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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

Showing 2 responses by mesch

mesch
3,402 posts
 

As stated by others, 1st find a pair of floor standing speakers that can play into your large space at the volume level you desire. Stay away from those having low sensitivity and impedance. 

Look into the purchase of a 2 channel integrated amplifier that has subwoofer output and a power rating that will easily drive the speaker of choice.

You will need a DAC to take digital signal from TV and iphone. I prefer a stand alone one. That said, many integrated amplifiers have built in DACs. Make sure DAC has the required inputs. 

Blue Jean cables make for a good start at modest price. 

I believe 10K is more than enough budget to get to where you want to go. Buying almost new but used saves. 

 

 

 

 

 

mesch
3,402 posts
 

The OP is looking for a system that serves music and video in a way I feel is different from most of us, is a casual listener while focused on other things. Room is 30 x 20 x 12 feet. OP does not wish to involk room treatments. Sources are TV and phone. Looking for a 2 channel, maybe 2.1, system. Wants to minimise cable use. Has a budget up to but less than 10K.

I believe a pair of floor standing speakers would provide the required efficiency (resulting from a true 8 ohm speaker having 90+dB sensitivity) that could be driven by an SS integrated amplifier providing no more that 100wpc and which contains an onboard DAC having optical coax and USB inputs. Cables required: 1 power cord, 2 digital cables, 1 pair of interconnects, 1pair speaker cables. I also believe the OP may be well satisfied with such a system at a budget well under 10K. 

 

 

 

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