Dangitt, Ill answer this as if the information would be used by a relative, close friend, neighbor, or my brother-in-law. In other words
someone who Id have to see and hear about my recommendations well into the future. That said, Im looking at it like this: knowing what I now know, after a few years in the hobby and listening to a few systems, what would I get with a $5,000 budget?
Odyssey Khartago Stereo Amp $1,000
Doge 8 Tube Preamp, direct from China via Ebay ($1,475 which includes shipping). Seller has over 1,000 positive feedbacks (100%). Despite what others may say, I got a hybrid tube integrated this way years ago. It is still in good service in my bedroom system.
EITHER Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower OR Fritz Speaker Carbon 7s (approx. $2,000) depends on if you prefer floor standing (Sierra) or monitor (Fritz), you will not go wrong with either choice, since they both offer 30-day in home audition. I have owned another model of Ascend (given to my daughter for her new home) and have auditioned Fritz at a couple of audio shows.
For your front-end there are a number of choices between $300-$400 used. Check out todays offerings on Audiogon from Rotel 1060 ($299.95) to Oppo Digital BDP-103 ($400), with some good choices in between like Meridian, Marantz and Arcam.
For cabling start with Blue Jeans Cable throughout. I have auditioned and experimented with many brands and have pricier aftermarket stuff installed in my main rig. But at the entry level point, you cannot do much better in price/performance than Blue Jeans Cable.
This, I believe, represents a killer system for the money. Of course if you want to do some due diligence, just search the archives on this forum, or check Google reviews on anything that I have recommended. There is plenty of additional information available. That way, all you have to do is satisfy yourself on these specific recommendations.
Odyssey Khartago Stereo Amp $1,000
Doge 8 Tube Preamp, direct from China via Ebay ($1,475 which includes shipping). Seller has over 1,000 positive feedbacks (100%). Despite what others may say, I got a hybrid tube integrated this way years ago. It is still in good service in my bedroom system.
EITHER Ascend Acoustics Sierra Tower OR Fritz Speaker Carbon 7s (approx. $2,000) depends on if you prefer floor standing (Sierra) or monitor (Fritz), you will not go wrong with either choice, since they both offer 30-day in home audition. I have owned another model of Ascend (given to my daughter for her new home) and have auditioned Fritz at a couple of audio shows.
For your front-end there are a number of choices between $300-$400 used. Check out todays offerings on Audiogon from Rotel 1060 ($299.95) to Oppo Digital BDP-103 ($400), with some good choices in between like Meridian, Marantz and Arcam.
For cabling start with Blue Jeans Cable throughout. I have auditioned and experimented with many brands and have pricier aftermarket stuff installed in my main rig. But at the entry level point, you cannot do much better in price/performance than Blue Jeans Cable.
This, I believe, represents a killer system for the money. Of course if you want to do some due diligence, just search the archives on this forum, or check Google reviews on anything that I have recommended. There is plenty of additional information available. That way, all you have to do is satisfy yourself on these specific recommendations.