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.
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?
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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. |
It is not difficult to produce a system that is able to impress at a very reasonable budget. When a friend took on a different approach to a Analogue Source, they were working with MM, and stuck to AT Cart's at less than £100 to be used with a tonearm being sourced again for close to £200. These were used with a Lenco TT mounted on a rethought through plinth where I am confident combined costs did not exceed £200. A Hagerman Phon' was used with an integrated amp and a used Speaker, which took a couple of efforts with the Speaker to get the end sound on the money. This selection of Source and supporting system did not exceed much more than £1000 and was a pleasure to hear in use. From what I have experienced as demo's of audio systems heavily invested in over the years, the friends approach with their knowledge of equipment as their strength, was able to create a impression that has been just as indelible. One thing about reporting that an audio system does do good things at the $1K area, is to encourage newly interested individuals. In this modern world there are serious budget constraints, for an individual exposed toa limited budget to know they can find away in and have a worthwhile musical encounter, will undoubtedly be well received. Being an audiophile ( one who has a passion for listening to recoded music through electronic equipment) is a label that can be worn by any individual when the fundamental is the exposure to music being heard and not the tools needed to enable the musical experience. To listen to such a system for plenty of people is plenty enough.
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@thecarpathian - as a photographer myself, I could not agree more. Expensive gear most assuredly does not necessarily equate to excellent photographs. |
Interesting thread! Congratulation to the OP ! I myself was in heaven or almost with a low cost system... I learned one thing : Once basic synergy is there what matter is optimization of the system gear pieces separately and together ... Dont listen to those who will dismiss your choices of gear and joy as illusions ... Learn by reading acoustics article and books not audio thread (save for very specific advice)... We live an era where audiophile sound may cost peanuts if we learn how to optimize it... Aim a musical satisfaction and forget sound and critics about your gear pieces choice if you are happy ...
Ignorant advise mostly about the brand we must purchase,but the wise advise about concept and parameters and tools for optimization of what we already own... There is many good pieces gear in many brand , but there is only one way to optimize all brand pieces of gear, it is the same for all pieces of gear (mechanical,electrical and acoustical parameters) ... There is different budget, but there is no linear relation between sound quality experience and price... Also some old piece of gear sometimes were never improved and are unique by design (My vintage AKG K340 headphone is)
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