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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
gbryant's avatar
gbryant
83 posts
 

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.

 

jjss49's avatar
Ag insider logo xs@2x
jjss49
6,612 posts
 

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.

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 ... 😆

 

As for type... I’m partial to..

Vandersteen 3aSig. $2k used

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

b_limo's avatar
b_limo
2,273 posts
 

@tas2200 , those speakers are beautiful and should sound fantastic with the hegel.  I think you’ll be happy!

musicaddict
370 posts
 

Agree, and hope you enjoy SF and Hegel. Both are stand-out high-quality brands.

webking185's avatar
webking185
192 posts
 

@ozzy62 , you're 100% right 600 buck system is non comparison to a 10k system. It will be nught and day.  Sound is a matter of taste, when we get to expensive equipment it becomes what we like.  I hv budget stuff and I would think high quality stuff as well.

Vintage gear: ML27, NAD2200, MX-1000, MX-1, B&W601 S3, Nautilus 805, 803

 

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