I’d get a used active ATCSCM 40 set of speakers and add a DAC/preamp combo.
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.
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This is one of the best integrated amps you can buy even at many times the MSRP price of $9500. Krell K-300i Integrated Stereo Amplifier For Sale - US Audio Mart I used to own the Meze Empy with Benchmark HPA4 headphone amp. I thought it was great. However, after I had the RAAL SR1a for a few months I realized I was never going to listen to the Meze again. I sold the Meze and the HPA4. The KRELL integrated is, in my opinion, the very best of the best for the RAAL SR1a headphones. I have tried a lot of 2 channel amps and the dedicated RAAL headphone amp. In fact, I bought the KRELL Duo 175XD last month specifically for the RAAL SR1a in my office. This was based solely on how good the SR1a was on the K-300i. The way it would work is that RAAL will provide an AMP INTERFACE BOX with the headphones. You can use a 2-channel amp to drive the headphones and this box has a switch to send the output of the integrated to the 2-channel speakers. You would need 2 sets of speaker cables to do this. The supplied speaker cables by RAAL are not good. I have not used the switch to change from the headphones to the speakers. I have a more elaborate setup. However, the only potential negative would be the extra path to the speakers. The headphone path has to exist anyways. The KRELL integrated will have built-in streaming, ROON READY, DAC, HDMI for TV and Bluray. The sound is very smooth, good detail, and very relaxing and non-fatiguing. Normally not my kind of sound but I am now hooked on it. You would just need an Ethernet wire from your network to hookup to the KRELL. Hopefully a ROON account and you are ready to go. If you do not have Ethernet nearby (I do not in my setup) you can use a PowerLine extension to your home network to work via the electricity outlets in the room. This is how I have setup my KRELL. Though I am somewhat technical and know how to fix these things if the network ever has a hiccup. It usually happens when things are moved around or unplugged. |
Thanks for the help again everyone! After a month of research, I decided to go for a new pair of Sonus Faber Olympica Nova IIIs and Hegel H390. Got a bit carried away with the budget, but the speakers are gorgeous and will be in my living room for a few years. I have never heard the speakers or the amp before, so I am excited to put the system together this weekend. Fingers crossed they’re a match. Might switch to a MA352 amp or add that in down the road. |
What a great room you have... enjoy the journey. Don't be afraid of used equipment... you'll save a lot on the budget. As for type... I'm partial to.. Vandersteen 3aSig. $2k used Theta Dreadnaught 1 or 2 with 4 amps... $2k used Preamp... Audio Research, VTL, Pass... you can pick up a great sounding preamp for $3k > $5k Source... ??? your choice. Streaming.. CD... Vinyl so many choices from $1k to ??? Cables... up to you. I would start with used AQ or your favorite brand $1k for entire system. They can make a difference... this is only an opinion.
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well done, op, enjoy -- you have made superb choices, great to see someone come ask for info, do the research, and then choose wisely as an aside, imho you will have very little to gain going from hegel to mcintosh... well, maybe cool meters that dance to the music ... 😆
agree, for their current market value used, this is one incredible amount of speaker, music, enjoyment for the $ spent... just ridiculous not as pretty as sonus fabers, but makes no apology whatsoever in its musical credibility |
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