How much is your main home audio system worth?

Etcetera · Aug 5, 2003

New to this site, here's my current lineup.

Sony XBR Wega 36" non HD ($1000 used a couple years ago)
Pioneer VSX 55TXi Elite  $1000 ($1700 Retail)
Pioneer DV-525 Next to go (thinking of the Elite DV-47ai at $550)
Klipsch RF-35 ($660 per pair)
Klipsch RC-35 ($280)
Klipsch RS-35 x 4 ($750 for 4)
Klipsch RW-10 ($400)
Digital Cable box Motorolla

I use bettercables.com cables for signal level stuff, and 12 gauge speaker cable from Home Depot. Probably $350 worth of connections

My room is about 15 x 20 and is 75% carpeted. Plaster walls and ceiling.

Audioholics · Aug 8, 2003

Those XBRs just look great.

petermwilson · Aug 8, 2003

Hi,
I've never owned an XBR but have many friends with them.
Sony found the secret with regard to direct view and the XBR's.

Peter m.

Etcetera · Aug 12, 2003

I love it.  It's pretty darn good, espescially when playing anamorphic dvd's.   My wife was a little miffed when I first brought it home, but she has come around since then.  I always forget the model number, but it's something like

xbr-36250  

I know it has 36 and 250 in it anyways.

Eric

nd4040 · Sep 17, 2003

* Rx-v2400 Yamaha Receiver  
* booze 901 fronts(2)
* Polk rm 6700 surrounds(4)/center(1)
* JBL 12" Subwoofer/Techniques 8" sub
* RCA 52 in HDTV
* Yamaha 45A elite dvd/cd player

JoeE SP9 · Sep 26, 2003

I'm new here and quite enthusiastic about all things audio so here goes my rig as it currently exists.
ARC SP9 MKII preamp
VPI HW19jr
Rega RB300 with new counterweight and easy riser
Marcof PPA1 head amp (modified)
various cartridges Shure V15, Sumiko Blue Point Special, Ortofon MC20
Marantz CD63SE CD
MSB DtoA
Sony DVP-NS500V DVD/SACD/CD
Accuphase T101 tuner (Analog!!!)
Nakamichi LX-3 Cassette
Nakamachi ZX-7 Cassette
Lexicon CP1 (surround processor)
Scratch built AC line conditioners/surge supressors
A bunch of other stuff: ie VCR, web TV (Not my primary web access, I get it free for doing consumer surveys) video switch box etc.
Cheap 31"GE TV (my Christmas present will be a 42" Plasma)
2 modified Hafler DH200's for subs (fully POOGED ala The Audio Amateur)
2 radically modified Dynaco MK3's for mains. Only the output tubes and transformers are original.
1 Adcom GFA545 (drives all rears)
2 Paradigm electronic crossovers
2 12" Subs in sealed 3 cubic foot cabinets (dual voice coils)
1pr Acoustat Spectra 2200SW electrostatics (fronts)
1pr Acoustat Model 1 electrostatics (rears)
The woofer cabinet from the 2SW's is connected with the Model 1's for my rears
Speaker cables are braided CAT5 ultra, hand crafted by yours truly.
IC's Belden 9259 with Deltron RCA's (I make my own cables)
My PC is integrated with all this. Unreal and Halflife are a blast.
Room treatments include echo busters, bass busters, diffusors, throw rugs and other stuff.
Philly row home with solid brick and plaster walls. My listening room used to be my dining and living room. I knocked down the wall between them. I'm a batchelor now so I have no higher authority to answer to.
Room dimensions 15'x29'x9'
Lots of Vinyl 3K+
RBCD 1K+
SACD 25
Cassettes 100 or so
I'm primarily audio oriented. I bought most of this stuff used. All the mods were done by me. I am very happy with the sound. Everything is subject to change at any time. My audiobuddies complain that my sweet spot isn't large enough. I am thinking of some OTL tubes for the mains. When I'm home I smile a lot.

