Best bang for the buck

@balthazarjw 😀 THC--what sent me on my audio journey--first time i had ever listened into the music and the first album i heard was Days of Future Passed--opened the audio rabbit hole.  Only do it occasionally any more but never regret.

@dtorc -my story is similar but cheaper--i did a phone call with Jim for $175--was supposed to be a half hour but he stayed with me for 1.5 hours and guided me through the tweaks i needed in the room--thought about hiring him to come and listen but after the call the sound was so good and good enough.  Best money i ever spent--RIP Jim

Owning a stereo in my room is only possible with room treatment and to a lesser degree, subwoofers. That added up fast for me, though.  I already posted about it but submit that a pair of Hales Transcendence 5s in nice condition for $1400 is the deal of my audio life. 

Hands down, the best "bang for the buck" item I've ever bought is a Reisong A10 EL34 amp I got after seeing Steve Gutenberg's review around 2019.  It cost me about $350 (that included delivery), and I spent another $100 or so upgrading to PSVane tubes.

Built like a tank, point to point wiring, and hand made.  I was absolutely stunned at how good it sounded.  It is in one of my bedroom systems, and provides great listening for a low price.

BAT VK-P5- $600

Odyssey Audio Stratos- $225

Mytek dac- $300

Denon dp-57l- $250

Audiolab 6000cdt- $275

Belles Aria integrated- $900

All used of course, but every single piece in pristine condition. It pays to be patient.

great find. I need to redefine the bargain. 

The definition of bargain changes with your ability to fix your own gear.

Almost all of the used prices listed above are only 15% to 36% of the original MSRP. For pre-owned units in pristine condition that require no repairs, such prices are virtually unheard of. If someone were to make such a lowball offer, I would turn it down without a second thought.  

@lanx0003 ,

That’s why it pays to be patient!

And yes, none of this gear has so much as a scratch, bruise or pimple. I take that back, the Denon does have a tiny veneer chip on one corner.

The Mytek and Audiolab were USAM finds. The BAT, Aria, and Stratos were Craigslist. People discount Craigslist as a dumping ground for cheap junk, and that’s generally true. But it depends on your location. My local Craigslist has McIntosh, Belles, Ohm Walsh, Proac, Apogee, Thorens, Atma-Sphere, Bel-Canto listings right now just to name a few. A lot of well to do guys who just want stuff gone. I picked up the dp57-l by luck. Was at a fella’s house looking at a pair of Avance speakers when I saw it just sitting in the corner. Asked him about it and he said he never uses it and told me If I want it, I can have it for $250. No brainer!

Had to drive from southeast CT. to the Berkshire Mountains in Mass. for the BAT, but totally worth it. Guy owned a recording studio in a ritzy hamlet up there. He bought an old church and converted it. Nice fella. Stratos came from a guy who’s dad passed. He had to ask me what it was for, as he wasn’t sure. Aria was a shorter trip to Mass. None of these were lowball offers. They were right at, or just a touch below asking price, and none required any type of repair.

As they say: Location, location, location!