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  3. 1006901875

Cheap Stuff That Keeps Up?

I know that the old maxim, "You get what you pay for" is often true -- but what about those exceptional instances when it's not?

I own a few products that are so relatively cheap compared to the competition that it's digusting, while providing equal or near-equal performance. I am going to list some of my favorite overachievers and I'd like to hear from others who have found similar products.

If the owners of very expensive gear find this thread upsetting, I can't say I blame them. It is sort of unsettling to find products that cost 10% to 50% of what you bought that sound about as good!

1) Origin Live Rega RB 250 tone arm -- keeps up with some arms 3 and 4 times its price, albeit, VTA-setting is tedious and inconvenient. But when it's set right, look out!

2) ART DI/O DAC (about $200) offers performance as good as most $1000 to $2000 DACs, especially when used with Monolithic P3 power supply.

3) AR S112 PS subwoofer (16" cube, 120W powered 12" down-firing sub). I bought one on sale at 6th Avenue Electronics for my HT system for $150. Liked it so much I bought another for use with my B&W CDM 9NTs. It blends beautifully and has plenty of punch and very good articulation/definition. Does not go quite as low as my Paradigm Servo-15 -- does not cost $1500. AR also makes a powered, down-firing 15" sub for a little more money. I bought the 12" version because of it's more compact dimensions. Solid to below 30 Hz.

4) Z-man ASE tube line buffer. Want your sub-$1000 solid-state preamp (or inexpensive CD player) to sound like an expensive tube unit (and in some cases better!)? Add the Z-man ASE ($199 MSRP), change the stock Sovtec 12AX7 to a premium-quality 12AX7 (like a Mullard) and you will be there. The unit is especially useful because it will drive long cable runs due to its low output impedance.

That's all for now. What are your giant-killer picks?

Happy Holidays to All!
plato

Showing 1 response by 1953

1953
140 posts
 
Ok. Good thread and some of my choices :

1. Forte 4 amp ($500). Sweet, open & punchy

2. Paradigm Studio 20's , version 1 ($300) Ditto

3. Paradigm Active Studio 20's ($700). As above but with amps and electonic x-overs included. Astonishing value here.

4. HK Citiation 7.1 amp ($800) and 7.0 Processor ($500). A 120W, 4 channel amp that can be configured for 2,3, or 4 channels. Built like a tank by Madrigal, sounds great with an inviting ease. The 7.0 preamp is one of the few active preamps I like. Seven inputs with analog pass thru to front channels. Built in electronic x-over option, lighted remote, sonically extended at both ends, not a harsh bone in its body. Reminds me a LOT of the ML 38S. I'm keeping these!

5. Apogee Stage & stands ($800), Duetta Signatures ($1700), Caliper Signatures ($1200). What can I say. Very demanding of room position and upstream components (especially the amps and wire)but when you get it right, they are musical transporters to the event.

6. Various tables from the 70's. Specifically, Dual 1219 & 1229's, Elac 770H & 50 H, BSR 710 & 810 and Thorens TD-160. ($50-200 depending on model & condition). Yes, they are out there and there are some excellent samples in excellent condition. You just have to root them out. Usually come with a cartridge (Shure M91, 95ED's or Grado's). Yeah, the changers can be a little noisier than modern tables, but when properly set up and aligned with modern tools & new phono leads, they are a hoot to use, won't damage your vinyl, and sound astonishingly good. Watch out for the morons who are totally clueless when it come to packing a table.
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