JoeE SP9 · Sep 27, 2003

Guest : Bruce's Music and HT System
Last Update: September 26, 2002 at 22:33:32

MUSIC SYSTEM

Amplifier:
Parasound 1205A 5 Channel amp (200wpc @4 Ohms)

Preamplifier:
Parasound 1100-D Direct Stereo Pre-amp

Marchand XM9L Deluxe 2way electronic xover
with 24dB slope Linkwitz-Riley symmetrical crossover at 60Hz.

-This is inserted between the L&R analog out of the Parasound 1100D pre-amp and the L&R main analog input of the Parasound 1205A amp and the powered sub.

-The L&R high-pass out from the xover is sent to the L&R inputs of the Parasound 1205A amp.

-The L&R low-pass out from the xover is summed (with a sum switch) and sent to a BFD 1100P Parametric EQ.

-Output from the BFD is sent to the subwoofer's analog mono input.

Speakers:
Main L&R are Dynaudio Contour 2.8 towers.

-These are 2-way systems with the Confidence series tweeter and a 20cm (7.8 in) passive radiator to go with a 20cm (7.8 in) mid-bass driver.

-These are rated at -3dB to 32Hz, so I tested the Marchand xover and found the best match with the sub at 60Hz, about an octave above 32Hz.
Subwoofer is an M&K MX-700 powered sub.

Sources:
CD Player/DAC: Parasound 1500-C 5 Disc CD player

Turntable/Phono Stage: Technics SL-D2 with Grado Blue
Radio Shack phono preamp

Other Accessories/Room/Misc.:

Speaker Cables/Interconnects:
Kimber Cable 4TC speaker cable for Mains and Radio Shack Gold for interconnects

Tweaks:
Marchand XM9-L electronic crossover (mains-sub)

Behringer BFD 1100P Parametric EQ (sub only)

ETF5 acoustic measurement software with calibrated mic and mic-preamp

Room Size (LxWxH):
13 x 19 x 8-12 cathedral ceiling

Music Preferences and Comments:
Jazz (FourPlay, David Benoit, Boney James), Female vocals, instrumentals

System Goals/Comments:
This integration of 2-channel music and HT is pretty good, but 2-channel soundstage does suffer some because of TV cabinet.

System Strengths:
Dynaudio main speakers present that vocal realism from female vocalists that really stirs my emotions. Also on many of my favorite jazz pieces my foot can't stop moving to the beat.

System Weaknesses:
At this time I am very happy with my setup, only soundstaging is a bit less than optimal.

HT SYSTEM: Integrated
Video
TV: Toshiba TN36 36" Direct view 4x3

Processor/Receiver/Amplifiers:
Technics SH500D DD/DTS processor

Main L&R analog out --> Aux L&R analog in on Parasound 1100D stereo pre-amp

Center analog out --> Parasound 1205A amp

L&R surr. analog out --> Parasound 1205A amp

Subwoofer out --> nothing

Technics SH500D Subwoofer output turned off in software and re-routed to L&R mains

Speakers (Center, Surrounds, Sub):
Center is the Dynaudio Contour center.

Surrounds are Dynaudio Contour 1.1 mini-monitors.

Subwoofer is an M&K MX-700 powered sub.

Sources (DVD/VCR):
Toshiba 3108 DVD player with digital optical in to the Technics SH500D

.

Just throw a blanket over the TV for serious listening

Guest · Sep 28, 2003

My system began as an two channel system in one room and homtheater system in another room.

I have begun the process of turning this system into one large multichannel music/hometheater/two channel music system..thus it is still under change as I add and subtrack some gear.

I will still maintain a somewhat smaller two channel system in the old room but will leave it off this system list.

