2. misc-audio
  3. 190490-145729

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?

 

deep_333

Showing 1 response by theflattire

theflattire
235 posts
 

Knowing what I know now, I could probably live sub $1k.

I recently subbed out my Modwright PH9.0 with a vintage Moth Audio phono stage ($200) and it sounds pretty good!

I also picked up a Dual 1218 for $60. I put a V15 typeII on it.

Add a decent receiver and I could be happy.

I think though, you have to experience really good first, so at least you have a baseline; you have to know what minimum makes you happy.

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