2. best-of
  3. 1374353471

What's a great system at these price points?

Friends,

This is the information age. Let's think systems, not just components, and discuss how to cost-optimize the high-end listening experience. Anyone with money to burn can be wasteful. Can you achieve the high end experience on budgets like these?

Price points (maximums:) $500, $1000, $2000, $3500, $5000.

Let's say the cost of a computer or other digital source is not included. Above $3000 there should be more than one hi-fi audio zone. Above $4000 it should have 5 or more separate zones.

Wanna play? OK, go.

Joseph
jriden
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,921 posts
 
Many good ways at each price point if certain parameters are adhered to.

Lower price points will achieve best results if speakers with limited bass extension are used in a smaller room.

As price goes up, more good options for more full range sound and for in larger rooms will become available.

Lower price points will be digital only. Other/analog sources will add cost to achieve good results.
mapman's avatar
mapman
21,921 posts
 
Headphones are another very good option at lower price points as is consideration of products geared towards the pro market, which tend to be more about sound and less about aesthetics.
zenblaster
504 posts
 
Joseph,
All the answers to you questions have been beaten to death here and everywhere else, but I have no problem with your o.p.

As always, disregard the advice of long term audiophiles in favor of the 'latest and greatest' at your peril.

I have no problem with dealers posting as audiophiles. Many of the most published posters are all over SELL forums. The difference between a dealer and someone that has a 2500 rating for Audiogon sales is semantics.
ebm
9,311 posts
 
Too much work!!
More to discover