Is Budget Audiophile an oxymoron?

Without disclosing how much money you are willing to spend, there is no intelligent way to answer your question. 

There are lots of great bookshelf speakers available. I have an old pair of 3D Acoustics paired with a SVS 1000 sub in my HT (B&W center), and a pair of older KEF speakers in the garage with another sub. Check out Craigslist and Facebook marketplace, plus www.hifishark.com. Have Fun.

To answer the title, I don’t think “budget audiophile” is an oxymoron. 

A few years back I sold some speakers to a guy who wanted a demo with his gear at his residence. I took a trip, demoed the speakers and then listened to his budget home theater and DIY sub. In the midst of his semi-hoarder home I was absolutely floored with how great it sounded. Placement was dialed in, settings were refined within his receiver, and DIY and creative treatments were strategically placed. 

Went home, found the exact same test tracks and scenes, played them 7-10 times, minimized the experience earlier in the day, and then weeks later realized how humbling it all was. His Klipsch system wasn’t even a quarter what I had spent on my 5.2 system, yet it simply put my system to shame. 

High-fidelity doesn’t just mean high-end. High-fidelity can be found if you know what you’re doing.

Asking questions and being transparent goes a long way. Curious what the suggestions may be for you. 

 

Is Budget Audiophile an oxymoron?

certainly not

but getting very good performance for a modest amount of money requires careful planning and thinking, a lot of knowledge, self-awareness (of your use case, tastes, and system objectives) and patience, as the best value gear is usually bought used

gkelly - HSU is around the block from me - tks