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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
nyaudio98
420 posts
 

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

mtrot
804 posts
 

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.

grislybutter
2,317 posts
 

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

 

steveashe's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
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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