$50k - $80k Budget…Opinions please.


Long story short, I sold my beloved 2-channel to reduce family debt. In about a year-ish, I’ll be in a position to rebuild with a hefty budget. I loved my Harbeth + Pass Labs combo. My REL sub died before I really got to integrate it, so opinions wanted there as well. I fully understand the diminishing margin of returns when moving into some arenas, but that’s ok, opinions are strongly encouraged.

I listen to a lot of Miles Davis/Coltrane, Radiohead, Tool, Pearl Jam, Brent Cobb. I’ve often preferred “organic” or neutral, not sure how technical that is.

toddcowles

Showing 2 responses by nordicnorm

OK, I’ll play. I love spending other people’s money!

I’ll assume your listening room is already sorted out.

You haven’t mentioned any sources - streaming, vinyl, CD/SACD, so I’ve chosen to focus on CD/SACD. You’ll notice that I’ve stuck with one company (except for the digital source). I’m a big believer in component compatibility (i.e. components that have been ‘voiced’, or designed, to work with one another). Plus, you have much more room to negotiate (price) when buying a complete system from a single company.

So, here’s my list:

Speakers: Coincident Reference Extreme II new - $30,000, used - virtually unobtanium

Amplifier: Coincident 211PP Dragon MK. II new - $11,000, used ~$6,000

Linestage: Coincident 300B Statement new - $7,000, used - $5,000

Digital Source: Esoteric UX-1 (Modified by APL HiFi NWO) used only - $7,000

IC cables: Teo Audio GC Ultra Balanced (2 pairs) new - $5,000

 

So, total budget comes in around $60,000 (buying mostly new). I haven’t recommended speaker wire or power cabling but you have enough left over in your budget for your favourite flavours (e.g. Shunyata, Nordost, Cardas, Duelund, etc.).

Good luck in your search!

@deep_333 The OP clarified in a subsequent post that the ‘family debt’ he was referring to was the result of a divorce settlement.

Do not project your financial restraints onto others.