Clean slate

[Joe Schmoe]

We have all experienced that desire for something completely new. Suppose you were to get rid of everything you currently own and build a new 2-channel music system from a clean slate (for a 10 X 20 ft room, with CD as the only source.)
1) What would you consider the minimum expenditure for this to be worth doing at all?
2) What would be your top choices of what to get? (Including electronics, and also pro vs. consumer, bookshelf vs. tower, etc.)

(I am actually considering this, but only after saving for at least several months. No point getting what I can afford now only to be disappointed later.)

 

[ParadigmDawg]

It would be an easy choice for me.

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=1156

http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=5
http://www.rotel.com/NA/products/ProductDetails.htm?Id=39

 

[3db]

We have all experienced that desire for something completely new. Suppose you were to get rid of everything you currently own and build a new 2-channel music system from a clean slate (for a 10 X 20 ft room, with CD as the only source.)
1) What would you consider the minimum expenditure for this to be worth doing at all?
2) What would be your top choices of what to get? (Including electronics, and also pro vs. consumer, bookshelf vs. tower, etc.)

(I am actually considering this, but only after saving for at least several months. No point getting what I can afford now only to be disappointed later.)

How much cash are we talking about here?

 

[rufas2000]

I pretty much did this very thing. I got off at only $1,600 ($1,700 if you include the Harmony remote). For that I managed to get a Denon-987 receiver and a pair of Klipsch RF-82s. I suspect you have higher aspirations than me though so its hard to say. Depends on what type of system you are used to and what type of music you would be listening to. In my case (as far as what i got) a person coming from a Sony budget system who liked rock music would be very happy but someone who is used to B&Ws and Rotel power amps would not be so happy.

 

[Davemcc]

Greg's suggestion would be a killer system. I'd probably go a little more cost conscious with a Rotel RC-1070/RB-1080 combo with a pair of Dynaudio Focus 220. If needed (probably not), I would fill in the bass with a Hsu VTF-2 MK3.

The imaging on the Dynaudio is absolutely stunning. Audition these. They are amazing.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

How much cash are we talking about here?

Well, that's one of the questions, isn't it. My current system is worth about $1800 MSRP, though I paid less than that. The obvious tradeoff is that spending more means saving longer (credit is not an option), but could also lead to greater long-term satisfaction.
Even though I am not a believer in expensive CDPs, I would want one that visually matches whatever amplification I get (integrated or separate.)

 

[Davemcc]

Well, that's one of the questions, isn't it. My current system is worth about $1800 MSRP, though I paid less than that. The obvious tradeoff is that spending more means saving longer (credit is not an option), but could also lead to greater long-term satisfaction.
Even though I am not a believer in expensive CDPs, I would want one that visually matches whatever amplification I get (integrated or separate.)

What is in the current Schmoe system. Could some be carried over or replace components over time?

 

[Joe Schmoe]

What is in the current Schmoe system. Could some be carried over or replace components over time?

The current Schmoe system is an Onkyo DX-C390 CD changer, a Carver CM1090 integrated amp, and one of 3 speaker systems (Def Tech BP8Bs, Polk Monitor 50s+PSW10 sub, or Mirage Omni 150s with/without the sub.)
Carrying some things over defeats the purpose of having 100% shiny, brand-new stuff!

 

[Soundman]

The current Schmoe system is an Onkyo DX-C390 CD changer, a Carver CM1090 integrated amp, and one of 3 speaker systems (Def Tech BP8Bs, Polk Monitor 50s+PSW10 sub, or Mirage Omni 150s with/without the sub.)
Carrying some things over defeats the purpose of having 100% shiny, brand-new stuff!

So, are you just looking for an excuse to spend money?

 

[Joe Schmoe]

So, are you just looking for an excuse to spend money?

Sorry if you don't get the whole "new car smell" concept, but I think most here do.

 

[Soundman]

Sorry if you don't get the whole "new car smell" concept, but I think most here do.

Very funny! Just trying to see what your reasoning was. Are you trying to step it up performance wise? Is your gear getting older?

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Very funny! Just trying to see what your reasoning was. Are you trying to step it up performance wise? Is your gear getting older?

Thinking of a level of performance I have not had before, and not sure what it will cost for the difference to be "night and day" (a subtle difference is not worth it.) Also, yes my gear is getting older. (I have had the Def Techs,my best speakers, for 8 years. The amp is from 1992. Even the CD player is at least 4 years old.)
(Oh, FWIW, I had B&W 705s for a while. Nice speakers, but less than I expected for $1500, so I sold them. I also had Klipsch RB61s, but found them too bright.)

