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Looking to build a system for under $5k

Hello,

I am brand new to audio and looking to put a system together for around/under $5k all in. Any recommendations?

This would be mainly for CD audio but expandable for phono in the future. I have a small bedroom that I am dedicating as a music room upstairs in a cape cod style home. So it has angled walls that follow the roof line.

Looking for components that offer the biggest bang for the buck. I've done some research over the last couple of months and it seems like the Vandersteen 1Ci might be a good cornerstone to design a system around.


Thanks,

Joe

128x128audionoobie
lancelock
1,083 posts
 
An audition is always best. There will be there will be some shows coming up soon depending what area you are in. I joined a local audio club recently and they are always showing different audio products at the monthly meetings. There are only a few real audio retail storefronts lefti these days.

bigkidz
3,307 posts
 
Lots and Lots of advice.  I did not read it all but I would say start with older components.  There are so many great speakers that were considered very good 7-10 years ago that you can find.  Aerial 10Ts, B&Ws, Kef 105s, Kef 104s, Alons, and Vandersteens, etc.  They are great for your type of music.  There are a ton of amp options that will give you great sound, from NAD, Rotel, (too many to name) on up, I would find one of these amps that can power the speakers you settle on.  Spend money on the source.  IMO this is the key to getting the best sound.  You want a 10 sound you need a 10 source not the other way around.  Consider SS preamp or tube preamps (Counterpoint, ARC, CJ) depending on what you prefer.  There are so many good preamps in either camp that you can find used.  This will keep you within budget and you can swap out buy/sell without money issues as you move forward.  I have a friend who goes to estate sales.  He finds older gear at CHEAP prices.  For example B&W DM2 speakers for $40/pair, KEF 105s for $50 pair.  Hard to beat the sound of these for the price.  Happy Listening.     
audionoobie's avatar
audionoobie OP
354 posts
 

I've been following all of the posts in this thread. Thank you so much to everyone that contributed. I wasn't looking for anyone to do the work for me as a couple posters indicated. I just wanted a few brands that I could stick a pin in and say, "yes, I'm familiar with that brand."

Being that I live in New Jersey it seems there are ample show rooms to begin checking out some gear. I plan on starting with Audio Connection in Verona, NJ within the next couple of weeks.

Again, thanks to all for your valuable opinions and advice. I'll post back once I've had a chance to demo a few systems!

Cheers,
Joe

sbank's avatar
sbank
3,378 posts
 
Johnny R is one of the most knowledgable and trustworthy dealers you will find. He is also smart in that he focuses on brands that are likely to pass the test of time. After you visit with him, you will have a high standard on which to compare others. Cheers,
Spencer
bbarlow690
60 posts
 
Spatial Audio M3 Turbos, a PS Audio Sprout, and a decent CD transport can keep you well under $5k.  AQ cables.  Done.

I'm running a Sprout with M1 Turbos, and loving it.  Old Theta Pearl transport, old MIT cables.  Li'l Sproutie has plenty of power to blow you out of the room with the highly-efficient M3s.
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