$40,000: What 2-channel system would you build?

@larryi I'm more apt to go this route.  But... I can't do ultra low power. 

@gdnrbob  Bob, I've currently got Wilson Audio Sophia 3.  I'll be selling them, and rebuilding a system in about 6 mos.  Likley, I'll go back to Wilson and ARC.  But, we'll see.  This post has made some convincing aregumetns to consider others like Audio Note and more.  

I am a total Lumin fan owning the A-1 and now the X-1.  That is a great start.  I can't say enough positives about Lumin.  I had mine paired to Sonus Faber Amati Tradition Homage Speakers.  Prior to purchasing the SF's, I direct compared to the Wilson Alexia 1's.  There was no comparison as the SF's beet the Alexia's in overall music and sound by a large percentage.  You can get used SF's for $17-22k.  I had a Raven integrated MK2 Reflection Tube Amp.  It was also great.  IMO you can save money by buying an integrated whether it is a tube or a Luxman or Gryphon.  I also have a brand new pair of Mola Mola Kaluga and Makua Amps that have never been used that I am going to sell shortly.  I decided to go a different route and going into horn speakers.  The Mola Mola Amp and Pre amp retail for $28k and I will be listing them shortly for $14k.  They can drive any speaker you could possibly buy.  I am buying a whole new system because I just sold my house and all of the audio equipment.  

Digital only at full retail.

Quadraspire Reference X 3 shelf                                        $ 5,400
Naim Uniti Core music server                                                2,800
Nordost Valhalla 1 digital cable                                             1,000
Wire World Silver Eclipse 8 ICs  6.5'                                     1,200

Manley Neo Classic 300B preamp                                        6,100
various tube upgrades                                                              500
ATC SCM 40A speakers                                                      14,000

Isoacoustics Gaia ll footers                                                      600
Isoacoustics carpet spikes                                                       120
Oyaide R1 outlet                                                                       200
Patrick Cullen Crossover ll power cords (5)                           1,800

Mojo Audio Mystique 3 DAC                                                 5,500
Decware ZLC power conditioner                                           1,000
                                                                                            ________
                                                                                          $ 40,220

Missing is an HDD and $2,000 will get you upgraded Takatsuki 300B tubes which are astounding.

Forgot Decware silver reference with XHadow ICs milled connectors at $210/1m pr.

I’ve been in this hobby for 4+ decades, even owned my own shop. I’ve learned to seek out products that fly under the radar, preferring products without dealer markup (sold direct)

Cables WireWorld Series 8, which step below the most expensive is up to you
Everything should be Differentially balanced. After decades of either laziness, or flat out stupidity, both component designers and reviewers are beginning to see the light regarding Dif Balanced


Amp EVS 1200 provides 600 wpc (dual mono). It is based on the latest IcePower class D modules. Mine now has about 100 hours on it. I’ve had all tube systems, hybrid systems, and ss systems. This amp is the real deal, Also GaN amps are amazing, but most are absurdly priced (in a response above $28K GaN amps slashed to $14k. Sounds great, BUT... If you wait ~ 30 days, one is about to be introduced to the market that will shake up the unnecessarily $$$$$ GaN market, including the $14K deep discounted pair.


Preamp: I would go with the Tortuga XLR (~$3K). I don’t own it YET, but, it’s on the list, But for you strongly consider the new Elac Dac/Pre/Streamer a total bargain @ #2499, will save you a ton on cables, power cords, shelving... I am still quite happy with the previous generation DDP-1 + PS 5, which actually retailed for the same $


Power Conditioning:


2 @ 20 amp dedicated lines + Core Tech 1800 + Deep Core

In order, in the last 6 months, I’ve upgraded preamp interconnects, speaker cables, power cords, and digital cables. And most recently the amp. The KCIIs immediately revealed each improvement. After breaking in the EVS 1200, I no longer find the need for my 2 SVS powered subs. Due to their crappy internal XO and volume control they were FAR from seamless. Now, the KCIIs are only good to 42Hz (but the full sound from the EVS 1200 amp is amazing), but I have a large room, and plenty of large scale music where bigger speakers are needed. And so, I am in high anticipation of delivery of Emerald Physics 2.8s, which should arrive by the end of this month . Both have won prestigious awards in their class

Speakers: Again I’ve owned many, both monkey coffins and open baffle. I have owned the Emerald Physic KC IIs (open baffle) for about 2.5 years. They remind me of Magnepans (a good thing)


In your favor, if you act fast, EP has radically reduced their prices

Digital/Steaming/TT there are too many choices, but Jay’s Audio stands out for digital.


As to TTs, that’s a deep dark hole, stick with something basic like a Rega 3-6 and call it a day
hth