2. amps-preamps
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$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
vthokie83
853 posts
 

Toddcowles,

Your budget should give you a phenomenal system, congratulations!

I’d start with speakers, and I’d look at Joseph Audio, Fyne Audio, TAD, Tannoy

analoguefan's avatar
analoguefan
56 posts
 

With that kind of a budget, I will visit as many dealers as I can and demo as many systems as I can. My 1 cent 😉.

slantgut
16 posts
 

I wasn't satisfied until I went high efficiency plus SETs.

jbl-4345
58 posts
 

Unfortunately I myself have been in that same situation before. Anyone can speak of a great stereo manufacturer but regardless what anyone recommends including myself LISTEN TO YOUR EARS.  Those are the biggest critic 

kennymacc
399 posts
 

Speakers: Revel Salon 2 speakers can be had on the used market for around 10K-11K, which makes them still one of the greatest values on the planet. The Revel Salon 2s can still compete with most any, and I mean any, of the current outrageously and ridiculously priced speakers on the market today. I just can’t speak highly enough about the Revel Salon 2 speakers, they never disappoint and are pure performance loudspeakers for the ages.

Amplification: The Salon 2s need high power amplification to be driven properly. If your room is more moderately sized, you can (as I did), drive them with the extremely powerful and absolutely reference quality sounding Hegel H590 integrated amp, which sells on the used market for around 6.5K, and you’ll be well on your way to a system that will absolutely blow your mind and knock your socks off!!!

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