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Basement system for $5000 or less

I am interested in putting together a dedicated audio system for a 14 x 13 x 8 finished basement room. I would like to use all tube-based gear, if possible, and I would be listening primarily to jazz with occasional classical and rock. I would like some recommendations for the following:
1. Preamp (tubes)
2. Amp (tubes)
3. CD player
4. Speakers
I am willing to buy used, and would like to keep the total price less than $5000. Recommend to your hearts content!
Thanks,
Dave
droz
lokie's avatar
lokie
528 posts
 
Ok I'll bite:
1. Preamp- None
2. Amp- Conrad johnson MV-52 tube amplifier
$900 used
3. CDP- Mcintosh MCD201 CD/SACD w built in volume control
$1800 used
4. Speakers- Devore Gibbon Super 8
$2100 used
5. Lokie consulting fee- $200
reubent
6,936 posts
 
Dave,

I know you said "all tube" but I do have another suggestion. One of my system iterations uses a Red Wine Audio Clari-T amplifier w/volume control. It is very good with the right speaker. I'm currently using it with my Hemp Acoustics. It is a very good system and it is very inexpensive for the sound quality it achieves. I use a variety of CD players with it. Here's the prices:

Red Wine Audio Clari-T (full upgrades, used) $425
Meridian 508-24 (used) $1000-1200
Hemp Acoustics DIY speakers $600

Total=$2025 or less if you get a lesser CD player

If you substitute a Cary CD-308, Consonance 120 Linear, etc., you can drop the price to well under $2000 and have a great sounding basement system.

There's always more than one way to skin a cat.........

Enjoy,

TIC
droz OP
20 posts
 
Does anyone know of dealers for Totem Acoustics, Jolida, and Vandersteen in Illinois (central Illinois preferably)? Again, thanks for all the advice.

Dave
bobgates
535 posts
 
Dave, as far as Jolida goes I would highly recommend Walter at Underwood HiFi.
chgolatin2
53 posts
 
Dave, where in Central Illinois you reside? Me, Chicago!

VR2's speakers Used $1499 Great sounding and only 3 months used and with a 10 yr warranty :)original price $3,000
Shanling STP 80 tube amp $850 With Electros EL 34 new $1,800
Shanling T-200 $1,300 with WE 396A tubes new $2,695
DNM Reson Cables/Interconnects $250
DH Labs Q10 and BL 1 $380
Bedini Quadrabeam Ultraclarifier $80 demo used directly from Bedini
Cd Stop Light $20

Total $4,379! Compared to "new" $7,495 without the cables and additional tweaks needed total new would of been $8,225! Superp sounding system and I mention that all the components were purchase "used/new

Tweaks are coming! :) maple platform, brass footers and few minor things and WHAM great system! Lastly, you cant go wrong with Rogue Cronus amp, very good used prices... Great Tube amp as well!
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