Sound System on $10K Budget

Pick your loudspeakers first then you'll know what monies you have left over for other stuff. Don't discount good cables, a 10 K system can definitely benefit using decent cables.

/\ this!

 Speakers, then other stuff and average cabling!

 Keep above 250-300WPC for headroom, or you will clip the amp. 
 

 We learned long ago, using many amps, those 2W things while nice, you can’t beat 300WPC RMS!

 Don’t care what anyone says, power!”

I agree with the statement above pick your loudspeakers first. Maybe a pair of Klipsch Cornwall IV’s. And a Schiit Ragnarok integrated amp.

https://www.schiit.com/products/ragnarok-1

Look into active speakers. Dali Calisto 6c, Dynaudio Focus XD, Q Acoustics,  etc..

Buy used for sure. Your money will go much further. I have well a couple different systems but the one that is stupid good for the money would be 10.5k msrp. I have 2k into it. If I were to spend 10 k I can’t imagine what it could be. Be patient and buy smart. If your goal is to buy new disregard my post.

does the budget include a Turntable, CD, streamer or ?…..

I am a robot that seeks to understand requirements…first…

mofojo gives good advice. Buy used. That has worked really well for me. 

Speakers

Frontend

Amps

Cables

YOU have to start with a source and WE can't see you to tell where you are leaning.

@ Carlsbad,

just curious what your recommendations would be? 

there are way too many options here and there is no such easy break down

yout best bet would go to a local dealer and listen to a system if you purchase dealer demos you can get a great value with the service support and guidance that only a dealer can provide.

for example we frequently loan or take back models to enable a client to purchase the system of their dreams over time bbby using trades or display loaners, that can be returned to allow for that clients budget to go even further.

we would have demo loudspeakers from 3k to 9k with a good integrated amp which has a built in dac

the unison research Due http://www.unisonresearch.com/en/products/unico-series/integrated-amplifiers/unico-due.htmldoes just that a high quality hybrid tube /solidstate integrated with agreat built in dac 3600 all you then need is a bluesound node 800

now you have a great tube preamp 100 watt solid state power amp

a sabre based dac all in one elegant box no interconnects needed just one digital cable only and of course a set of speaker cables.

or micromega M100.

then for loudspeakers the legacy focus signatures 9k

dave and troy

Audio intellect NJ

to be honest with you, with your clear and practical assessment of how you will use the system, i don’t think you need to spend 10 grand

4-5-6 grand should do it... my 2 cents

maybe get lower-mid range floor stander focals or elacs with a matching center channel for tv... then a decent av receiver

I am looking to put in a home audio system that I can more casually listen to as I work, cook, etc.

If it is casual listening, I would agree with jjss49 in that you don't need to spend up to $10k for the whole system.  You may not even need to go up to 5k if you're listening from your kitchen. In this context, you can just use cheap or freebie cables included with the gear.

Thank you so much for the responses everyone! I will have to look into loudspeakers and report back. 

I don’t have a receiver/CD player, but just looking for something simple I can plug my phone into. Trying to make the system as easy to use and setup as possible, even if that entails sacrificing sound quality. I don’t want another repeat of my headphones where I never end up using them because it’s too difficult. 

Maybe I’ll consider dropping the budget if it’s not worth it. However, the system is something I will probably owe for a bit of time, so don’t mind spending a bit more upfront. 

I like used equipment because I think it offers the best value, but I am open to demo equipment and having a relationship with a dealer will probably be helpful for a novice like me. 
 

Any dealer recommendations in the Boston / New England area? Ideally New Hampshire given the sales tax. 

Fidelis Audio and Audio Video Therapy both in Nashua NH have great staff and are enjoyable places to shop.

Keep above 250-300WPC for headroom, or you will clip the amp. 
 

 We learned long ago, using many amps, those 2W things while nice, you can’t beat 300WPC RMS!

 

Don’t you just love it when a novice says something like this? Bless his heart, so much to learn.

