Here's a challenge:a class A sound system for less

The Hardway; (Equivalent to Meitner Kharma Lamm)

Lake Contour w/Digital input---$6000 (functions as DAC & X-over)
(2) Audio Refinement Multi 3----($2000)

Cambridge Audio DVD Azur 540D ($400)

Custom Eton 11.2 3 ways with Hiquphon tweeter upgrade ($1600)

The Easy way ($10K, better than your milkshakes :)

Focal SM8's with matching DSP Subwoofer,
Cambridge Audio 640H Music Server (digital out only)

These are shockingly good systems (no not kidding) I know because I own them they both compare very well to my ATC Anniversary 50 /ATC SCA-2 pre and Meridian system which costs 4 times more

No you cant, and believe me cuz I had tried. When an audio company introduces a new product into the market, they have priced it accordingly to their overall cost. You wont see the same parts or build quality inside a $1000 component vs. a $5000 unit so naturally they would not sound alike.
And the same thing would apply to cars, clothes, houses, etc...

Earnrg,

I wasn't really referring to studio monitors. I was using the term "monitor" instead of stand-mount or bookshelf speaker.

Currently my speakers are Reference 3A MM DeCapo. They sound very good in my nearfield setup. I've also used many other quality stand-mounts in a nearfield setup and had good results with nearly all of them.

Enjoy,

TIC

"most 50k systems don't sound much different than 10k systems"

Ummmmmmmmmmmmmm, NOT! If such observations are being made at trade shows, this is hardly a place to make such judgements. And if this is happening at a dealer showroom, it does not say much about that dealer's competence; I'd look for another dealer.

I think Nsgarch is onto something to cut down on the cost of the system and shift the focus to max'ing out the front end. As I have recently learned from a local audiophile friend, sitting nearfield is actually quite a cool experience. You do indeed hear some details that were not so clear before and I have to assume much of this is room interactions.

John

It can't be done, but...a stunning sounding system at $10,000 used is still very good... if you play your cards right.

Here goes:

Apogee Duetta Signatures.................$2,000
Rogue Audio 150 tubed monos..............$2,500
Audioprism Mantissa tube preamp..........$1,500
Counterpoint Dac 10A, UltraAnalog card...$500
Good transport of your choice............$600

Comes to $7,100....leaves $2,900 for cables and tweaks of your choice.

Well that was easy...oh thats right, I own most of that stuff already!...well no wonder I'm so happy, I'm a hell of a card player.

Dave