2. misc-audio
  3. 1192914025

$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
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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