@tas2200  Choose your speakers wisely and you won’t have to worry about using an arc welder to drive them. Speakers approaching 100 db efficiency will have no use for 300 wpc.

just for fun, i looked in the classifieds and here is a system that may suit the op well, and save $ to boot

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649797985-linn-ninka-and-trikan-loudspeakers/

https://www.usaudiomart.com/details/649801407-anthem-mrx-1120-receiver/?utm_source=featured_ad&utm_medium=web&utm_content=category&utm_campaign=category-featured-ad-click&utm_term=649801407

or

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisadi5h-nad-t-775-receivers

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisadhh7-bluesound-node-2i-media-servers

https://www.audiogon.com/listings/lisae718-t-9i-subwoofer-8-months-old-speakers

buy cabling from blue jeans for $300-400 and its $5-6 grand all in - spend the rest on streaming services or cdp or media of your choice

Start with speakers.

2 Years ago I started my journey...

Are you handy ? I followed a thread for 10+ years on a DIY speaker design.

Elsinore speakers. Many consider end game. Depending on how nuts you go, you should have 5-6K left. Speakers are 98db per watt, so 10W will pretty much blow the windows out....  Been told they go louder than anyone ever needs...

That said, I did a Tube amp (8-9 Usable watts) (love it) turntable and RPie/LMS streamer ..

Many folks who never heard  music like this cant simply walk past the system... It draws most in, mouths gaping murmuring OMG, that sounds soooo very nice...

I figure that I'm still south of the 10k number. And I would spend double for the speakers if I had too.....

Good luck...

Not a novice. 
buying, selling, trading for well over 35+ years. 
 

 Headroom you will need!

flea watt amps are worthless!

35+ years of audio, had 100W receivers, etc, they clip, and distort , don’t waste your money 

250WPC minimum

You are clueless, 35 years notwithstanding .

Speakers $ 4.5k 

SB G90 M2 Technics 

Integrated $ 2.5k 

SU G700 M2 Technics 

Speaker Cable $ 400 - 800 

Ascent 12TC Kimber Kable 

Base    12VS Kimber Kable  

I would absolutely wait for M2 Products when available. 

Music Direct  

Given – reluctance to spend more for cable I included two options. 

Just good solid simple tech – high quality material. 

My System consists of a mix of two Technics Class Components. 

Premium SB C700 > Grand SU G90 > 12 TC 

While my total is a bit N of $10K it includes Prime TT > Assortment of ICs. 

My front burner goals are to step up to Ascent and settle on a Power Cable. 

Yes … Power Cable as well. 

MO you will not regret spending $ 1k on Ascent 12TC. 

Some of the users here have SB C700 … search Virtual Systems. 

with a matching center channel for tv... then a decent av receiver

Oh please no.

35+ years of audio, had 100W receivers, etc, they clip, and distort , don’t waste your money 

You are right 100 watt receivers are crap but a 25 watt tube amp can work very well in a lot of systems. 

A excellent loudspeaker is the Spatial audio ,X3 or X5 open baffle with dual powered bass channels midBass drivers and the excellent Beyma AMT midrange-Tweeter in a 7 inch wave guide minimal Xover using VH audio Odam capacitors 

are a great buy and very dynamic and most of all very musical . 

Like most of the previous posters have said, settling on a speaker sound first is the best choice along with dedicating 50% or so of your budget to them.  That being said, the Philharmonic BMR Towers are a fantastic choice at around $4k.  Looking at your headphones, you seem to like a clean clear sound instead of an overly warm sound.  Consider the Revel F228Be or the F328Be (if you can find a deal on them under $7k instead of their normal nearly $9k price).

Since you already have a nice headphone set up, can you describe your music sources now?  Is it an all digital locally stored media system or are you streaming or is it a turntable or CDs?  What are you planning to use with these speakers?

A subwoofer (or two) paired with stand mount speakers is nicely flexible.

I have recently built a system from scratch and have paired a set of Fritz Carbon 7 SE Mk2 speakers with a single F12SE Rythmik Sub. 

Rythmik Subwoofers: https://www.rythmikaudio.com/

Fritz Speakers: http://fritzspeakers.com/

The powered sub (s) relieves a lot of burden from the power amp.

I went with a Van Alstine SET 120 Control Amp to start with, but then added a Van Alstine Transcendence 10 Tube Preamp when I got the sub. I run the signal from the preamp into the sub, then using the "High Pass Filter" from the sub, I go back to the power amp, which drives the speakers.

