Basement system for $5000 or less

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

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

Dave

Dave, as far as Jolida goes I would highly recommend Walter at Underwood HiFi.

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!

Thanks for all the great suggestions. Ultimately, I went with the following setup:
1. Rogue Cronus integrated
2. Dynaudio Focus 220 speakers
3. Rega Apollo CDP
4. Project XPression turntable which I had before
5. Cobalt Cables speaker cables/interconnects
Overall, I could not be more happy with the results thus far. Again, thanks for all of your help.

Dave