$35K to spend, how will you build a system?

Animals for me.
There's still no better song I heard than Dogs for lyrics and music together. 

Poetry is even more subjective than music, I think, I will not argue with that. As for music, WYWH music sounds more mature to me than anything before or after, though Hey You and Comfortably Numb ballads from The Wall are impressive, I'll give them that.
Yes, RTR decks.. The dream system - just a deck, preamp, pair of monoblocks and speakers.
At the very least I was thinking about putting everything valuable that I have on LPs and even CDs on tape and sell everything vinyl except the most valuable records. In fact, nowadays I listen to mostly my finely tuned Nak682ZX cassette deck except when I want maximum quality. No, even with Vertex cassette and supercables it can't capture everything from the Nottingham but RTR deck would. And I have couple of cassettes that I played more than 500 times, they still sound the same, though I never fastforward or rewind them. Try 500 plays with any vinyl. Anyone tried it?

Tape?

Crime scene or Quarantine?

Oh, but for the days of Wow… and oh yeah, flutter.
Whatever happened to the $1K Nakamici Dragon? Neatest looking deck ever.

I had the first auto reverse cassette deck Akai put out. It actually flipped the tape over physically. Well, if you put some foil sensing tape near the ends. A clunky and tedius process.

Tape was just begining to get into metal and ferrus, different biases and lengths of tapes such as the infamous 120s which actually lasted more than a few plays without stretching or breaking.

The Crown, and Dokoder Reel to Reel decks were among the top units.

I had TEAC and Akai RTR in the ‘70s. they were only 7.5, and 15 IPS. 7 inch tapes I think. Not tens.

I would record FM stations and LPs at 3 ¾ or 7.5 for hours and play them bak while at sea. There were no prerecorded RTR tapes besides classical music then.

I was agast seeing RTR playback only decks that cost more than a very nice preamp or amp at $15K or more.

RE $200 f it still had living DNA or saliva on it. It would sure depend on whose DNA too.
Reba? Lorrie? Absolutely. Probably wouldn’t even request a blood test.

I need an analog to digital converter and a cassette deck to get everthing converted into digital.

Are there any cheap but fairly decent ones around?

Much simpler times then. Hated to see the 8 track go the way of the Do Do bird. Oil well.

Trying to pick a favorite Pink Floyd album is like trying to pick a favorite child, I just can't bring myself to waste the mental energy to even try.

WYWH? Awesome!
Animals? Fantastic!
Meddle? I love it!
Ummagumma? Ummamygod!
TDSOTM? Excellent!

I am even growing in appreciation of The Wall now, and I recall disliking it when it first came out. I considered to "poppy" sounding.

However, I would say that my favorite era was between 1971 and 1977, when they released Meddle, TDSOTM, WYWH, and Animals.

Careful with that axe, Eugene....

N

Saw PF do Dark Side in ’73 at Jacksonville Coliseum across from Gator bowl. Best light and sound in a show I’ve seen then or since.
They played DSOM front to back… then jammed for another 40 mins or so.

Best part of the show?
$6 tickets

Late ’76 saw them do Animals in Paris France at a soccer stadium. They floated a huge Pig blimp over the field. This show wasn’t near the one done inside at Jax, but it was decent.
Tickets? Not sure but about 40 or 50 Francs or around $10.

I recall Atom Heart Mother as the first PF album I heard.
Obscured by clouds came next.

DSOM sold me on PF.
Still, I’d not drop $200 or more on a Master tape copy. Maybe.

As for another system idea:
7000.00 Aourender A10
7500.00 PSA BK 250 2ch hybrid amp
10000.00 Harbeth 30.2
5000.00 Rel sub
4000.00 NOS tubes, Cables & PCs
2000.00 cord 1800w conditioning
DIY amp stand or platform

Charles > Record Cleaning Machine/Dryer: KL Audio CLN LP200 Ultrasonic Record Cleaning Machine/Dryer (New) -- $4,800.00
Power Conditioner: PS Audio Power Plant P3 (New) -- $1,500.00

Blindjim > hello Charles. Welcome back.
Nice job! Both sides of the coin too. Cool.
And under budget. Balance on LP gift certificate Mr. Sayjack. lol

Really? Record cleaning devices cost that much? Whoa. Whoa. Wow. I must rethink just what I’ve saving not having a TT!!! Whoa. Never bothered seeing the accessory list for TTs like cleaning gear. Man!

I knew something about cartridge cost, arms, platforms, phono preamps, etc.. nada on cleaning, straightening, flattening, etc. amazing.