AVA: https://avahifi.com/

I'm very happy with this system and you might enjoy reviewing those brands.

As stated by others, 1st find a pair of floor standing speakers that can play into your large space at the volume level you desire. Stay away from those having low sensitivity and impedance. 

Look into the purchase of a 2 channel integrated amplifier that has subwoofer output and a power rating that will easily drive the speaker of choice.

You will need a DAC to take digital signal from TV and iphone. I prefer a stand alone one. That said, many integrated amplifiers have built in DACs. Make sure DAC has the required inputs. 

Blue Jean cables make for a good start at modest price. 

I believe 10K is more than enough budget to get to where you want to go. Buying almost new but used saves. 

Thank you everyone for all the help here! Much appreciated. There are so many factors to consider when putting a system together, so every post has been enlightening. Putting together a headphone setup is a walk in the park compared to this. 
I will keep looking up loudspeakers as a starting point, and will come back with updates.

1. I think 10K is the perfect budget, easy to find components that pair well

2. the 5K budget for speakers has the widest selection - in the standmount/bookshelf category

3. I would buy new speakers, used amp and a new source

4. I would stay away from the Ferraris of any component such as SF speakers and Mark Levinson amps, you pay a lot for the brand/image when you go high end

5. Don't buy the cheapest cables, a few 100 bucks will serve you well

6. When you audition systems, start with the cheapest combination and check out better speakers gradually

Good size room. Bookshelfs will work not just floor stand speakers.  Stay with my rule:

40% = speakers

30% = amp

20% = source

10% = preamp

Cables mean nothing.  Those people paying 1k on wires and stuff is silly.

My favorite system is the NAD2200 wth 1155 using Elac Unifi UB5.1, total.cost me $600 bucks.

The sound difference between 1k and 5k is barely noticeable. To 10k. Some differences, but small. I have vintage and new stuff to compare.

Before you go and spend $6000 on a pair or speakers, I suggest you buy something like a Hegel and get a midrange pair of speakers and see how you like it. If the speakers are such a big deal, you don't want the limiting factor to be the amp. 

My favorite system is the NAD2200 wth 1155 using Elac Unifi UB5.1, total.cost me $600 bucks.

The sound difference between 1k and 5k is barely noticeable. To 10k. Some differences, but small. I have vintage and new stuff to compare.

oh my...

@webking185 

Another example of someone rallying against something they know nothing of. “My cheap (insert product A here) is as good as your expensive (insert product B here)”

Budget systems have a place and can sound very good. But it’s not the best environment to judge cables. The chief enemy of good is better and sometimes you do get what you pay for. I’ve heard not one 600.00 system that can outperform a well put together 10k one. Doubt you have either.

The OP is looking for a system that serves music and video in a way I feel is different from most of us, is a casual listener while focused on other things. Room is 30 x 20 x 12 feet. OP does not wish to involk room treatments. Sources are TV and phone. Looking for a 2 channel, maybe 2.1, system. Wants to minimise cable use. Has a budget up to but less than 10K.

I believe a pair of floor standing speakers would provide the required efficiency (resulting from a true 8 ohm speaker having 90+dB sensitivity) that could be driven by an SS integrated amplifier providing no more that 100wpc and which contains an onboard DAC having optical coax and USB inputs. Cables required: 1 power cord, 2 digital cables, 1 pair of interconnects, 1pair speaker cables. I also believe the OP may be well satisfied with such a system at a budget well under 10K. 

May want to look at one of the Lyngdorf integrated amps. If you could find a used TDIA 3400 for around 5k and spend another 4.5k on large speakers. $500 bucks on cables or less. The Room correction is really really good and in a big room with no treatments I believe would make a huge difference. 

Reference 3a NEW VERSION mm de capo...around 3200 usd new speakers. 

OP, you could do something like the new Sonus Faber Lumina V tower speakers($2800) along with a nice used Anthem STR Integrated amplifier @200 wpc($3200 now on us audiomart). The STR has home theater bypass in case you later want to incorporate a multi-channel system for movies, as well as a nice DAC and MC and MM phono inputs. And the STR also include Anthem’s ARC room correction.

