Cheapest Audiophile System
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Too many variables to some up with anything meaningful. If you use a receiver, you don't need an amp, but you could use one. If you use an amp, you need a preamp, and maybe a tuner. But you could use a receiver as a preamp. Then you have to decide whether you want tubes or solid state. What kind of speakers? Bookshelfs? Floor standers? Then there's the whole discussion of what's 'audiophile.' Come up with a narrower set of parameters if you hope to get something even halfway useable.
Whatever it was, to stay cheap you need to stay local. On the Bay, packaging and shipping costs will kill you. So find items you like and sort them by distance. Then e-mail the seller to see what kind of deal local pickup will get you. If you really know your stuff, pay cash upon pickup. If not, pay via Paypal to help protect your rights if the gear is mis-represented.
As of right now I am using a Marantz 2252B receiver, BSR 3000 Eq, and an Onkyo R1 cd. I have 4 sets of speakers that I change out at times. Jbl L100, Bose 501 III, Infinity SM-122, and a set of DCM-10. I'm not completely satisfied with this. I'm new to this and I do not know what's wrong or how to improve this setup. Any help would be appreciated.
gladiator335
MRTI
I would get rid of Infinities. IMHO SM line is good for parties (efficient/loud) but I wouldn't call them "audiophile". Not even close.
I would guess JBLs will be pretty good with 2252B. Don't like Bose, so wouldn't comment on those.
But as Tedrik said: Too many variables to some up with anything meaningful.
I would guess JBLs will be pretty good with 2252B. Don't like Bose, so wouldn't comment on those.
But as Tedrik said: Too many variables to some up with anything meaningful.
whoaru99
Epic Member
I agree. Since there is no standardized definition for what constitutes an "audiophile system", it's what ever you want it to be, more or less.
Technically, I think audiophile means lover of music, or something like that, but really has no true meaning with respect to the gear.
Technically, I think audiophile means lover of music, or something like that, but really has no true meaning with respect to the gear.
first off, forget epay. everybody else is looking there as well. too much competition. your best bet is hit the fleamarkets and yard sales early in the morning.
i've been doing that since i learned to drive and heres some of my scores over the years..
marantz model 7 tube preamp, beyedynamic shotgun condenser mic, shure ribbon mic, empire turntable, dual 701 turntable, divinci tower speakers, energy powered sub, pioneer ctf1000?, dynaco a25 speakers
most i paid was $100 for the pioneer deck as i really wanted that when i was a teen. paid $40ea or less for everything else on that list.
still thinking of using epay?
i've been doing that since i learned to drive and heres some of my scores over the years..
marantz model 7 tube preamp, beyedynamic shotgun condenser mic, shure ribbon mic, empire turntable, dual 701 turntable, divinci tower speakers, energy powered sub, pioneer ctf1000?, dynaco a25 speakers
most i paid was $100 for the pioneer deck as i really wanted that when i was a teen. paid $40ea or less for everything else on that list.
still thinking of using epay?
rockin1150
Super Member
pick up the Rotel RC-1070 /and RB-1050 or RB1070 off ebay for around $300-400each
Then find a set of Paradigm Monitor series (maybe $700) and some cables. There ya go. Use any source and it will only sound better as you upgrade...IMO
Then find a set of Paradigm Monitor series (maybe $700) and some cables. There ya go. Use any source and it will only sound better as you upgrade...IMO
NumbDiver
Super Member
If you are truely asking us what we would suggest that you buy to improve your system, you first have to understand that 'we' would be giving you 'our' opinion on what 'you' should like. Top that with the fact that we'll probably all give different answers based on our own likes/dislikes. What we might choose to 'improve' may take away from what you like about your system.
Maybe a different angle?
Also, please don't get offended or defensive with the 'answers' you may receive. I have multiple systems because one can do what the other cannot. Neither is right or wrong; just skewed to different types of music & mood.
As an example of different systems & likes/dislikes:
I love big speakers. To me they envelope you in sound. They sound large. They make a room sound less like you are sitting in a room listening to a stereo. Ok, that said, I know I have a bias. No little bookshelf speakers for me! So I go audition some new amps. The dealer hooks up his big Martin Logans (trying to get close to the sound of my IRS Gammas). Hmmm...not impressed. Must be the amp I'm looking at. Then, for the heck of it, we hook up the amp to a pair of Usher Dancers (bookshelf size on stands). I WAS BLOWN AWAY. I had no idea a little speaker could do what they do. Seriously, they are on my bucket list now.
Moral of the story; go listen and let your ears be the judge. Once people here can whittle-down what you think is missing and give some suggestions based on your likes/dislikes, go in with an open mind.
Maybe a different angle?
- Let's start with the type of music you listen to.
- What is your price-point for each item, or overall max $$?
- What volume levels do you expect?
- Is size, footprint, and look of speakers an issue?
