Looking to build a system for under $5k

Ok, here's one more.

I asked myself these questions: If a very close friend or relative gave me that budget and said, “Now go out and build me the best system you can get for the money”. What would I get, knowing I’d have to see them from time to time in the future? Or, to put it another way, if faced with downsizing, how would I replace my own rig without (I believe) sacrificing anything in SQ or enjoyment?

Having heard a few systems in audio show environments, doing quite a bit of background research, as well as auditioning various gear in my own home … I’d like to offer the following suggestions for a truly excellent $5,000 system (IMHO):

·         Odyssey Audio Khartago Stereo Amp - $995

·         Don Sachs SP-14 pre (no phono capability) or Van Alstine Fet Valve CF preamp (optional phono section can be added to AVA later)  - $2,000

·         Tekton Design Lore Speakers (go down to 30 Hz … check out reviews, feedback, and testimonials) $1,000

·         Oppo 105 (used, with bargains available due to new product UHD intro) - $900 to $1,000

For cabling, stay low budget, bang-for-the-buck: Blue Jeans and/or Signal Cable for I/C’s and speaker wire; Pangea for power cords.

Well, that’s my story, and I’m stickin’ with it.

Happy Listening!

Seeing @charles1dad 's excellent recommendations triggered a thought about another single-ended triode possibility. Check out Decware's Model SE84UFO, which also has ability to drive the highly efficient Tekton Lore (98dB). At $995 new, pricing is the same as my earlier Odyssey Khartago solid state recommendation. Both companies offer 30-day auditions (except Decware has that pesky 10% "restocking" fee ... ugh). This offers the ability to hear which amp sounds best to you, using your music, and in your listening environment.    

Not trying to debate @douglas_schroeder audio show recommendation, as that is indeed a great opportunity to get  firsthand experience with a lot of different systems and approaches. However, with a few notable exceptions, I've heard/seen very little that can be had for a lower budget: Van Alstine components (paired with $9K Salk speakers), Odyssey Audio, and Fritz speakers come to mind. That was pretty much it. At the last show I attended, there weren't any other speakers on hand for around $2K or less besides Fritz ... none that I can think of right now. So besides the aforementioned companies, what shows are out there that feature lower priced quality audio products?
 
It appears that the average audio show system price is easily north of $20-$25K, with some in the $100's of thousands. My system was put together from online research, studying, and auditioning gear in my own home. There was a fair amount of trial and error, shipping back and forth, buying and re-selling (used gear ... sometimes for a loss); but eventually I got there. My recommendations represent a kind of "if I knew then what I know now" approach.

So, what's the point? I almost dreaded going to that first audio show. Actually I was worried that - given the somewhat addictive nature of this hobby - I might leave and feel like taking out a 2nd mortgage once I got home. My actual experience was the opposite of what I expected. Maybe it's just me, but a lot of what I heard at those shows (and from some very high-end, high dollar systems) sounded like exceptional "hi-fi". Very little sounded like music. Following a few such experiences, I became more satisfied with my own rig. Go figure.

Note: I too, will not comment further the merits of audio shows. This is just an account of my personal experience. If someone else wants to weigh in, great ... but that's it for me.