My new room: 26'wide/23' deep/9' high

Projector: Infocus X1

Dvd player: Technics Dvd-A10 (Movies and multichannel Dvd audio)

Sacd player: Sony XA777es multichannel sacd player

Main speakers: Vmps Supertower/se...These are large 220lb multidriver system (4 0hms/91db/-3db@17hz)

Main speaker amp: Krell Ksa-250...This is a large class A amp that can really control the bottom end of the supertowers with ease. (150lbs and 2000 watts@1 ohm)

Center/side/rear speakers: Vmps Qso-626's...These are large bookshelf types (50 lb. each, 4 ohms/91db/-3db@45 hz)

Amp for center/side/rears: Krell Kav-500...This is a 5 channel amp (200 watts each channel)

Sub: Vmps large sub: This is a passive sub which is pretty much the bottom half of the Supertowers (15 inch active/12 inch active/15 inch passive, 4 ohm/91db/-3 db@17 hz)

Sub amp: Onkyo integra M-504..This amp drives the sub with 330 watts for each voice coil.

Pre/pro: Sunfire theatergrand II..This is used for movies and multichannel music..The Krell amps are balanced design and this feed them from it's balanced outputs.

Two channel Preamp: Bent Audio transformer volume control...This is not really a preamp, it is a passive volume control of very high quality. (I use it between the Sunfire theatergrand and the Krell Ksa-250 for two channel sacd's and redbook cd's. The two channel analog outs from the Sony XA777es player by-pass the Sunfire for two channel listening and allow the Sony to drive the amp with only control of volume at the Bent unit. For multichannel music and movies the Bent is set to unity gain so as to allow the front L+R channel from the Sunfire pass through..works very well.

Speaker stands are: Osiris

Cables are somewhat in a state of flux at this time but are of good quality. Cobalt/Vampire wire/Acoustic Zen/Monster/Harmonic Tech/Better cables.

This is a new Room/System so room treatments are still a work in progress. Also the Infocus X1 is still in the box as I have just moved the RPTV out of the room this week...I still need to order a screen for the Projector next week.

Dave

daboma · Oct 4, 2003

amplifiers:
denon avr2800                                         $600
marantz pm700                                        hand me down

source componets:
yamaha cdc-505                                      200
sony dvp-s360                                         250
hitachi 61" hdtv                                       3000
direct tv receiver with digital out

speakers:
cerwin vega E-312, front                           200
cerwin vega HT series center and surrounds  200

cables:
tributaries, acoustic research monster          175

the marantz drives the fronts, the denon drives the center and surrounds

the speakers are the weakest link in this set up,
i am in the process of DIYing my own speaker system with Vifa drivers all around, custom xovers and cabnets.
i have done my homework and hope to get it right the first time!

Guest · Nov 22, 2003

my system is currently only consists of following:

SONY DVD 5 disc changer $179 (CircuitCity!)
SONY 32" TV (11 yrs old) ----

Yamaha RX-V496 receiver $399

Cardas Neutral Ref. speaker cable $375

Dynaudio Contour Special 25 Main speakers $4000 (pair)
Dunlavy AV-1 Center speaker $370
PSB Alpha Mini Rear speakers $170 (pair)
PSB Image SubSonic subwoofer $650

---------------------------------------------------------
upgrade in mind:

receiver: RX-Z1
sub: REL Strata III or Yamaha
center speaker: Dynaudio Contour SC ($2100)
---------------------------------------------------------

Further future upgrade: front projector + screen

Abe

Jeff Aguilar · Nov 26, 2003

Here is my system

Sony KP-57WS500 - $2,000
Outlaw 950 - $899
Parasound HCA855 - $899
Parasound HCA855 - $899
Martin Logan Aerius i's - $2,900
Energy Veritas 2.0Center - $800
Energy Veriats 2.0Rear - $1000
2 - SVS 16/46pci - $1,500
HTD inwall speakers - $150
Outlaw interconnects - $300
CatCables interconnects - $350
Denon 1600 DVD player - $499
Phillips Pronto - $400
X-Box - $299
Sony 200 CD player - $200

Of course this is not what I PAID for everything.  I did get some good deals, like the speakers were used.  I love those Martin Logans.  I should also say that I have spent way more than this on upgrades!!!  My wife always tells me if I would have just waited, I could have saved a LOT of money.  But then I would not be able to know why I needed nicer stuff.

