Putting together a new home audio system...

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SoftJock Rick

SoftJock Rick

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Dec 29, 2006
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I'm putting together a small, all analog tube system together for the Man Cave -- Yay :)

Strictly a 2.0 listening system, no theatre stuff. My Onkyo handles that well.

So, I've pretty much decided what turntable, amp, cables and speakers I want (and I've found a couple of good sources for new audiophile vinyl, to replace a lot of my old records). Now I'm just buying it piece by piece as money comes in, and will put it all together when everything is here in a few weeks.


So anyway, just curious what others would put together on a limited budget. I'm not wanting to go over $3k, since the room is fairly small (11 x 13), and heavily used -- so no expensive stuff.

What would be your choices for the above 4 items, in that price range or less...?
 
jokerswild said:
Gemini or Pyle.... man you'd be rockin!
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I've already got some Gemini stuff -- the older stuff that was good :)


But seriously, given the budget, non-DJ, what would you get...?
 
One of them portables like Canute uses for tea parties. There might be some great deals on Craigslist or ebay older but great condition used stuff which might cost less for much more. I know several folks who have bought top quality stuff from those sources. Of course if you wont stand for used Rob made a couple pretty decent suggestions. I bought some tiny Cerwin Vega bookshelf speakers a few yrs back that are pretty darned amazing. Do you want amp/ pre amp or reciever type?
 
Jon Tuck said:
One of them portables like Canute uses for tea parties. There might be some great deals on Craigslist or ebay older but great condition used stuff which might cost less for much more. I know several folks who have bought top quality stuff from those sources. Of course if you wont stand for used Rob made a couple pretty decent suggestions. I bought some tiny Cerwin Vega bookshelf speakers a few yrs back that are pretty darned amazing. Do you want amp/ pre amp or reciever type?
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I already know what I'm buying -- I wanted to know what you would buy... :)
 
Well its not a five minute process for me. I do alot of research as to what is out there. Perhaps go check out the sound of equipment and compare. Why do ya think it took me 3 yrs to determine against Bose and bought the German stuff.
 
Jon Tuck said:
Well its not a five minute process for me. I do alot of research as to what is out there. Perhaps go check out the sound of equipment and compare. Why do ya think it took me 3 yrs to determine against Bose and bought the German stuff.
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Damn, takes you as long to figure out one of my posts, as it does for me to figure out one of yours... :sqlaugh:


I've already done my research, and am not looking for advice -- I want to know what you want to put in YOUR Man Cave, given the relative budget suggested... :)
 
Jon Tuck said:
Perhaps its the Best Coast, lEast Coast issue playing its hand.
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We already know where the best coast is -- the sun reminds us of that every morning, by visiting us first... :yothumbsup:
 
There's a few I like Polk audio is near the top and of course you can never go wrong with Yamaha.

For an amp I would choose one of these
 
I found a used Bryston 3B in 2003 for $600... I snapped it up. A year ago I found a pair of Dahlquist DQ-10s with the original crossovers and a mid-woof missing on eBay for $114. I paid more to have them shipped to me than the seller wanted for the speakers themselves! Upgraded the crossovers and matched the existing woof with some spare Advent woofs, and my system really, really sounds sweet.

Rick, I'll present your dilemma to my Partner In Crime and get back to you.
 
Gee, I'm depressed now -- nobody reads my posts (except drzinc)... :sqfrown:


Anyway, if you missed it, the question was -- what would YOU put together for a system for your cave? Not mine -- I already have my stuff picked out, and some ordered.

It consists of a turntable, amp, speakers and cables, and it has to come in at <= $3000.
 
SoftJock Rick said:
Gee, I'm depressed now -- nobody reads my posts (except drzinc)... :sqfrown:


Anyway, if you missed it, the question was -- what would YOU put together for a system for your cave? Not mine -- I already have my stuff picked out, and some ordered.

It consists of a turntable, amp, speakers and cables, and it has to come in at <= $3000.
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but I did Rick, Bryston & Paradigm....I wouldn't have a TT, and cables are only of moderate importance. I don't care what YOU put in YOURS! lol Except it's entertaining to see your pics!
You know I luv ya Rick!
 
Valerie Hicks said:
but I did Rick, Bryston & Paradigm....I wouldn't have a TT, and cables are only of moderate importance. I don't care what YOU put in YOURS! lol Except it's entertaining to see your pics!
You know I luv ya Rick!
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Interesting, as I've budgeted 20% for cables...

BTW, what will you listen to, if you only can afford an amp and speakers...?
 
SoftJock Rick said:
Gee, I'm depressed now -- nobody reads my posts (except drzinc)... :sqfrown:

... what would YOU put together for a system for your cave? Not mine -- I already have my stuff picked out, and some ordered.

It consists of a turntable, amp, speakers and cables, and it has to come in at <= $3000.
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I DID read your post, Rick! I got a reply from my Partner In Crime. I did not tell him that you just wanted to see what I would pick, so his response is geared to recommendations for YOU:

Your friend will have a difficult time putting something together for that price if he wants to use tubes. He would be over his budget right away just for the amplification. He may find some old Dynaco stuff on e-bay for that price but he would be taking a big gamble in the reliability area. If he is not stuck with the tubes a nice integrated amp from Music Hall would work well ..the model A35.2 has some good press and is about $800.00 ... 85W/channel. He would need a phono preamp. Music Hall's MHPA1.2 goes for about 150.00. A Music Hall MMF 5.1 turntable (comes with a very good cartridge) works well (updated version of the one I use) for about 875.00. I was going to suggest Dahlquist for him but since his room is fairly small he may be better off with a smaller Vandersteen model 1's for about 1000 a pair ..or less if he is OK with used.
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So there.
 
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