Really Inexpensive Systems That Sounded Great?


I think there is a big difference between "cheap" and inexpensive. I have blown money on "cheap" cables and immediately regretted it when my ears started bleeding from the brightness in my digital components. I also don’t mean "bargains" like the time I scored $2000 speakers for $200 on Craigslist, that is basically luck.

I am talking about inexpensive (less than $1500) for a system that sounded really great to you.

I fell into a whole house audio system from DTS Play-Fi because I wanted to try and compare different brands. I picked up Play-Fi amps, preamps and active speakers made by Polk, Paradigm, Klipsch, Onkyo and DefTech all for less than $1000 a pop. For what it is, whole house audio/casual listening it sounds great.

What inexpensive great sounding systems have you tried?

 

kota1

For the tool using hobbyist, get Akitika PR102 and GT108.  For speakers, PE Morel Ardons.  For source, Wiim Pro and if a turntable is needed, a Teac TN3.  This would all set you back under $2K.  Much less if no phono and no preamp…just plug Wiim into amp, and you’re under a grand!  
For non-kit builders, a pair of B&W 606S2AE speakers and a Rega Io integrated with a Wiim Pro…$1800.00.  To stay under $1500, NAD C316BEEv2 and Wiim Mini.

The kits are a brilliant idea, I want to get one to build with my teenager. 

I have a Carver AV505 amp that uses trickle down tech from the Lightstar, craigslist find for $200. I really like Carver/Sunfire gear.

 

+1 for crustycoot and the Akitika Class B DIY amplifier kits for around $400. If you don't want to DIY, they will build it for you for another $100 or so.

Luxman R-1050, KEF 103.2, Auralic Aries Mini, Geshelli DAC. If you look hard you can put this together for $1500+/ a few bucks. Be HARD pressed to do better. Just my opinion...

My small setup consists of a Sherwood S7100A receiver, Samsung DVD-HD841 player, and ADS L300 speakers.  Doesn't take up much space and sounds GREAT.