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  3. 1327000735

How many enjoy low $ second system sound?

To many my $10K system of Zu Essence and various amps of SET mono's, SET integrated, hybrid integrated etc. might be meager pickings but even the founder of ZU was impressed with the sonics provided. But I am amazed how satisfying it is to listen to my new Energy RC 10's at less then $300/pr. connected to a rare, $200 Adcom SS integrated streaming jazz through my iMac connected with RShack 3.5mm y-connectors from computer to amp. All bought for back ground music in the evening's or Saturdays when I don't want to fire the SET tube monoblocks and just want some sound. This little set up is really satisfying and I am amazed how nice it sounds each time I listen. So now the question - how much have I overspent through the years when I am so taken back by $500 worth of components? Get's one to thinking!!
kckrs
onhwy61's avatar
onhwy61
4,163 posts
 
I highly recommend that any serious audiophile have at least one low cost secondary system. It just helps to keep things in perspective. The low cost system won't sound as good as the main system, but it will demonstrate the law of diminishing returns. If you want exceptional sound you'll have to pay big dollars. Good sound can be had for as low as a few hundred.
almarg's avatar
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almarg
8,673 posts
 
One of the systems I have in my house consists of a Radiocraftsmen 10 tuner (from 1952, purchased by me about 20 years ago for $25), an H. H. Scott 299C integrated amplifer (from about 1961, purchased by me about 20 years ago for $10 plus what I had to pay for one replacement tube), and a pair of ADS L300 minispeakers (purchased new in 1978 for around $350 iirc).

No, it can't hold a candle to my main system in terms of traditional audiophile performance standards, but it produces rich, lush, gorgeous sound that on better stations is a pleasure to listen to. I usually don't even miss the lack of stereo, which the tuner pre-dates.

Regards,
-- Al
armstrod
498 posts
 
My bedroom system is Glow Amp One, Merrill Zigmahornets, old MacBook Pro, and whatever tuner I'm not using in my main rig. It's easily 90% of my max. I completely agree with Onhwy61 - it helps keep things in perspective.

To Inna: my bathroom system is a Zenith knockoff of the Bose Wave Radio, purchased years ago and still sounding great. It has aux input for when I need to use the iPod. Showers are way more fun with music or NPR!

David
inna
5,245 posts
 
I think showers have sound of their own. No bathroom stereo for me.
I did hear that some people, not audiophiles, installed quite a systems in their bathrooms, that were the size of my apartment or bigger.
onemug
784 posts
 
I enjoy my low cost system a ton but don't regret the money spent on my high cost one a bit.

I have less than a 1000 invested in the low cost one. It's a pair of Altec Valencia cabinets with JBL/Dynaudio insides, driven by a vintage Marantz receiver (2270,18 or 19 depending on the month).

I love it for what it is and sounds and as a bonus it makes me really appreciate the big system for what it is.

I do not think I would be happy with a sub 1000 Best Buy system though. What I have learned over the years is "how" to put together a system.
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