- Do you listen mainly to CD, FM, AM, HD Radio, MP3, Vinyl, Music Server?
- Do you want room to expand or will this be the last system for a while?
- What parts of your system do you feel are lacking (be specific in areas you want improvement)?
Also, please don't get offended or defensive with the 'answers' you may receive. I have multiple systems because one can do what the other cannot. Neither is right or wrong; just skewed to different types of music & mood.
As an example of different systems & likes/dislikes:
I love big speakers. To me they envelope you in sound. They sound large. They make a room sound less like you are sitting in a room listening to a stereo. Ok, that said, I know I have a bias. No little bookshelf speakers for me! So I go audition some new amps. The dealer hooks up his big Martin Logans (trying to get close to the sound of my IRS Gammas). Hmmm...not impressed. Must be the amp I'm looking at. Then, for the heck of it, we hook up the amp to a pair of Usher Dancers (bookshelf size on stands). I WAS BLOWN AWAY. I had no idea a little speaker could do what they do. Seriously, they are on my bucket list now.
Moral of the story; go listen and let your ears be the judge. Once people here can whittle-down what you think is missing and give some suggestions based on your likes/dislikes, go in with an open mind.
gladiator335
MRTI
...And I bet about a hundred posts will follow with suggestions ranging from vintage Pioneer receivers to Arcam or Krell.
The first question which has to be answered is: budget.
The first question which has to be answered is: budget.
mrt2
Super Member
If you are dissatisfied with your present system, I would suggest a couple of things.
First, do what you can to improve what you have. Identify which of your speakers is the best sounding and stick with them for the time being. Then, remove the equalizer from the signal path. Listen for awhile and see if the sound gets better. Than try upgrading your interconnect and speaker cable. Don't go crazy, but something better than cheap zip cord. Is the placement of the speakers OK? Once all that is set, you may need to upgrade your amp and source. Also, it is possible that the Marantz needs to be serviced, as it is over 30 years old. You need to decide if it is worth it to do that.
Second, go to a high end store and listen closely to systems ranging from $2,000 new to $10,000.
legal eagle
Sound Hound
Well,
Bedroom system - the best bang for the buck I got was the Sansui AU & TU-4400 integrated and tuner - for about 80$ - hooked them with free curb side find KEF Chorales. Sounds amazing, and looks beautiful too - pictures don't do it justice.
Bedroom system - the best bang for the buck I got was the Sansui AU & TU-4400 integrated and tuner - for about 80$ - hooked them with free curb side find KEF Chorales. Sounds amazing, and looks beautiful too - pictures don't do it justice.
AzFeedback
Member
Try a few different low-mid power receivers while mixing up speaker and/or eq combinations. Examine different sound characteristics of each in combination and decide which sound best to you. Sell off what you care less for. Low-mid power make it much more affordable than e-bay, then upgrade your preference unit{s} when ready.
![JimJ[VT]](/forums/data/avatars/m/20/20031.jpg?1443894878){kind=avatar}
JimJ[VT]
Super Member
What exactly don't you like about your current setup?
If it's hard to articulate, you should listen to a lot (well, you should do this anyway) of different setups, preferably with well-recorded music you're familiar with. Develop a sense of what you like, and what you don't like...
Otherwise, we're just throwing darts in the dark here.
If it's hard to articulate, you should listen to a lot (well, you should do this anyway) of different setups, preferably with well-recorded music you're familiar with. Develop a sense of what you like, and what you don't like...
Otherwise, we're just throwing darts in the dark here.
ferninando
Lunatic Member
cheep receiver(yorkx) and cheep cardboard speakers and you're good to go. listen to fm
JimJ[VT]
Super Member
Twenty20Man
Is that you Michael?
does saying Epay or Eprey or any of the others, really make you think your witty or clever...i swear..
JimJ[VT]
Super Member
as an ex epay powerseller i have plenty of other names for them, most of which are not appropriate for family forums!
dont know what your angle is on epay but its not a good place for a newbie to hunt for gear. even if you get a good deal once you figure in shipping its probably not that great of a deal anymore.
being an ex ebayer of 10 years. i only got ONE great deal on epay and thats due to a bad description and lousy pictures. i consider myself an above average bargain hunter. epay is not the place to try to bargain hunt while you trial and error on gear choices.
now if you compare epay to say... audiogon, then epay is a bargain!
fleamarkets, estate sales, garage sales
THATS where the bargains are!
JimJ[VT]
Super Member
It's a bargain, but how long did it take you to find that Marantz 7 for under $40?
The advantage of Audiogon is that there's usually a good selection of stuff there now, especially if you're looking for a specific unit. Sure, there won't be many "scores", but compared to new it's still a pretty good deal.
The advantage of Audiogon is that there's usually a good selection of stuff there now, especially if you're looking for a specific unit. Sure, there won't be many "scores", but compared to new it's still a pretty good deal.
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