Sound System on $10K Budget


All, sorry if this has been asked a million times before. I am looking to build a home audio system from scratch and want to keep it under $10K. I have no idea where to start, and scrolling through this forum has just made me more overwhelmed. For context, I have a headphone setup (Meze Empyrean and HD 800S and a Vioelectric V280/1). Unfortunately, I haven't used the system in over a year--I find it too difficult given all the wires, turning my desktop on, etc. As such, I am looking to put in a home audio system that I can more casually listen to as I work, cook, etc.

The room I am putting the system in is 34 x 20 with 12 foot ceilings. I am looking for a system that is just all around good (jack of all trades master of none) given the budget. I will not be doing any room treatments, etc (not worth the marginal benefit and I am not looking for perfection here). The system will be used daily for TV and for music. As far as genres, I really like everything, but skew towards alternative/indie/pop/rock. I am guessing I will want a sub, but I have no idea and am flexible. I was thinking two loudspeakers, but I am flexible.

FWIW, I don't really believe in expensive cables and think it is a waste of the budget at this price point, but I am open to other opinions. I am open to buying used equipment (I actually prefer used equipment--I believe quality audio equipment should last forever). Overall goal is simplicity + all around good. 

tas2200

Showing 3 responses by ozzy62

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.

 

 

@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.