I am also looking to invest in a tube amp for 2 channel music.

Jeff Aguilar

abe · Dec 1, 2003

current system:

SONY DVD 5 disc changer $179
Yamaha RX-V1400 receiver $799
Cardas Neutral Ref. speaker cable $750
Dynaudio Contour Special 25 Main speakers $4800
Dynaudio Contour SC Center speaker $2100
PSB Alpha Mini Rear speakers $170
REL Strata III subwoofer $1400
---------------------------------------------------------

Very very happy! will stay with the system for a while.

Abe

Rip Van Woofer · Dec 11, 2003

Let's do the time warp; or, old and cheap as a point of departure:

Speakers: DIY Linkwitz-designed dipole minimonitors.
(completed 12/22/04), replacing Cambridge Soundworks Ensemble 3 sub/satellite system.
Dynaco PAT-4 preamp, noisy pots and all...original owner.
Dynaco FM-5 tuner, built from kit, original owner.
Thorens TD-160 turntable purchased new in the vinyl era.
Adcom GFA 545ii power amp (an eBay replacement for recently deceased Dynaco Stereo 120)
Arcam Alpha 8 cdp (another secondhand purchase)
Pioneer 6-cd changer from the '80s for background music
Cables: I confess, I tried some magic wire at the urging of a 'phile friend (also the source of the Arcam) who passed on her hand-me downs to me. Still had her low-end Kimbers hooked up to the Cambridge Soundworks satellites (she thought they were "harsh". Whatever...), and her Maestro Silvers (I think) from the pre to the power amp. Well, they are kinda pretty when I look back there and don't do any harm. But now the speakers are connected to the finest 16 ga. zipcord money can buy! Othewise, it's various short-as-possible IC's from Parts Express.

As my handle and current system attest I've been away from audio for a lo-o-o-ong time. No wisecracks from you young whippersnappers!

Other changes to follow. Considering 5.1 strictly for music. Would like to try larger Linkwitz designs with active crossovers & biamping eventually. Might eventually use the Cambridges for a small home theater setup. I'm not real big on home theater, since the plot- and character-driven movies my wife and I prefer don't rely much on SFX.

Nowhere to go but up.

pam · Dec 15, 2003

Another one

RPTV: Hitachi 57s500
Receiver: Kenwood VR-509
Power: Monster HTS-5000 MKII
Front: NHT 2.5i
Center: NHT AC2
Sub: Mirage BPS-100
Rear: NHT 2.5i (no side)
DVD: Sony DVP-C660 and Daewoo 5800
Cables, Interconnect: Tributaries, Cobalt and Monster

Next steps:
- New receiver: Denon 5803, Yamaha Rx-Z9, Pioneer 49 or 55
- Two side effects speaker: Axiom QS8;
- A universal player with i-link (like DVD-2900 with i.link or 47Ai)
- Satellite/Cable: when a PVR (100 GB) and HD deocder will cost 500-700$.

Guest · Dec 16, 2003

HERE IS MY SYSTEM......
Pioneer PRO-1000HDi
Sony KP61HS30
Pioneer Elite DV-47Ai
Pioneer Elite VSX-49TXi
Pioneer DVR-510-H
B&W CM6 X 2PAIR
B&W CM CENTER
B&W ASW CM SUB
MONSTER CABLE HTS-5000
ALL MONSTER CABLE AND WIRE

Guest · Jan 1, 2004

Heres mine.

