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Best Budget system? $500-$750 tops

Partially out of curiousity and partially because I am pondering this myself for a second set-up, can a moderately musical system be set-up for $500-$750???

Components:
CD
Integrated
Speakers

(cabling, stands etc. would be above and beyond)

Here's my submission:

I first heard a pair of Kirksaeter Silverline 60's at a local dealer and was impressed for their size and price, they were also modestly paired with a Pioneer Elite A35r integrated amp and multi-disc CDP (forget model). There retail price is $850, however I've seen them go on here for more like $300. So...

CDP - Pioneer Elite DV-45a $240
Integrated - Pioneer Elite A-35r $165
Speaker - Kirkseater Silverline 60 $300

Total - $705

How musical that system is is questionable, but for the price I beleive it would be musically tolerable. In my case the system would be background and entertaining only, so I think it would perform pretty well in those functions.

So, what's your BUDGET system look like?
jh2os

Showing 3 responses by reubent

reubent
7,072 posts
 
The absolute value king today (IMHO) is the Sharp SD-EX111 all-in-one combined with a decent pair of speakers. Check out this amazing thread at AudioCircle:

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/viewtopic.php?t=15694

I own a quality 2-channel system and a separate HT system. Based on my personal experience, I could live with the Sharp if my finances dictated a reduction in audio spending.

The Sharp is now sold out at Overstock.com, but many were purchased for $70-85 (yes, that's $75 for a digital amplifier, tuner, built-in CD player, pre-amp, aux inputs, and 5-way speaker binding post), so some will likely show up for sale here (at much greater prices based on supply/demand).

So, Sharp CD-EX111 (I paid $79 including shipping!) and a pair of Athena AS-F2 floorstanders ($399 at Audioadvisor) or a pair of Athena AS-B1 bookshelfs ($179 at AudioAdvisor). For as little as $260 total you have a real audio system that will scare the pants (if they wore pants!) off of many $1000 rigs.

Tis true, I tell you! It's a good time to be a jr. Audiophile!!

Enjoy,

TIC
reubent
7,072 posts
 
Jh2os,

The Sharp is very good for the price. It does take considerable time to break-in, so you will want to connect it in a way that you can play it a lot over a short period of time. Thankfully, you can use the tuner for this or connect it to a TV based system via the Aux input.

Mine got a lot better over a couple of weeks. Also, if you want to take it to another level, www.redwineaudio.com performs mods on this unit and they are pretty reasonable on pricing.

I hope to find a good home for mine somewhere in the house where it will get used. It's way to good to be used on a occassional basis.

Enjoy,

TIC
reubent
7,072 posts
 
Jh2os,

If you are looking for a pair of really inexpensive speakers, I see that BestBuy has the Athena AS-B1 on sale for $119/pr. right now. I just bought a pair. Out of the box they are unoffensive and show some promise. I know this line of speakers has been pretty well reviewed over the last couple of years.

So, $200 for the Sharp and a pair of decent speakers. I don't think it can be beat!

Enjoy,

TIC
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