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$5k budget tube system

So my friend doesnt know much about Hi-Fi but just loves my tube system and wanted me to put a component list together for him with a budget of up to $5k. My system came in a bit above that, even buying many pieces used off Agon, so certain items will have to be downscaled.

I definitely think the speakers should be Omega - for the money I don't think there is anything better in highly efficient single driver speakers (plus certain models like the XRS don't even require stands).

Here is my list of components for him along with prices (new or used). Anyone here have any suggestions? Don't want to steer him wrong.....

Omega Super 3 XRS ($950 new)
Marantz 8001 CD/SACD player ($500 used)
Cary SLI-80 integrated tube amp ($1800 used)
Hudson Audio R speaker cables ($250 - Louis at Omega tried a bunch of different speaker cables and thinks these sound best for the money).
Kimber Silver Streak interconnects ($200 used)
LAT International AC2 Power Cords (3 required - $750)
PS Audio High Current Ultimate Outlet ($200 used)
Salamander Archetype 3.0 Rack ($180)

Totals out to $4,800
latinsamba1
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,745 posts
 
Latinsamba1:

The Superhemps are a big step up from the Super 3 XRS and worth the additional $1K. If you keep to Omegas, you must use tubes. Solid state does not work as well with Omegas, Red Wine Audio partnership notwithstanding.

Your cable cost for this type of system should be in the $400 - $500 range (10% rule). I owned the Omega Super 3 for a number of years. I liked Signal Cable Silver Resolution for the interconnects and Signal Cables basic speaker cables with the Omegas. For power cords, go with Naim power cords at $25 each, hard to go wrong at that price.

Other alternatives to the Cary would be the Prima Luna Prologue 2 or Dialogue 2.

Regards, Rich
latinsamba1 OP
74 posts
 
Hi Rich,

I agree with you on the SuperHemps vs. the XRS. I listened to the XRS at Louis' facility and they sounded great but lacked the bottom end of the Supers. My friend would be better off to go with the Supers from the start and upgrade the cables down the road.
beavis
272 posts
 
What kinds of music does he plan to listen to? And how loud?

Ask Louis for a recommenndation, also.

Although not for everyone, I've found a Decware SE84ZS (2 w/c & much less expensive) with small group jazz, acoustic & chamber music to be more than enough. Of course I don't listen to rock or classical music at anywhere near concert levels.
aronsss
110 posts
 
Rogue Audio Cronus +
Vandersteen 2CE +
Rega Apollo (or other good sub $1000 cdp) +
Audioquest wires (synergistic w/ Vandersteens) +
=
Musical Enjoyment
55dok
162 posts
 
Used prices:

If you have the room for planar speakers:
Magnepan 1.6 QR: $1000-1200 with mye stands
innersound esl amp late mark 1 or mark2: $1000
lector zoe tube preamp:$1000 (all the tubes you will need)
dennon 2910 or modded sony es555 etc CD/SACD: $500
apex speaker cables: $125-225
silentaudio interconnects: $100
k-works, cryoparts or TG audio power cords: $300 for three
powervar conditioner: $150
OR forget the amp and preamp and get a good Luxman R117 receiver ($250+) and save nearly $2000 and still have incredible sound without tubes.

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