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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
steveashe's avatar
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steveashe
113 posts
 

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.   

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rstid
1 posts
 

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. 

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jibbajabba
2 posts
 

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. 

 

ethos123
83 posts
 

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.

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