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$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
latinsamba1

Showing 1 response by rar1

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rar1
1,811 posts
 
Latinsamba1:

The Superhemps are a big step up from the Super 3 XRS and worth the additional $1K. If you keep to Omegas, you must use tubes. Solid state does not work as well with Omegas, Red Wine Audio partnership notwithstanding.

Your cable cost for this type of system should be in the $400 - $500 range (10% rule). I owned the Omega Super 3 for a number of years. I liked Signal Cable Silver Resolution for the interconnects and Signal Cables basic speaker cables with the Omegas. For power cords, go with Naim power cords at $25 each, hard to go wrong at that price.

Other alternatives to the Cary would be the Prima Luna Prologue 2 or Dialogue 2.

Regards, Rich
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