System solution


I'm new to AudiogoN so apologies if this kind of thing has been discussed before.

I am trying to put together a budget system that I can be happy with for many years. (I am trying to put two sons through college so cost is a MAJOR factor).

I currently have an H/K 930 which serves me pretty well in the amp department, okay in the pre-amp department and very well in the tuner department. (I only spent $49 on it so it's a great value and sounds very good for the money).

I'm using a Marantz CD5000 as a transport and have an Adcom GDA-600 DAC.

My speakers are, in my opinion, the weakest link in the chain. They are Boston CR67s on decent, weighted stands.

My question is... If I'm only going to put about $1,000 into the system and may never spend another dime on it, what would be the best way to go? So far I'm looking at these alternatives.

1. Get some good efficient speakers like Triangles and let it go at that.
2. Same as #1 but also replace the DAC.
3. Same as #1 but also replace the Pre-amp and use the 930 as an amp.
4. Try to spend a little more and do #1 but add a "decent" amp like a Conrad 2250, McIntosh 7100, McCormack DNA125 or Audio Research D130.

My guess is my hearing will be gone before I can put much more money into it than that so I only get one shot at this. Any help I can get is greatly appretiated.

Thanks,
tnkman62

Showing 2 responses by tnkman62

Thanks for the response. Haven't owned any NAD is that a better option than some of the older MAC integrateds? I'd streach my dollars a little if it was going to be a big differance but if the NAD's are just as good all the better.
Thanks for everyone's input so far.

Tobias- I don't mind heating up a soldering iron if the results are worth it. Any suggestions on where I can get replacement parts and what upgrades you would make to the 930. I understand this is an old piece but it works and in some respects works well. If it was worth keeping in one or more of its applications, (Pre-amp, amp, tuner), I would want to do that since it would be one, (or more), less piece(s) to buy.

I have toyed with the idea of connecting my CD/DAC directly to an amp, (the player has volume control), and a decent set of speakers. Obviously I give up the tuner, my vinyl collection and any other sources but I do wonder if the benefits might be worth it. I'm not looking for sonic perfection but I would like a system I can close my eyes and get lost in when the mood hits me.