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Looking to build a system for under $5k

Hello,

I am brand new to audio and looking to put a system together for around/under $5k all in. Any recommendations?

This would be mainly for CD audio but expandable for phono in the future. I have a small bedroom that I am dedicating as a music room upstairs in a cape cod style home. So it has angled walls that follow the roof line.

Looking for components that offer the biggest bang for the buck. I've done some research over the last couple of months and it seems like the Vandersteen 1Ci might be a good cornerstone to design a system around.


Thanks,

Joe

audionoobie

Showing 2 responses by sjtm

sjtm
92 posts
 

You did not say whether you would consider used.  I had great luck buying used on Audiogon, particularly in your budget range, as many people here trade up and have taken great care of their equipment.

So many options, but my first system was a Marantz PM-8005 integrated amp ($1,200 new), a Marantz SA-8004 SACD player ( current model Sa-8005 is $1,200 new), and Focal chorus speakers with Blue Jeans Cable speaker cables and interconnects.  My actual cost used was:

PM-8005 - $500

SA-8004 - $600

Focal 836V speakers - $1,200

Cables - $100

Complete system for $2,400 that met every expectation I had for a first system.  In fact, it could have lasted me a lifetime if I had not contracted upgraditis.

These were my choices, but I completely agree with others in that I auditioned many speakers before buying anything.  I happen to love the "Focal" sound, and, by reading many posts on this forum, focused on electronics that people felt paired well with this brand.

Good luck and have fun.


sjtm
92 posts
 
Audionoobie - another option (as opposed to a high end audio show) is a mini vacation to a major city such as NYC.  Within 50 miles there are multiple dealers representing a wide variety of brands.  You can visit their listening rooms where, chances are, you can see gear in your price range and hear them in a more optimal listening environment.  Pair this with some tourism and a few top restaurants and you will have a pretty good time (I took my own advice last summer).
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