Challenge for the modern fans - The best $1000 system.

[ofajen]

Because I have heard of kit stuff as being only for those with the skills or inclination to build it. 99% of all the gear discussed here has been new and ready to use in a box. I'm just trying to show what is available in the market today.

Yeah, I'm kinda wondering: what is the equivalent of the Hafler DH-200 power amp kits I bought in 1981 for $300 each? Not sure.

Cheers,

Otto

 

[MikeCh]

I'm having a very difficult time assembling what I would believe to be a quality setup with NEW gear and keeping it under $1000. So far I keep landing on:

Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 45 - $399
-or-
Quad 11L Classic Standmount - $449
+
NAD - C-326BEE - Stereo Integrated Amplifier - $549

But then I have nothing left to purchase a source component costing more than a box of saltine crackers. Hmmm...

 

[dumptruck]

Alright, usually I go with active speakers for these games, but how about this one? Pics clickable.

The goal here is a $1000 modern system with some

HSU "Value 1" 2.1 speaker package, $549 :



NAD C 316BEE, $279:


Schiit Modi USB DAC, $99:


Still got $73 left, want a CDP or something? Sony and Phillips always have a DVD/multi player or two in the $40-$80 range with surprisingly decent audio quality. Yamaha also, sometimes.

 

[MWalt]

Alright, usually I go with active speakers for these games, but how about this one? Pics clickable.

HSU "Value 1" 2.1 speaker package, $549 :



NAD C 316BEE, $279:


Schiit Modi USB DAC, $99:


Still got $73 left, want a CDP or something? Sony and Phillips always have a DVD/multi player or two in the $40-$80 range with surprisingly decent audio quality. Yamaha also, sometimes.

I really like this option, especially with the speakers. HSU makes some nice subs. That should provide some decent bass and excellent standmount imaging characteristics.

 

[PAGS]

Yeah, I'm kinda wondering: what is the equivalent of the Hafler DH-200 power amp kits I bought in 1981 for $300 each? Not sure.

Cheers,

Otto

How about a pair of Dayton Audio APA150's? Bridged to mono, they're 150 watts a piece into 8 ohms. Currently on sale, $128 each. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-812

 

[MWalt]

Look , I don't want to hi-jack this thread or ruffle feathers , just curious . If it were me , Maybe spend a little less on an amp and find more efficient speakers with a little more bass .

Just curious myself, but what speakers do you run in your main system?

 

[PAGS]

[
Schiit Modi USB DAC, $99:




I kind of dig the industrial look of the Schiit dac (the Phillips head screw holding it together).

 

[Bigerik]

Yes.

Great minds, and all of that.

 

[Bigerik]

BTW, I am a monitor or mini-monitor kind of guy myself. So a lack of deep bass is something I can deal with.

 

[MWalt]

The Paradigm Mini 75hz +/-2db.

I think the Quad will give you just about as much bass as you could hope for in a sub $500 stand mount.

For those who must have more bass, one could always add an inexpensive sub such as the Hsu STF2 at a later date.

Another fine idea. I also like the Usher S-520 at $479 a pair.

 

[Rockyhill]

Great thread idea, Erik.

 

[Bigerik]

Great thread idea, Erik.

Thanks!
That's what they pay me the big bucks for!

 

[zebra03]

Just curious myself, but what speakers do you run in your main system?

Main system - Klipsch 5.5
Bedroom - Pioneer HPM-150

 

[Bigerik]

I think this is plenty good enough for s Sticky already. Thanks guys!

 

[Ths364]

I'm what you could call a vintage guy- AND I'm not in the market for a new system, but this is a great thread for those of us that are into vintage but are flummoxed when queried by friends/family looking for a good sounding system with real world price constraints. I'm the last one to recommend a vintage system needing any kind of regular maintenance to people that just want instant music .Now I'll have some idea what to tell them! So Thanks!

 

[MWalt]

Main system - Klipsch 5.5
Bedroom - Pioneer HPM-150

I can't speak for others, but I just don't consider Klipsch 5.5 floorstanders as vintage. A lot of very nice high end gear came out of the nineties.

 

[cubdog]

How about a pair of Dayton Audio APA150's? Bridged to mono, they're 150 watts a piece into 8 ohms. Currently on sale, $128 each. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-812

Those are very tempting. Just to have around, supposed to be very nice.

cubdog

 

[1tumbleweed]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the little Lepai LP-2020A+, for all of $23.

Pair it up with some NHT Superzeros and you'll still have lots left over for a really nice CD player and some interconnects/cables.

 

[Bigerik]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned the little Lepai LP-2020A+, for all of $23.

Pair it up with some NHT Superzeros and you'll still have lots left over for a really nice CD player and some interconnects/cables.

Someone just did!

 

[chicks]

How about a single-vendor system?