So far, I’ve not heard an ‘active’ power line conditioner I’ve liked, or which has not adversely affected the sound quality. But, that is just me. I do enjoy the ‘passive’ conds effects ore.

I like the literal exercise.

Here is precisely the system I would build, using used equipment where you could find it (you'd have to, otherwise the new prices would be +$20k) .  I would target a super highly efficient speaker with a ton of dynamic punch that allowed top SET mono amps to shine.  I had to dump my whole analog front-end and album collection to come in just under $35K, which I would do in a heartbeat for this digital front end to hit this budget.

• Preamp = Atma-Sphere MP-1 3.3  $9000  (used)
  
• Amps = Thoress 845 SET monos  $4500  (used)

• Music Server = Sonore UltraRendu $875
• dac =  Schiit Yggy $2300 

• USB Regen = Uptone ISO Regen $325
• USB cables (2) Rendu to IsoRegen to DAC = 2 Uptone USPCB A>B Adapters $70 
• Linear Power for Ultrarendu and Iso Regen (2) = 2 Uptone UltraCap™ LPS-1 $800
  
• Balanced power conditioner = Equi-Core 300 $799 
• Speakers = Zu Druid 6 $10000 

• Interconnects (2 pairs) = Audience SX $1900  (used)
• Speaker cables = Audience SX $1200  (used)
• Power cables (4) = 4 Shunyata Black Mambas $2000  (used)

• iPad $450  (used)
• Lifetime Roon $499 

Total $34718
Remaining $282 (spend on vibrapods and Tidal monthly fees until gone)

Truth be told, I actually made/would make a couple upgrades from here, but that would have put me over the $35K by a grand or two.  I would have gone upline on the Equi-Core to the 1800 or higher (looking now) and spent more on linear power supplies, maybe.  But I could live with what I listed for sure.  One could argue that I could/should save a few $ on an under-$10k-used set of Zu Definition 4s and get as good/better performance than the yet-to-be-released Zu Druid 6s, but my space is small and I think I could get a better total quality from the new smaller Druid 6s in my space.  

Shoot your arrows at all of it...welcome the feedback.

  Parsons >   Preamp = Atma-Sphere MP-1 3.3 $9000 (used) - Amps = Thoress 845 SET monos $4500 (used)

Blindjim > nice. Thanks.

Sorry for being so late to reply her. Irma has given me some troubles so I’ve been a bit preoccupied.

845’s? aren’t these pricey in NOS iterations?

Assuming you have heard in part or together this preamp & amps combo, could you clue me in on either’s performance? Especially that of the preamp?

Secondly, simply the Aurender A10. Again, is this a piece you’ve actually heard demonstrated individually?

Your whole approach is quite interesting.

I have an entirely different setup in mind, and all of it in the ‘as yet unheard’ just imagined or ‘dreamed’ stages. Although a bit of what you have chosen would be most welcome in mine. It’s ending cost exceeds this criteria by a good bit. Albeit, the one I listed above using the harbeth mons seems decent enough if it all had to come . in on time.

Topology aside with respect to balanced or single ended, I do feel the upstream section of pre, source and amps does carry the load mostly so having a superior preamp even with merely a DAC and likely a tuner is IMO nearly a must. Its also where I’d input tubes if tubes could be inserted in just one area.

I’m liking in my dreams, VAC sig pre II, a pair of VAC IQ 200s in mono, or the Imagination series of Constellation, or maybe even an INT from Gryphon or Yipsalon.

speakers unknown, DAC unknown too but EMM labs or something more cost effective like the Comet or yegersol, or merely the A-10. Shunyata PCs or Elrods, or Pure Audio, none of which have I heard their latest greatest vers. PLC too is up in the air, but my default without audition could be Running Springs or something similar.

I’m torn between KEF blades I & II & . VA music or Listz. Each worry me as to power needs however.

Be well.

Blindjim, Gryphon Diablo 300 with DAC and possibly phono module too just in case. It will control the speakers like no other except Gryphon separates. Think of the speakers as a woman and amps as a man. It might not be the most beautiful song that will be sung but it will be the most clear open and confident. Gryphon.

As for the speakers..
Of what I heard or heard of my two choices for you, as I understand what you want to accomplish, would be Lansche and Kharma. My choices for myself would be the same plus Michael Green Audio custom speakers. I would have Michael voice the speakers with either Gryphon or Ypsilon or Lamm.
Additional thought is that I heard of at least two very respectable and serious audiophiles, and talked to one of them, who can afford a lot, who have Allnic separates in their systems. From what I could get Allnic would be a little too soft and not strong enough for me even assuming the right match with speakers. VAC is famous for its midrange, which is great but not good enough for me.

