The Cary SLI80 is a great unit to build around. I would delete the power cords and the ultimate outlet and put half that $1000 into upgrading the tubes in the SLI80. Upgraded tubes will greatly outweigh the benefit of power cords with that amp. The new gold lion KT88's ($200) are wonderful in that amp. I would put the other $500 into your speaker/source budget. Your friend can add pc's down the road, if needed.
$5k budget tube system
So my friend doesnt know much about Hi-Fi but just loves my tube system and wanted me to put a component list together for him with a budget of up to $5k. My system came in a bit above that, even buying many pieces used off Agon, so certain items will have to be downscaled.
I definitely think the speakers should be Omega - for the money I don't think there is anything better in highly efficient single driver speakers (plus certain models like the XRS don't even require stands).
Here is my list of components for him along with prices (new or used). Anyone here have any suggestions? Don't want to steer him wrong.....
Omega Super 3 XRS ($950 new)
Marantz 8001 CD/SACD player ($500 used)
Cary SLI-80 integrated tube amp ($1800 used)
Hudson Audio R speaker cables ($250 - Louis at Omega tried a bunch of different speaker cables and thinks these sound best for the money).
Kimber Silver Streak interconnects ($200 used)
LAT International AC2 Power Cords (3 required - $750)
PS Audio High Current Ultimate Outlet ($200 used)
Salamander Archetype 3.0 Rack ($180)
Totals out to $4,800
I definitely think the speakers should be Omega - for the money I don't think there is anything better in highly efficient single driver speakers (plus certain models like the XRS don't even require stands).
Here is my list of components for him along with prices (new or used). Anyone here have any suggestions? Don't want to steer him wrong.....
Omega Super 3 XRS ($950 new)
Marantz 8001 CD/SACD player ($500 used)
Cary SLI-80 integrated tube amp ($1800 used)
Hudson Audio R speaker cables ($250 - Louis at Omega tried a bunch of different speaker cables and thinks these sound best for the money).
Kimber Silver Streak interconnects ($200 used)
LAT International AC2 Power Cords (3 required - $750)
PS Audio High Current Ultimate Outlet ($200 used)
Salamander Archetype 3.0 Rack ($180)
Totals out to $4,800