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Best Value System

A lot of stuff has been written about how great this or that piece of hifi gear was and we are all familiar with such talk. Yes, we can talk about THE very best system available but how many can afford that very best system?
So, I think we should talk about the best value systems available. Yes, there are many such systems as well and maybe you good folks out there can make some suggestions so that the not so experienced players like me can benefit.
Even though I am relatively inexperienced, I am not new to hifi. I have listened to systems ranging from a couple of thousand to about a hundred K.
After going through this humbling experience, I found what I thought was my best value system and that is:
Any reasonable quality cdp with a volume control and this can be had for less than $1000 used. You can then run it straight to the ATC SCM 100 ASL (New $14000, used-between 8-10K. You only need 1 pr of interconnect. So, for between 10-15K, you can have a world class system. From there on you can slowly upgrade the front end (and maybe, add a supratek pre) You can spend many times more and you may not even get this sound quality.
I hope this doesn't bore you. After all, I believe this forum is all about value.
Enjoy.
thf
stehno
1,453 posts
 
Thf, I believe the best value system has far less to do with costs, components, and/or room acoustics than anyone (except perhaps me) would care to admit.

To qualify that statement I'll jump right in stating there are six requirements that I believe will make most any well-heeled system's sonics pale in significance. They are:

1. Properly executed AC power treatment that includes dedicated circuits/lines, cryo-treated outlets, plugs, connectors, and proper line conditioning.

2. Properly executed vibration control for components and speakers.

3. A magical amplifier. This may be the single most important ingredient. IMO, the amp is by far the most under-rated component and finding the right amp is like finding a needle in a haystack.

4. Decent quality or better full-range speakers.

5. Proper speaker placement. Proper placement can cover a multitude of sins in a room with less than desirable acoustics.

6. Proper ics and speaker cables should take any system with the first 4 ingredients over the top.

In my opinion, if a system falls short in just one of these 6 foundational categories, it probably ain't worth listening to.

On the other hand, if each of these categories has been properly addressed, there's probably but a few systems that could approach it's sonic pleasure.

-IMO
s7horton
1,065 posts
 
You could do the same thing you are suggesting with other companies as well. The problem, however, is that people listen to other sources. Me, I have cd, tuner, and dvd running through my integrated. So, really, there is only value to be had if you had interest in only cd playback. All the vinyl players are left out. On top of that, Meridian makes a system under 10K that gives you a fantastic cd player and a pair of powered speakers.
thf OP
54 posts
 
Maybe I use a wrong choice of words. What I really meant was to ask you folks to suggest systems that seem to give great values, be it vinyl, cd, sacd, dvd or whatever.
joman
167 posts
 
I would have to value any system in the 10 to 15k range. Hell, I got into my first house for less than that.
davewav1
47 posts
 
Grado SR-80's or below. an older cd player with a good volume control(denon or sony etc..) stock power cables as cheap and a great system too. i use this for my bedroom system. less than $200.00
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