@inna > thanks.

Get out of my head man! lol

You’re beginning to scare me some. You are pretty close on what I’ll seek in the end. Your input is immensely appreaciated don’t think it isn’t.

The Epsilon Alias’s I feel are gonna be out of reach and yep, I saw the ones listed lately as well. I just can’t justify that much money. Yet. It would mean less investment in other areas unquestionably. Likely ‘speakers’.

Just ‘cause I might be able to wade that deep into the pool doesn’t mean I should.

These last speaker choices are, at least one of, are what I’ve been looking into lately. Kharma and Verity seem quality speakers. I’m also interested in the Devore X and or something that resides in the 92 – 95db area so < 100wpc tube amps can be used. That’s the best choice IMO. However, a great tube pre that can outrun my thor line stage and a pair of nice SS monos also are a combo I’d live with happily, given a decent enough pr of speakers synergistic to them were had. I’m not opposed to adding subs either, although I’d like to avoid it.

As for KEF and VA, I ljust like their looks. Never heard either one.

Never heard of the other two speaker options you pointed out.

FYI… I did not care much for the BAT VK 60 I had briefly. I did love the Thor EL34 30wpc monos and later the Dodd 120s also EL34 but up to 60wpc in PP.

I also loved the BAT VK500 w/BAT PK plus Thor line stage and wish I still had it and the Dodds. Running separately, not vertically. Funny how life is at times. Then it was sell these if you want something else. And I did. Or thought I did. It helped a lot having the 93db Silverlines too.

My aim in any event is to ultimately garner as much ‘they are here’ as is possible with the sonic presentation… often settling for ‘you are there’ scenarios. I found in my limited exp tubes is the answer for the former more often than SS, although as with EL34s as you said of VAC, the lower end simply is not well addressed requiring sub (s) or higher eff speakers… and maybe subs then too if limited tube power is the amp in use..

There’s no way I can get into VACs statement series. The Sig II line stage ($28K MSRP) would be the absolute limit then I’d be looking for SS power. It bugs me too the cost of the Sig Ii is where its at and not having heard it at all. There may be a shot at an audition in the area later on though.

I will go on rep only so far. After that, I’ve just gotta get some ears on things before I could justify pulling out that level of 5 digit money. I’d have to.

The Gryphon Diablo INT sure seems a fair bet as a default for one size fits all without breaking the bank. Which actually means its scaring me too much.

Do you know if the Diablo has the ability to run each amp separately? Use it with a different preamp, or use its preamp with different amps? I’ve not been able to clearly determine that aspect.

One thing for sure, this is the most interesting hunting and gathering trek for me yet. Especially given the duckets I could be dropping into it. Time will tell. Hopefully this ain’t an effort in ‘time well wasted’. I want a new house for all this crap to go into as well. So there’s that.

One thing for sure is I am not a card carrying certifiable high res detail oriented freak. Organic and natural is always the target for me.

I will !
I am not sure about Diablo, take a look at Gryphon website or you can just ask the US distributor - On A Higher Note.
But if you consider $28k retail line stage you could probably go significantly higher than with any integrated, though it would be 2-3 times the cost? If you do you should definitely also consider Lamm tube preamp and hybrid power amps. A word of caution - some or all, I am not sure, I just heard it, Lamm preamps need to be permanently powered on for the best sound. If not they need to be on for a few days before they reach this level. You can ask Vladimir of Lamm. Better Kharma/Lamm/Purist cables is a well known great system, but this doesn't mean your preferred system, and the bloody thing would really be expensive. There is a pair of Kharma for $33k here. But..in your place and with this budget going up and up, I would not buy absolutely anything before seriously auditioning Ypsilon electronics.

Gryphon or Ypsilon/Kharma match? I have no idea but somebody does. It appears that the Diablo only has stereo subwoofer and tape out.

I mean, Gryphon will drive Kharma, no problem, and the sound will be excellent, just not necessarily the best to your liking possible. Gryphon also makes speakers, but this I know nothing about. Lamm doesn't make dac, Vladimir is very conservative, nor do Lamm preamps have onboard phono, but I remember you are not interested in it, certainly not an important point.
In any case, this company of Ypsilon, Gryphon, Lamm and VAC is a great one.
I do know that the Flemming of Gryphon likes large scale music, which is of course more difficult to record and reproduce. I think, though I am not sure, Vladimir is a classical music fan. You can ask him this too.

@inna
would you mind PM me?

Sorry I’ve been busy with the fallout left by Irma. Been cutting off the trees it left planted onto my roof. Whew! Thus far no tremendous devastation. All seems easily mendable. The amount of tree debris is astonishing. It could well have been disasterous. The clean up will still take a while!

