My first really good HiFi system limited by my budget back in 1977 was a Marantz 2270 receiver ($389 new), an Empire 698 TT ($375 new), MicroAcoustics 2002E cartridge ($100 new) and Infinity Monitor 1A speakers ($450 store demo’s). A very enjoyable system! Some months later I replaced the 2270 with an AGI 511 preamp ($430) and GAS Son of Ampzilla ($420) - both bought new at the store with the Infinity speakers. That was the start of my upgrade quest. Though if I had stopped there I would still be happy today!
How cheap can you go and still be happy with the sound?
I would think many guys on this forum are spoilt by the gear they have and never listen anymore on cheap rigs.
I was listening recently on my younger daughter’s PC audio rig and got reminded again of how good it sounds. There is a fairly high level of clarity, detail, tonal balance and great bass in this rig.
- Yamaha HS8 powered monitors: $700 to $800
- Yamaha WXC-50 MusicCast streamer+dac+preamp: $450, often found on A4L for around $300
- Audioquest Powerquest PQ3 (was around $200 or so)
IMO, this would qualify as a high quality (sonically) charity price hifi rig for any younger or older person w.r.t small room nearfield or midfield listening.
What is the cheapest rig that has brought you happiness these days?
