Incredible Audio System for $1K


First this Solid State system sounds as good as having a midrange cost tube amp. Most important sre the Speakers. I bought used Monitor Audio Silver 3i. They sound about as good as my previous Revel M22 that is a serious performing speaker. Next is a Douk NS-13G class D amplifier. This amp is stunning. Sounds same as a midrange cost tube amp. Produces 60 Watts RMS per channel. Uses newer Texas Instruments TPA3255 power amp that many report here is a serious performer. The amp has phono and 1 volt Aux input. It also has treble and bass controls. Using NE5532P op amps, it can be replaced with Muses 02 amps for greater performance, The tunable is a Pioneer. PL-30-K that is also a good performer. I bought open box on eBay for $299. Box was sealed never opened. I replaced cheap cartridge with a AT VM95E. Not quite the VM540ML but is a good performer. Finally, I bought a Meridian 504 FM tuner. Of course there are better sounding systems, but this system is an excellent performer. Does one need more?

jimbennet

My wife went out the other day and left computer speakers running. Damn. they sounded good - really surprising. You never know, even cheap setups can sound great. 

I find that listening to a really good stereo makes me more aware of sonic nuances. Like occasionally I’ll be watching something on the iPad and just be amazed at the big continuous sound stage it throws in three dimensional space and all the instruments suspended in that space… from the tiny speakers.