Pioneer Elite PRO-1000HD Plasma
Yamaha RX-z9 reciever
Denon DVD-9000
Monster Power Auto Voltage Stabilizer AVS-2000
Monster Power Center Stage 4v2.0 HTS-5100 (System)
Monster Power High DEfinition Video HTFS-1000 (Plasma)
Martin Logan Depth SubWoofer
Martin Logan Cinema-I Center Speaker
Boston Acoustics VRi553 Presence Front Speakers
ML Clarity-I (2)Front Left and Right Towers
ML Clarity-I (2)Rear Surround Back Tower Speakers
Boston Acoustics VRi553 Surround wall Speakers

RX-Z9

Guest · Jan 6, 2004

Here is my HT system todate. I will be adding a 200 watt per channel amp this spring.

Sony 43" HD RPTV
Toshiba DVD(low end model)

Yamaha RX-V1300
Rotel RMB 1075
HK PA2200 ( Looking to purchase a second for Mono BLK)
Ultralink cables

Mirage OM-5 Mains
Mirage OM C3 Centre
Energy AS-90 Sub
Energy RVSS Rears & RC

Monster Power Voltage Regulator AVS2000
Monster Power Conditioner HTS5000 MKII

I can't wait until LCD TV's go down in price. 70 inch screen will be a great addition!!

Cheers

Plop · Jan 12, 2004

Well I know it's not the best thing you've ever heard of, but I work at BestBuy, and got a grand discount on it.

Klipsch KSW-12
Klipsch Quintet II
Yamaha HTR-5660
Pioneer SACD/DVD/DVD-Audio Combo
Monster Cables to wrap it up.
And the TV? Lets just say my ears wear the pants in the relationship.

I plan on moving up the scale once I get out of BestBuy. (And my parents house for that matter) But it works for me for now, and I'll take it over the old Sony Dream System anyday.

Guest · Jan 29, 2004

I have a pretty non conventional system but it works good for what I do..

M-audio Firewire 410
2.66 Ghz Intel computer
Harmon Kardon AVR 125 reciever
Polk Audio RTi38 speakers
Alesis M1 Active reference monitors

Basically I've got all my analogue devices such as my
turntables, CD changer and Virus synthesizer routed into the Firewire 410 which is then routed into my computer via firewire. If im using my Polk Audio speakers I have my firewire 410 connected to the Harmon Kardon reciever via digital optical cable, other wise I connect my Alesis M1s directly to the 410 for monitoring. I mainly use this system for using software synthesizers and recording mixes. I know many of you are thinking...digital, yuk!!! ..but I value having a super clean signal almost as much as the sonic quality.

zumbo · Jan 31, 2004

Soundesign all-in-one complete with 8-track.

Yamaha RX-V1400 ($581.50)
Adcom GFA-7605 ($809.17)
Adcom ACE-315 ($229.95)
Yamaha DVDS840 ($339.31)
Yamaha CDC645 ($206.95)
MB Quart QLS-830's front ($999.00pair)
MB Quart QLS-830's surround ($999.00pair)
MB Quart QLS-330 center ($329.00)
NHT SW-12 ($560.00)
Tara Labs cables, IXOS banana plugs & 128ft of IXOS 2.6mm 13AWG Gamma Shimmer speaker cable ($304.80)
AR cables ($34.14)
Old Sony TV (will upgrade at a later date)

How much is your main home audio system worth?

How much is your main home audio system worth? - Everyone should take part in this poll..

< $1,000

$1,000 - $2,000

$2,000 - $3,000

$3,000 - $4,000

$4,000 - $5,000

$5,000 - $7,000

$7,000 - $9,000

$9,000 - $12,000+

Etcetera

Audiophyte

Audioholics

Guest

petermwilson

Audioholic

Etcetera

Audiophyte

nd4040

Enthusiast

JoeE SP9

Senior Audioholic

JoeE SP9

Senior Audioholic

Guest

Guest

daboma

Audiophyte

Guest

Guest

Jeff Aguilar

Audiophyte

abe

Junior Audioholic

Rip Van Woofer

Audioholic General

pam

Audioholic

Guest

Guest

Guest

Guest

Guest

Guest

Plop

Audiophyte

Guest

Guest

zumbo

Audioholic Spartan

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