The $2,000 Challenge

[garthsj]

I am always tremendously impressed with the expertise on this board, and particularly in this audio section, so here is my dumb, naive challenge and request for advice. I am expecting a small royalty check from one of my publishers, and every year I just deposit it into my bank account, where it goes to pay my property taxes, the light bill, or assist my jazz jones. This year I would like to upgrade my audio setup .... basically at the moment I am using the CD player and speakers that came (as a free gift) with the new Phillips HDTV extended TV as part of "the home theater" setup. (This is surprsingly good, but clearly I need something with more sonic quality). In the past I had a Carver 2000 receiver, with "Infinite Slope" J.S.E. speakers. (I also had a Thorens TD 318 turntable ... but I no longer have any LPs ... ) ... BTW, all of this is for sale if anyone is interested ....

So ... If you had $2,000 - $2,500 to spend for a "quality" CD playing setup, what would you buy? (I would appreciate links to any equipment you recommend if that is possible).

Thanks in advance for the advice ... Garth.

Edited February 6, 2005 by garthsj

[jazzbo]

My dos pesos:

http://www.decware.com/SACD/sacd.htm

http://www.decware.com/zpage1.htm

http://www.parkeraudio.net/95_signatures.htm

I sound like a broken record in audio but that is because I have built a system around Decware audio components that is unlike any other system I've known. I'm so happy with the build, sound and customer service I won't stray. I'm recommending the modified Sony player (you'll have to supply the player I believe these days) and the basic amp, and a pair of speakers built by Parker Audio specifically for the amp. (The one drawback of the amp is that it needs carefuly matching to speakers, and this speaker is a wonderful match.

If you want to spend more than 2000 dollars I'd recommend the Decware Integrated amplifer and the Radial speakers. The Radial speakers are AMAZING; the Integrated or the EL34 Monoblocks have the power to drive them to deafening levels.

Edited February 6, 2005 by jazzbo

[Sundog]

Here's an amazing integrated amp for the money. Possibly a bit too much based on your budget. Check it out though. You could build one heck of a system around this baby!

MF Integrated Amp

Review

[blake]

I was in the same position about 4 years ago, looking for a near-audiophile 2-channel system on a $2K budget.

My listening room is rather small and for aesthetic reasons (i.e. spouse) a compact setup was important. I concluded an integrated amp with a CD player and floor-standing speakers (good stands for bookshelf speakers are expensive) was the route that offered the best value and fit my parameters.

I auditioned components from Arcam, Rotel, NAD, Rega, Naim and YBA among others (and you should as well) but pounced on a Linn Classik Integrated Amp / CD / tuner combo (it comes with cables and interconnects) when I found a demo model for about $1K. For speakers, I went with Totem Arros (with 2 pair of beaks) for about $850. I added a Monster power conditioner for about $80 more. I adore this combo and would buy it again in a heartbeat.

The Classik lists for about $1,700 new. Used/demos turn up for about $1K. Linn aside, I really like the Rega and Arcam components.

Speakers are such a subjective thing so I won’t make a specific recommendation. I’d consider (list price in parenthesis) Totem Arros ($1,200), Rega R5 ($1195), Rega R3 ($795), Spendor S5e ($?). Also look into Vandersteen, Silverline, Naim, Paradigm and maybe Mission.

Audioreview.com is a good place to do some research. I’ve found their “Reviews” section particularly useful. Audiogon.com is a good place to buy used/demo hi-fi from reputable sellers.

Have fun.

[garthsj]

There is much food for thought here ... Thanks so far folks ....

Garth.

[wolff]

Tubes???

Check out some of the Jolida integrated amps. Or try to find an Audio Note P Zero system used. Comes with everything you'll need, but out of your budget new.

Edited February 6, 2005 by wolff

[Phil Meloy]

For speakers you might wish to check out the Mordaunt Short Avant 908s. I don't think they're that widely known in the States but they're distributed there by Marantz. Here's a review of them:

Mordaunt Short Avant 908s

I have a pair of their MS 906s which are pretty similiar - minus the side throw woofer and am extremely happy with them. I think the 908s retail for about $1100 - the 906s for $800.

Edited February 7, 2005 by Phil Meloy

[Clunky]

everyone I'm sure will a different faves but I've been very pleased with this Class A amp from Yorkshire. I've had it a year and in my trials it saw off competion from Naim, Rega, Music Fidelity, Primare, Arcam

Sugden A21a- intergrated amp.

Edited February 7, 2005 by Clunky

[porcy62]

I am with Blake: my sister is a non professional classic guitarist and she had the same problems/limitations you have and she got a Linn Classik. Brilliant piece of audio gear, if you like Linn sound, I do. With the appropriate speakers sounds gorgeus and you will not have any problems for ages. The only limitation is that is a red book cd player only: no dvd, no sacd, no mp3. If you can live w/o new format...I couldn't live w/o old format (vinyl).