I don’t think my financial situation is what I put up for discussion, and it’s a little beyond the scope. I’ve worked very, very, very hard and have lived/operated within my means. This really isn’t the forum to discuss why/how I will be in said position. Doing so, I believe, is called boasting. It’s a serious question, with serious sacrifice to be in a position to have such a luxury, again.
And if I must settle all of this, and give the entire community context, thought stating “family debt” was going to be ok, forgot some of ya’ll are Boomers and like to get into other folks business. I spent approx 10-12 years building that system. The soon to be ex mandated I sell it. Forward looking, it’s all good, I’ve got another great opportunity to build a better rig! Again, appreciate the insights and commentary.
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OP,
Go for it! I am 70 and retired. I spent 50 years learning, reaching, and investing. Now, I am able to listen to my system for three hours a day. It is my most rewarding asset. Well worth the continual investment and work I have put into it. Actually in order of resale value my house is number one, my audio system is two, and my new 4Runner and Lexus is third in value. When I die, it gets liquidated to support my partner or to charity.
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@ghdprentice It’s a ribbing of sort. I have the utmost respect for those that sent their kids to college on GM and Coca-Cola stock. The financial advice offered is sound, and great for all seeking it. I’ve spent my life focusing on math, engineering and computer science, and well, “we good,” as they say. Now, retirement, or at the very least, 3 hours a day to listen would be an absolute blessing.
And if I bare a little more of my soul, it gives me something to focus on other than the dissolution of my marriage.
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I see you have a dedicated power line.
I’ve read where two seperate power runs, one for digital, one for analogue has worked. Have a look at that as a possibility.
Would also investigate a power conditioner. Puritan PSM 156 is getting positive reviews around the globe. I’m saving for one by August.
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@toddcowles The advice was general, nothing specific to you personally and it wasn't an invitation for a financial debate. I am in the business of wealth building so your comments touched a nerve. I can't tell you how many clients I've worked with that thought they were set only to have it all come crashing down. The more we make the more we spend, and it becomes easy to lose scope of what is truly affordable so it's good to put things in perspective with general guidelines. In the grand scheme of things HiFi is small potatoes compared to boats, homes, and worst of all, mistresses. My condolences on the marriage. In all seriousness consider the used market, especially higher end items which are built to last a lifetime. A well researched puchase might be free. The least expensive car I ever owned was a 98 Carerra S.
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@perkadin I know, I don’t take these forums too serious, appreciate the condolences. The truly fortunate benefactor, 2-channel. Haha, mistresses…we’re forgetting about “mristresses,” they like getting in the mix as well. The used market is always a wise move and often my first goto. Wow, 98 Carerra S, that’s one to still own!
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Thomas Meyer electronics. Smart guy, stunning build quality, and superb sound. Not in the same league as much more heavily advertised brands ... far above.
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If you have a large living room and either live alone or with a very understanding spouse/partner, I would bring a few of my favorite cds to listen to Magnepan 20.7 speakers ($20K). They are great for the jazz you like.
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Classic Audio Loudspeakers T3.4 Super Efficent, Cohrent, Musical Emotionally engaging speaker massive dynamics smoother oh it's just pure musical.
No Need for subwoofers.
Aries Cerat TriodeFet Amplifiers
Allnic Phono Stage or Aries Cerat Phono All tubes only
CSport Turntable
your Set for life.
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I think you should listen to the new SIM audio north collection even the smaller amp is a game changer.
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I think you should listen to the new SIM audio north collection even the smaller amp is a game changer.
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I think you should listen to the new SIM audio north collection even the smaller amp is a game changer.
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overthemoon,
just for your knowledge I spoke to Sim audio and they told me that the 761 amplifier is far superior to the 860a V2, and I believe in the US it retails for 14 to 15,000, I'm going to be upgrading my w-8 to the 861 that thing is a beast.
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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!
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You might consider a financial planner as being more of a priority than your next 80k luxury item. I mean, to pay off family debt you get a fraction of your systems value, and a year later drop 80k on a luxury item. That math does not add up. Well, at least not the way I earn my money.
Hmm, agreed, if the dude had to sell gear to reduce ’family debt’?!?!, it doesn’t sound a whole lot like the dude should be operating near this price bracket.
OP, you may want to drop your budget to 5k maybe. Audio nirvana could happen easily even at 5k (It may disappoint the forum’s Dealers Incognitoticus club however). Use the remaining 45k to 75k for other important things in life.
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@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.
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An $80k pair of Meridian dsp8000se for $18k
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Were I do embark on such a quest, the first thing I would do is not take advice from strangers on the interweb. There is a real world out there…
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Again, appreciate the comments and the financial wisdom. As I executed upon rebuilding, I found myself in a layer of paralysis analysis. Like many, I don’t have an audio store or an easy way to demo/listen to all the various combos. All of the comments were appreciated.
I opted to start smaller with a sound I’m familiar with. I also became limited in placement and space, as I still have two very rambunctious young children. I moved forward with a Pass Labs X150.8, set of Dynaudio Heritage 40’s and a PS Audio Directstream DAC.
For pre, I’ve ran PL XP 20/22’s and at one point pulled it out of the chain, and went DAC direct to the amps. It sounded better w/o. I know the function of a pre, so it’s not to dispute using one or not, but I didn’t splurge on an expensive pre and believe this, along with a new DAC pursuit, will end up being the adventure/hobby aspect for me. During the interim, I picked up a PL X2.5.
Per cabling, let the fighting begin. I didn’t extend into expensive cabling. I opted to burn in some of the entry level Cardas lines, and move on from there. I do plan on spending time with the Cable Co. library of lenders.
Per streamer, I’m heavily leaning towards the Innuos Pulse, but haven’t pulled the trigger on it yet, I’ll be sleuthing the forum after this post on it.
Per room acoustics, I’m reusing a kit that was scoped by GIK for another room and will repurpose appropriately.
And also, what an absolute year it has been! So happy to be back in the 2ch mix! Thanks for the input and happy to be trolling again with ya’ll!
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