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Really Inexpensive Systems That Sounded Great?

I think there is a big difference between "cheap" and inexpensive. I have blown money on "cheap" cables and immediately regretted it when my ears started bleeding from the brightness in my digital components. I also don’t mean "bargains" like the time I scored $2000 speakers for $200 on Craigslist, that is basically luck.

I am talking about inexpensive (less than $1500) for a system that sounded really great to you.

I fell into a whole house audio system from DTS Play-Fi because I wanted to try and compare different brands. I picked up Play-Fi amps, preamps and active speakers made by Polk, Paradigm, Klipsch, Onkyo and DefTech all for less than $1000 a pop. For what it is, whole house audio/casual listening it sounds great.

What inexpensive great sounding systems have you tried?

 

kota1
tomcarr
1,468 posts
 

My wife and I have three systems. 

Master bedroom, living room, listening room.

The living room system is the least expensive by far and consists of a pair of Pioneer stand-mount 2-ways designed by Andrew Jones, 14 gauge cheap speaker wire, and a  Denon AVR bought used. Source is streaming.

Total cost is under $600.

Sounds amazingly good for what it costs. Helped in no doubt by a large room with tall ceilings. Best bang for the buck of our three systems.

linnvolk
85 posts
 

My second system is in my woodshop.  A very simple combination:

  • Klipsch RP600M Bookshelf Speakers
  • NAD C316 BEE Integrated
  • BlueSound Node 2i

The Klipsch are efficient (96 dB) and make plenty of sound (including bass) with the 40W NAD.  Total price before tax a couple of years ago was $1600.  This system has exceeded my expectations.  I couldn't be happier with it.

seanheis1
594 posts
 

Tekton Lore

Aiyima A07 chip amp

Schiit Modi DAC

Wiim Mini Streamer

The weakest link here is the Aiyima amp. Upgrade it with a Van Alstine SET 120 amp like I did or maybe a Schiit amp.

glatzj's avatar
glatzj
11 posts
 

A $1500 System - Based on Reviews and Personal Experience

Terrific flexibility - but easily upgradeable.

$80   WIIM Mini Streamer -Optical SPIDF->DAC.  USB Laptop Streaming via USB->DAC is also somewhat being assumed.

$279 SMLS M200 DAC - Balanced, Remote w Volume Control, LDAC Bluetooth

$400 2 units - Sabaj A20a AMPS - Balanced, 2x 350W Monoblock or can Biamp depending on speakers

$320 Elac Debut 5.2 Speakers - flexible, ported

$109 Xduoo MT-602 2 Tube Preamp and Headphone AMP - for DAC->RCA outputs

$170 Drop 6XX Headphones - great on Tube Amps

$40   Blue Ray CD Player with Coax Output - to DAC.  For the analog vibe…

$100 for Cables

Total:  $1498 for a Streaming Headphone setup and powerful speaker setup w remote volume control

Sabaj RCA inputs and XLR/RCA switch make it possible for a tube preamp connection - for optional flavor.

Or… use one Sabaj A20a unbalanced and substitute other speakers for ~$520. You lose balanced and flexibility, though.

An Xduoo MT-604 could be used for the balanced DAC output to a tube Amp - but is more expensive.

I use an MT-604 as a balanced preamp to a balanced AB power amp - and the sound is great.

kota1 OP
2,706 posts
 

It is amazing how Moores law works in favor of audio. Many of the systems being discussed in this thread would have been $$$ just 3-5 years ago.

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