

  43. #43

    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Quote Originally Posted by TheOctopus View Post
    It may as well be a 10x10 with all the stuff in there but Mickey is happy and his whole life's work and passion is in that room so that's all that matters.

    My one listener room is approx 10X12 and is full of records, gear and treatment and sounds very good. At one point it was stuffed with unneeded clutter to even include a 4 nonitor set up. Needless to say in those days I had zero stage/imaging.
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  44. #44
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Choose speakers first - as good as you can afford, but the TYPE of speaker (box, horn, panel, omni, etc) has to be determined by your room features. Home demo before parting with cash, as speakers needs to be happy in your room - or is it vice versa?

    Do you really want to limit your potential sound quality by allocating a large chunk of your budget to a turntable? How often do you listen to records? I suspect that to match the sound quality of good streaming, a turntable / arm / cartridge / vinyl you'd have to spend half your budget on that one source! Then you'd be let down by your "cheap" speakers, amp, etc!

    Consider ditching the TT idea and concentrate on streaming. My system is simple but only slightly over your budget. It consists of excellent £20K speakers fed by a bargain £5K all-in-one streamer, radio, DAC, DSP RC, amp. It’s simple and does everything I want, but no vinyl as this would halve what I could spend on the rest. Peter
    Sources - NAD M50.2 (streamer, CD player, CD ripper, hard drive music store)
    Amplification - NAD M33 all-in-one, NAD M12 preamp (in reserve), Atma-Sphere Class D monos
    Speakers - Avantgarde Duo XD, Avantgarde Duo (2006) - both aesthetically modified

  45. #45
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    Re: $25k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

    Stumbled onto this thread because I have a buddy in the market.

    This combo that Mike put together for his YouTube channel is elegantly simple, looks great, and I love the way it sounds in the video. Seems to have great potential.

    Boulder 866 w/ Vivid Gaya S12

    Vivid S12 + Boulder 866 - part 2 - YouTube
    Main System

    Lumin X1 > Boulder 1161 > Scansonic MB3.5 B

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k budget for new system. How would you spend it?

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