 

[Soundman]

Thinking of a level of performance I have not had before, and not sure what it will cost for the difference to be "night and day" (a subtle difference is not worth it.) Also, yes my gear is getting older. (I have had the Def Techs,my best speakers, for 8 years. The amp is from 1992. Even the CD player is at least 4 years old.)
(Oh, FWIW, I had B&W 705s for a while. Nice speakers, but less than I expected for $1500, so I sold them. I also had Klipsch RB61s, but found them too bright.)

I see... How about a pair of these?: http://www.audioholics.com/reviews/speakers/floorstanding/rbh-t-30lse/

They should give you a jump in performance, IMO.

 

[John Bailey]

NAD 352 - $499-$699
NAD CD Player - $399
PSB Image T-45 (for detail) $699
T-55 (good all round) $899
T-65 (lots-a-bass) $1099

NAD and PSB make great music together. You'll spend somewhere between $1,500 and $2,000 new for this set-up and it will make great music. Personally, for my ears, you've got to spend a lot more money with little to gain. You could switch NAD for Rotel or any number of "mid-fi" units, and, of course, many different speakers at this price.

John

 

[Joe Schmoe]

NAD 352 - $499-$699
NAD CD Player - $399
PSB Image T-45 (for detail) $699
T-55 (good all round) $899
T-65 (lots-a-bass) $1099

NAD and PSB make great music together. You'll spend somewhere between $1,500 and $2,000 new for this set-up and it will make great music. Personally, for my ears, you've got to spend a lot more money with little to gain. You could switch NAD for Rotel or any number of "mid-fi" units, and, of course, many different speakers at this price.

John

Interesting you mention that, because I was just looking at NAD stuff and it looks nice for the price. I last heard PSB in Montana a good 15 years or so ago, but liked them at that time. KEF iQ series is something else I have been thinking about, and also Rockets.

 

[3db]

My amplifier of choice

http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C372-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier


My speakers of choice are;
http://www.totemacoustic.com/us/products/columns/wind/specifications/
or
http://www.totemacoustic.com/us/products/compact/mani-2_signature/specifications/

or

http://www.psbspeakers.com/products/Synchrony/Synchrony-One


For a more realistic setup on the CD side, I'd get a combi unit from Yamaha that plays all audio formats using the 5 1/4" disc format.

For just looks alone;
http://www.oracle-audio.com/product_cd20002500.html?id=cd_2000&info=info

I know you said no vinyl but I can't help it. I'm addicted.

For looks alone category again
http://www.oracle-audio.com/product_delphimkv.html


Either player based on looks alone would cost you the amp +PSB synchrony speakers. I just threw them in for looks only.

 

[mazersteven]

$800 option
Mackie HR 824
http://www.mackie.com/products/hr824/
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mackie-HR824-Studio-Monitor?sku=605250

$1000-$1200 option
Polk Audio LSi9 (these can be purchased pre-owned for under $500 a pair)
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/individual/bookshelf/lsi9/
Choice of amps
Emotiva RPA-1 (350 watts RMS per channel into 4 ohms)
http://www.emotiva.com/rpa1.html
Parasound A23 (Pre/owned $500)
http://www.parasound.com/halo/a23.php
Outlaw Audio 2200 Mono Blocks 2-$624
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/2200.html

$2400-$2500 option
AV123 Strata Mini
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=78.1
Choice of amps
Emotiva RPA-1
http://www.emotiva.com/rpa1.html
Parasound A23 (Pre/owned $500)
http://www.parasound.com/halo/a23.php

 

[Joe Schmoe]

$2400 would be doable in around 6 months.
Why is the Strata Mini called "Mini", when it is 47" tall? Also, if you were going to buy AV123 speakers, would you not get electronics from them also?
The powered studio monitor route has its appeal. I would like it best with a direct connection from CD player to speakers. Can this be done?

 

[gus6464]

I really liked the Rega electronics I got to check out yesterday. The Brio 3 integrated looks nice and I like the way you load the disc into the Apollo cd player. The Brio3 isn't bad price wise but the Apollo is $1000.

 

[Soundman]

$800 option
Mackie HR 824
http://www.mackie.com/products/hr824/
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Mackie-HR824-Studio-Monitor?sku=605250

$1000-$1200 option
Polk Audio LSi9 (these can be purchased pre-owned for under $500 a pair)
http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/individual/bookshelf/lsi9/
Choice of amps
Emotiva RPA-1 (350 watts RMS per channel into 4 ohms)
http://www.emotiva.com/rpa1.html
Parasound A23 (Pre/owned $500)
http://www.parasound.com/halo/a23.php
Outlaw Audio 2200 Mono Blocks 2-$624
http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/2200.html

$2400-$2500 option
AV123 Strata Mini
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=78.1
Choice of amps
Emotiva RPA-1
http://www.emotiva.com/rpa1.html
Parasound A23 (Pre/owned $500)
http://www.parasound.com/halo/a23.php

Excellent choices! I was going to recommend the Strata Mini. It was designed to be a very musical speaker.