Don’t let anybody here scoff at the Lumina V. I recently heard them at a dealer and they are a great bargain, as the sound quality is impressive. The vocals are just incredible. We compared them to the Sonetto VIII on the same system and the Lumina just don’t give that much up to the Sonetto.

probably the widest ranging responses to a question. Some hilarious. 

Lots of interesting responses. 

Forget the advice from the member that said go for high wattage.  Things have changed over the past 30 years.  Concentrate on component synergy; whatever pieces you get have to work well together and that can mean many things.  

You can buy an awesome system for that kind of coin.  I'd get a subscription to "audio blue book" on audiogon so you can estimate used prices as well.   

Hi

lots of good advice so far. My suggestions, repeating much of what has been said.

1. listen to some speakers, find out what you like. I’d suggest some active speakers , good value proposition there, amp speaker matching and engineering has been done for you. 

2. look at used, esp for speakers and amps. 
 

3. Read. It will help you understand what you want, what is good, and a good value.

Have fun in your search. 

Large room!

I’ve been down this rabbit hole, spending many more $$ and If I had to do it all over, it would be a stupid simple setup like this.

Speakers:

I would buy a pair of Klipsch Forte IV in walnut, because they sound great for all types of music and are just simply beautiful. $5k New

An Integrated Amp:

Yamaha AS-1200. Again, very well made, has more then enough power for the very high efficiency Klipsch speakers,  beautiful to look at and who doesn’t like VU meters. $3k New 

And lastly…add a Bluesound Node and you can easily hook up the TV with 1 optical cable, have Bluetooth, and stream.  $600 New

All available from Crutchfield and easily returnable if you don’t like it. Which I can’t imagine you wouldn’t. 

For my $10k:

Focal Kanta No2 – used $6500ish

Naim Uniti Atom — used $2500ish

couple hundred bucks for shipping, cables, and an HDMI cable to connect eARC from the TV. A bit left over for a budget TT or CD transport if you want the option or a mu-so qb in another non-critical listening space.

Super simple, good synergy since Naim & Focal are voiced for each other, built-in streaming via a highly regarded app, and also beautiful to look at since it’s a multipurpose space… plus the option for multi-room audio.

I bet Naim + Focal = winner!

Cornwall IV....Denefrips Ares II DAC Willsenton R8 Integrated with KT 88's...CEC belt driven cd transport ...Blue node 2....U Turn audio turntable with Ortofon Blue 2.

Thank you so much for the help here everyone!

As an update, I am currently leaning towards Sonus Faber Olympica IIIs (possibly the Nova version). Unfortunately, the speakers blow through most of the budget, but they look and sounds beautiful, so I think its worth it.

Now, I am looking into what integrated amp to go with. Ideally one that has a headphone output so I can sell my headphone amp + dac, which gets almost no use.

Congrats on the speaker choice. They are definitely beautiful and should serve you very well. Given your focus on simplicity and use with TV, I’d reiterate that having HDMI connectivity would be nice to allow you to minimize remotes and cabling requirements/clutter. Depending on how much budget actually remains (guessing $2-3k), the Naim uniti atom I mentioned before may still fit the bill for used options. If you can wait a bit, the new NAD c399 is now available for pre-order. It has HDMI as well (available via a separate module on earlier c368/388 models) but perhaps more importantly also has Dirac room correction (I don’t believe the earlier models have Dirac but I could be wrong). It is available with their Blu-OS module if you want streaming built-in or without it if you don’t. Both the Naim & NAD have headphone amps built-in…not sure how good they are, but if you aren’t using your current headphone amp almost at all then they are probably good enough.

I doubt anyone would fault you at all for choosing a Parasound Hint6 or whatever you can afford from Hegel if you decide you don’t care about having HDMI. Both would be highly regarded and have good resale value if they turn out not to be your cup of tea. 

We are in the same boat. But rather than looking at the Olympicas, we are considering the Sonetto V or VIII. Fit budget and leave room. Did you decide on an amp? Dealers are pushing us to Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum or McIntosh MA 252. No one mentions the Parasound...wish we had more time at these places. 

@buddyboy1 +1

Great suggestions. The only change I’d suggest is that instead of Ares, up the budget a little and go for Denafrips Pontus 2. Otherwise, this is a system I won’t mind owning myself.