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Building the Best "Used" Budget System under $3000

I've been reading several threads on all best equipment (most of it out of my price range). I'm convinced, for a music lover with a novice ear, that an affordable quality system can be assembled from "pre-owned" equipment. So, if you were building a COMPLETE system from the ground up for your best friend who was just getting started and only had a maximum of $3000 to spend, what would you recommend. This system is for the HiFi music lover only (no Home Theather) and should includes analog and CD. An expert would also consider the future need to upgrade once the "bug" takes over.
whyt_rabbit

Showing 3 responses by whyt_rabbit

whyt_rabbit OP
20 posts
 
Thanks everyone for the advice. A lot of differing opinions. The question originally came from a Rolling Stone Article I read a year back on creating an entry level Audiophile system for under $2000. I can't remember all the components but I think this system had the following:

Rega 300 TT
HH Scott 299c Tube amp
Sony CD player maybe??
Used LS3/5A Speakers
Some tuner???

Most of the stuff was purchased off ebay and it really got me started thinking about upgrades. I'm considering the Carver - Sunfire Sig. Series Amp (300WPC) and some B&W CDM9NT speakers. I already have a Rega 300 and I'm looking for the Ah Njoe TjoeB 4000 CD. I'll probably use some of the advice hear on cables and turn it up!!

If anyone has any comments on the Carver I'd appreciated it. I can't find any comments on it on this site.
whyt_rabbit OP
20 posts
 
OK...after a little research on this site and listening at the local Hi-fi, I've come up with the following:

Carver Sig. Sunfire Amp (300wpc) $800
B&W 805s with Stands $1700
Rega P3 2000 with Grado Blue $500
Ahjoeb Tjoeb CD 4000 $450
Cables etc.. $150 = $3600

A little over the limit but, hey I'm going to vegas this weekend so, come on lucky 7....If I feel the bass isn't quite their for this set up, I'll purchase a powered sub.
whyt_rabbit OP
20 posts
 
I'll update you on my quest for reasonable HiFi @ used prices. I've changed my line-up as follows:

McCormack DNA-1 Deluxe Amp (90)
Conrad Johnson 10 pre-amp (modified) w/ phono(600)
VPI HW19 Jr. (540)
B&W Naut 805 speakers with Target Stands (1700)

Doesn't include shipping costs or the totally destroyed Rega P3 that UPS took out of commission.

As you can see, I blew right past my budget and I still don't have IC's, Power conditioning, Speaker cables! Not to mention a reasonable CD player. Oh well it was a noble attempt.

Don't have it all assembled yet, amp just arrived in the mail. I'm expecting great things. Thanks for everyone's help, your suggestions helped build this system. BTW A'gon is fantastic site.
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