You guys are great! Don't know where the $5K came from, but I find it a very tricky budget that perfectly illustrates my theory of the audiophile dead zone. That part of the price/performance curve, in my experience, is the crack cocaine of our hobby. Everything is just good enough to reveal its limitations, but not really good enough to touch nirvana, resulting in a deeply unsatisfying experience and neurotic preoccupation with the placement of shakti stones and cable risers. My next entry level, "budget" system , therefore, will be along the following lines: Audio Research SP-10/11 ($2000) Audio Research VT100 ($2500) Magneplanar MG 1.6 R ($1800) VPI TNT ($3000) Sony SACD ($1500)With cables and cartridge, more like $15 K used, but I really would, otherwise, rather listen to the radio and stare at an airtangent arm in its fitted aluminum flight case. Let's up the budget and remember the music!
Best 5K HiFi system for Cwlondon
Cw....don't mean to be presumptuous, but this could be an interesting exerise for any "audiophile". So, if I had just $5K to spend on a stereo system, I'd audition the following: (1) Linn Majik integrated $1200., or Classe CA80 for not much more (2) PSB Stratus Mini speakers w/stands, about $1200. (3) Sony XA7ES CD player (used) $1250. Of note is that, at this time, I'd not go with SACD or DVD-A-- yet. Total is now at $3650., and I'd use the rest for ICs, spkr. cables, power cord, stereo stand, and room acoustic treatment; maybe a sub if needed? Any other suggestions?