I'll agree with the first poster-from experience! My system: RCA 5223P DVD player (last years model, probably available if you can find it discounted into the $200-$300 area). I sold an Arcam Alpha 8SE (list price over $1000) because the RCA beat it handily (you can see my full review at Audio Asylum-I can't explain it but it's definitely true!). Audiolab 8000A integrated-now available on closeout from Artech electronics-$359 for a demo or $449 new (50-60% off and don't worry about reliability-mine is about 12-14 years old!) or you can go to the 8000S (remote control-no phono-supposedly better sounding-more flexibility for home theatre etc) for $439 demo or $549 new. Then buy a used Cardas Golden power cord for the amp-some posted on Audiogon for $200 right now. Interconnects-I bought a half metre Silver Audio Silver Bullet 6.0 off Audiogon for $150, have seen the Hyacinth go used $125 to $150-these are phenomenal cables for the money, alternatively you might check out Pure Silver Sound at $139 new for 1 metre. Then buy some used Kimber 8TC- maybe $100 or so for that. This leaves you about $750 for speakers (I'm using Elipson 1313 that sold at full retail around $2000 about 12 years ago and I don't think are even available, so I can't help you with speaker recommendations) and if you go for a reasonably priced floorstander, you can save on speaker stands etc. The Audiolabs should drive just about anything and you can choose your speakers to match your musical preference-ie. a slightly warmer sound or something more analytical. A cautionary note-I can't vouch for the new RCA DVD players, but the 5223P (if you can find one) sounds amazing if you connect decent stuff to it. It was a real shocker for me. And the Cardas Golden is mandatory on the amp! Put this all together and you'll end up with a system that can hold its own against systems costing 2-3 times more! I've compared down at my local dealer. My analog front end in use in the same system is a Michell Gyrodec with Premier FT3 arm and Ortofon MC 20 Super, so the RCA is up against some stiff competition!
Musical system for under $2K?
My nephew stayed with us this past weekend, and was bitten by the "audio bug"...he now wants to put together an "affordable" music system for his appartment based around a CD player, an integrated amp, and a pair of monitor speakers. He listens mostly to classical and jazz, but also to rock from time to time. Any favorite combos? I'd prefer it if you limit your suggestions to systems that you own (or have owned) and that you have found to be musically accurate and satisfying over the long haul. His total budget, including stands, wire, and interconnects is just about $2000, and he is open to buying used if it helps him get more for his money. Thanks in advance for all your help. Deborah.