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Building a new system for about 5 grand

I haven't been a member here long, so forgive me if this is a repeat question.

If I have about $5000 and want to put together a quality system, where I do put the most money? I've heard speakers; others have said power source. Some say spend about equally on all components. I'd like to hear some direct answers to the question from Audiogon members (if you have to point me to an earlier forum, great).

A few things that might help:

1. My system is in a living room that is far from audio friendly. It measures about 18'x16', with some angles and openings, along with a large open area coming off one side and leading to the dining room (where I have my study). Wood floors, French doors with lots of glass about 5 feet behind the sofa, and no chance of making any adjustments (adding thick curtains, carpet or rugs, or eliminating all furniture apart from a chair and a small bourbon table).  

2. I have floor standing speakers now, and they fit the room fairly well. I'm not averse to bookshelf speakers on stands, though.

3. I play some vinyl and mostly cd's. That's not likely to change. A Bluesound streamer will likely be added down the road, but shouldn't figure in to the 5 grand limit.

4. I am willing to buy used, except perhaps the cd player (or sacd/cd), unless it's under about 3 years old. I worry about older units that have wear and won't have readily available parts. If I'm being too restrictive on this, please set me straight.

5. Our tv and Blue-ray player (on which I also play SACD's) are hooked up to my power source. I'm not at all interested in an AV receiver, surround sound, or adding a sub. Two speakers only.

6, and most important. I love listening to music; I love learning about, dreaming about, scheming about, audio. I love all the time I spending browsing on Audiogon. But I love my wife more. That directly addresses the price limit, the room set up, and the number of speakers.

Again, that first question about how to spend money is important to me, though a little puzzling. Spending more on speakers is my instinct at this point; I'm glad to be corrected.

Thanks.
anton99

Showing 1 response by yyzsantabarbara

yyzsantabarbara
5,060 posts
 
Buy used. Buy Class D for amps at this price range. Buy an integrated to save on wires (integrated are good nowadays).

I use a Peachtree Nova 150 integrated, which is Class D with a built-in DAC. I also use a $450 Sonore microRendu to stream from my computer (does not have to be a good computer) to the NOVA DAC. I also use ROON, though other cheaper software clients are available.

The NOVA is not balanced (XLR). I have a Tuner and SACD player hooked up to it. I had to use Cardas RCA-2-XLR plug to hook up the SACD player.

So the Integrated (preamp + amp + dac) and microRendu will come in around $1200 leaving you with $3800 for speakers. There are a lot of good low cost electronics available now. Years ago the sound I am getting today with this gear was considered great. Stepping up to expensive gear today is amazing sound but it will cost more than $5K.

I used the KEF LS50 speakers with the NOVA and I will never sell the LS50’s. Better electronics will make the LS50s sound even better. A small room is ideal for these speakers. You can get these speakers for as low as $800 brand new.

BTW - I have a vested interest in what I wrote since I will be selling my NOVA 150. Not selling the LS50’s though and I will put $10K-$20K of electronics on them after the upgrade.
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