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Really Inexpensive Systems That Sounded Great?

I think there is a big difference between "cheap" and inexpensive. I have blown money on "cheap" cables and immediately regretted it when my ears started bleeding from the brightness in my digital components. I also don’t mean "bargains" like the time I scored $2000 speakers for $200 on Craigslist, that is basically luck.

I am talking about inexpensive (less than $1500) for a system that sounded really great to you.

I fell into a whole house audio system from DTS Play-Fi because I wanted to try and compare different brands. I picked up Play-Fi amps, preamps and active speakers made by Polk, Paradigm, Klipsch, Onkyo and DefTech all for less than $1000 a pop. For what it is, whole house audio/casual listening it sounds great.

What inexpensive great sounding systems have you tried?

 

kota1

Showing 1 response by vinylguy2016

vinylguy2016
22 posts
 

I have a true vintage system that I still love after many years of use:

Dynaco Stereo 80 Amplifier (built from a kit) bought used for $100;

Marantz 7T peramp, personally recapped - $300;

AR-2ax Speakers purchased by me in 1966 for $259 and reconditioned by me for $50;

Technics SL-6 Linear Tracking Turntable - Free and repaired by me;

Grado P-ZTE+1 Cartridge fitted with new Grado stylus - $100;

Sherwood TD-7010R Stereo Tuner purchased in 1991 - $129;

Vintage equipment is a good choice for anyone who is willing to do a bit of restoration work.  The end result sounds delicious.  The AR speakers are still in great demand for their smooth natural sound.  The Sherwood Tuner is amazing for a budget unit and has needed no reconditioning work.

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