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Budget of $30K. Help me build a system

Hi all,

I just got around to unpacking my Merlin VSM-M's from a few international moves and have decided to rebuild since I sold off a lot of my gear in those moves. I have a budget of about $30k. Will be setup in a pretty small room of 14x8

What remained was an Aragon 8003 and a Lexicon MC1. Not really an ideal setup for these speakers.

I'posted in "Speakers" because I am under the impression that is the component you start with and should build around. So looking at upgrade paths I've almost decided on the following:

Master VSM-MXM (sell my VSM-M) $13,600- $2k = $11,600
Ars Sonum Filamonia SJ ESM $4,300
Bryston BDP1 $2500
Bryston BDA1 $2500
Cardas Clear ~$3000
GIK Acoustic treatments $2000
Equitech Son of Q balanced power conditioner $2500
Hi-Fi Racks Podium Reference $2000

Which brings me to $30,400k.

Am I missing anything? Any concerns with the synergy of selected components or do you think they marry well?

Problem I have is I live in a location where I am limited to what I can audition in person. So a lot of this I will be buying deaf...which is not ideal. It also limits me to what I can buy used since there isn't much of a market here and with shipping and power issues doesn't make it cost effective in most cases.

Thanks for your advice.
blueshirt

Showing 1 response by turboglo

turboglo
110 posts
 
I have Merlin Master VSM's with Master BAM and ARS-Sonum Filarmonia and Cardas cabling.

All I can say is that, set up properly, you will have a world class system that will bring you many, many hours of enjoyment. I am currently waiting on the very latest upgrade to the BAM (a re-wire using Cardas Clear wire), and I've been told by other customers that it's the icing on the cake.

The difference between VSM-mme's and the Master VSM's is very significant, btw. So I suspect that the leap from the VSM-M's to the MXM's will blow you away.

It's always preferable to be able to audition in your home exactly the system you will have. But I know that's not always possible. Since you're familiar with Merlin, and the speakers are voiced using the Filarmonia, I don't see how you can go wrong.

Bonne chance!
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