Best sounding system for under $10k

Gunbei, I have the vsm's and am using the bluejean cables that cost only $50 a pair.go figure , I wonder if it can get better, I question the overpriced cables.

Pedrillo, I've owned some expensive cables, but am also of the opinion that you can get quality sound without spending a lot on them.

I've been using Acoustic Zen interconnects for a few years and really like them, but at $995 for the Silver Ref II and $495 for the Matrix Ref II they're definitely the ceiling on what I plan to spend for cables. You can always get used samples on Audiogon for about half the price of new for the Silver Ref II and about 60% of retail for the Matrix Ref II.

I've been comparing the Acoustic Zen against some Z Squared interconnects I won on auction on Audiogon. Depending on how many people you're bidding against you might be able to snag the Z-Squared AUAU for $120-190 and the Copper for $80-120.

Interesting comparing the Z-Squared versus the Acoustic Zen interconnects, because the best I can say so far is that they're different. When you have most of your system locked in and you're doing specific tuning and comparisons rather than having one IC blow another, it usually works out to be a case of where one does attribute A, B, and E better than other while not doing C and D quite as well. And all that in different degrees.

So it isn't always easy deciding between cables, and often you have to decide which sacrifices the least. Based on forum opinion I was really hoping that the cheaper ones might replace the more expensive ones, but I may have to take longer to decide. Not surprising since different systems react differently to different cables, heheh.

So for you I'd try to remain as economical as possible with cables, however I'd bet that a lot of forum members could suggest something in $100-200 range that might improve on what you have.

Bottom line. If you're currently happy with your set up do your best NOT to get curious and bite the upgrade bug!

Pedrillo,

Congratulations on an awesome system. I agree you can do very well on Audiogon buying second hand gear...there are many reasons that people sell excellent gear second hand (divorce, upgrading, downsizing, moving home etc.) - you just have to be patient - and that appears to be exactly what you have done and built a system of your dreams!

Just the other day, I noticed a pair of ATC SCM 100 ASL for sale with all the latest mods/upgrades at a steal compared to the price for a new pair. Of course not many people have the appropriate space or care for the power that such huge speakers provide, furthermore, if you care deeply for aesthetics then chances are these behemoths will get scratched easily in shipping due to their size and weight. In fact, I have often seen smaller models of the same speaker sell for much more second hand! Together, however, these drawbacks may add up to a bargain price for someone with the right space; a system that the likes of Pink Floyd, Mark Knopfler, Telarc, Doug Sax and many other artists/studios prefer.

Pedrillo, congrats! You've joined us in the "My system's the best in the world for X dollars" club!

One last addition to my incredible sounding system I got the SUMIKO BLACKBIRD and it brought my system up a big notch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!