I’ve found thus far, better upstream doesn’t dictate top level speakers are required. Merely very capable and honest ones yield great results once the signal path is well heeled in advance of them.

RE Lamm tube preamp and hybrid power amps
Yeah. Saw that constant on biz too. My Thor line stage is similar. Left on muted it plays better later on and or the next day. It migrates from SET-ish to more agile and insightful sitting there just under power. Not passing signal.

I must have missed something as I’ve not realized Lamm produces hybrid amps. Thought they were SET 20wpc or so amps only. Hmmm.

I’ve heard too, their sound is ‘dry’.

A big draw back for me with Lamm is the biasing. Can’t see well enough to do it myself. That’s a problem. It was convoluted doing it with the Dodd monos. Sight is worsening. True too, there’s simply too many options for me to bother with manual biasing going forward as things will only deteriorate further with time.

RE Ypsilon/Kharma match?
If the Kharmas are NOT a polite or veiled sounding system that could be a great arrangement.

RE Ypsalon – Gryphon – constellation, VAC – haegel – Master Sound (d’agostino) and even PSA hybrids (depending)

I’ve given separates and upscale INTsa considerable bit of rumination. It seems a great idea so long as one loves the house sound of the makers kit, ie., Master, Gryphon, Ypsalon, etc.

The point I have to keep in mind (which is an easy task to forget) that cost is something of an object here, and that is the “point of diminishing returns” bridge. I’d not wish to cross it chasing mere percentiles of barely noticeable gains. Meaning getting into amps or speakers above $15 - 20K MSRP is littered with questions IMO.

Having spoken but briefly with Kevin Hayes whose outfit is not far from me, I like his notions on the sound he tries to or does, achieve with his amps. what he ‘trickles’ down into his entry level kit is above many others mid level or higher choices IMHO. Something in me wants to experience that sound. The sole caveat is I’m likely not able to play in his sandbox given his MSRPs. Well, not 100% anyhow. $42K and in mylocation , PLUS tax is ‘spensive fare for a pre amp and amp! just the taxes would be 3K if bought directly from VAC!

Regardless, I’m sold on putting most $$$ of the initial investment fairly equally into the source, control, power, setup, room and then speakers. Usually in that order. Give or take a bit here or there. Its all a juggling act anyhow.

Ypsalon has released an INT. and upgrades for their Alias monos.

Another thought exists too that very likely I’l miss the bullseye with the first volley. Hopefully it will be a matter of wires, not gearSo exchanging and or upgrading speakers if needed, is a definite do agle thing later. If I’m not married to them at the onset due to their investment. $20K, $25K, $30K or more.

Me thinks once one gets into the clouds of audio selling off $15K to $30K gear is not the speedy hot bed of transactions one might believe it really is. Of course too, A’gon ain’t the only match in the box to light those fires either.

It does however mean mistakes there can be extremely costly.

The main issue I see in my deal is first getting resolving speakers in house. Not expensive, or destination sorts, but very honest capable ones which will enable me to make better decisions about the rest of the rig. That logic persists quite plainly as the likely first step. The caveat then is not to try compensating the system to fit to them. Sounds dangerous doesn’t it? It does knowing myself better of late. It would be easy to for them to trickle down into another system elsewhere in the home.

As you said to seriously audition the gear at these prices, and I certainly agree, if I hear this or that somewhere that kills, well then, all other notions, ideas, themes and theories I have are out the window! lol

I’m not all about the chase. I’m more, ‘are we there yet’?

Perfect is not the goal. Great and or incredible? Well, those are the obvious objectives. I’d happily settle too for merely Wow! Whatever that means.

Kevin of VAC very much likes JM Focal Grand Utopia speakers, $200k. I also know that Albert Porter, a member and a dealer here, has the same speakers with reference Allnic electronics. So perhaps you should consider lesser models if you want to go with either VAC or Allnic. There is something here on sale for about $7k if you want to consider used at all.
In any case, yeah, many possibilities. Lamm/Kharma, VAC/Focal, Ypsilon/Lansche and Gryphon/just about anything will all sound different and you might actually like them all, with preferences for different kinds of music and mood. Some people have two or three systems, you know. I am sure your Thor pre-amp can be matched to some hybrid or solid state, but you must be careful in terms of electrical compatibility. Yes, Lamm makes both hybrid and SE tube power amps. Some will say 'dry', others will say ' harmonically correct and balanced  '. Also depends on speakers and cables, of course. VAC is more warm, Allnic is probably somewhere in-between Lamm and VAC, closer to VAC, but I never heard it.