2. misc-audio
  3. 129717-20253

Apartment Dweller's Paradise - The Ideal 2 ch. system?

We've had really great threads on Audiogon so far, so I'd like to keep the ball rolling.

One subject rarely covered enough in the music world are systems that are specifically for apartment dweller's. These systems are more modest in size and cost. Dolby Atmos? Forget-about-it!

How would you put together a system, under $10k, soup to nuts?


erik_squires

Showing 5 responses by freediver

freediver
1,255 posts
 
I put my current system of Quad VA-One driving Dynaudio Excite X14’s up against anything out there in a small room...
Even at lower listening levels it still has body and detail...I’ve experimented with plugging the port and putting them against the wall and the room still disappears..Amazing pint size speakers and superbly musical amp with fantastic(although underpowered)headphone circuit...
freediver
1,255 posts
 
This thread is a good idea and I REALLY want to shout out again to the wonderful Quad VA-One control amp...Search out the reviews,this little powerhouse is about as close to the perfect apartment amp as anything out there at any price!
freediver
1,255 posts
 
Today another killer little apartment amp arrived fresh from full factory rebuild..The iFi Audio Retro Stereo 50 is,like the Quad AV-One an EL84 Class A PP all in 1 control amp...In the right size room with the right speakers these tiny titans provide world class sound!Unlike the lowish powered Quad, the iFi has an amazing tube driven headphone circuit that can be optimized for any conventional headphone/in ear monitor available,including the HiFiMan HE6 where it will feed a massive 7 watts!
freediver
1,255 posts
 
stringreen:"If you're REALLY interested in getting the best sound and to keep the neighbors happy.....get high end earphones with a dedicated amp. You'll have all bases covered."
 What about keeping us happy?Headphones are wonderful but will NEVER take the place of a well built 2 channel system,neighbors be damned...
 Since I posted twice in this thread,I've gone through through the wonderful Quad VA-One,iFi Audio Retro 50,Cayin CS-55 & Creek Evolution 50a with Ruby 2 DAC board & I am about to pull the trigger on what I hope will be my end game set up,the Gold Note DS-10/PA-10 combination...
freediver
1,255 posts
 
OH HAPPY DAYS,the ULTIMATE Apartment dwellers amp/dac is back!!!
 The wonderful,amazing Quad VA-One+ is now shipping.Updated DAC board to the latest SABRE DAC chip & an new AUTOMATIC BIASING circuit now make this the end game apartment/bedroom system control center!!!BUY ONE BEFORE THEY SELL OUT,I DID!!!
More to discover