I have only heard good reproduction of Piano in two systems. Piano and voice is the litmus test for me, and I am sure many others ; 0 ) I have been trying to place a piano in my room for years. I finally have satisfying results but still NO REAL Piano. However, I do have pleasing music and the soul of the Piano.
Your best option and I am not trying to be "smart" is a Player Piano. Especially, since you listen to many solo piano works, and keep your current system for all other music.
If the above is not what you had in mind than......
I personally have not heard convincing/pleasing piano at your budget. I am sure it exists, however, I have not heard it. The turntables alone in the two systems I have heard that can do piano SOME justice are both over your total budget. To really get Piano right the turntable needs to be first rate, as does everything else....
The Two Systems: that satisfy my Piano lust
I hope to not appear to braggadocious as system "2" is my current system, but it does do piano well and it was the instrument I was seeking to bring home, that and voice.
1. Oswald Mills System at RMAF 08
Saskia Turntable
Schroder Reference Arm/Soundsmith the Voice Cart
Oswald Mills Electronics: Amp and Preamp
Oswald Mills AC-1 Speakers
2.
Raven AC-3/SME V/Koetsu Coralstone
Doshi Pre Amp
Quicksilver V4 Amps
Quad 2805's
Clearly two different approaches to music, however, both bring it home on the Piano/Music.
The problem with getting piano right seems to be with the turntable and speakers. Very few turntables hold super accurate speed and are transparent. The other is multi driver speakers trying to create the cohesive whole of the piano. The single driver Quad brings the cohesive nature that piano needs. Mind you it is not perfect, as it lacks ultimate impact, but it makes up for impact with speed and tonal shading. The compression Driver AC-1 or other compression drivers offer exciting dynamics which piano craves. These types off speakers to me will offer you pleasing piano. No dynamic speaker did for me on piano.
Just my 2 cents.
David
Your best option and I am not trying to be "smart" is a Player Piano. Especially, since you listen to many solo piano works, and keep your current system for all other music.
If the above is not what you had in mind than......
I personally have not heard convincing/pleasing piano at your budget. I am sure it exists, however, I have not heard it. The turntables alone in the two systems I have heard that can do piano SOME justice are both over your total budget. To really get Piano right the turntable needs to be first rate, as does everything else....
The Two Systems: that satisfy my Piano lust
I hope to not appear to braggadocious as system "2" is my current system, but it does do piano well and it was the instrument I was seeking to bring home, that and voice.
1. Oswald Mills System at RMAF 08
Saskia Turntable
Schroder Reference Arm/Soundsmith the Voice Cart
Oswald Mills Electronics: Amp and Preamp
Oswald Mills AC-1 Speakers
2.
Raven AC-3/SME V/Koetsu Coralstone
Doshi Pre Amp
Quicksilver V4 Amps
Quad 2805's
Clearly two different approaches to music, however, both bring it home on the Piano/Music.
The problem with getting piano right seems to be with the turntable and speakers. Very few turntables hold super accurate speed and are transparent. The other is multi driver speakers trying to create the cohesive whole of the piano. The single driver Quad brings the cohesive nature that piano needs. Mind you it is not perfect, as it lacks ultimate impact, but it makes up for impact with speed and tonal shading. The compression Driver AC-1 or other compression drivers offer exciting dynamics which piano craves. These types off speakers to me will offer you pleasing piano. No dynamic speaker did for me on piano.
Just my 2 cents.
David