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Looking to build a system for under $5k

Hello,

I am brand new to audio and looking to put a system together for around/under $5k all in. Any recommendations?

This would be mainly for CD audio but expandable for phono in the future. I have a small bedroom that I am dedicating as a music room upstairs in a cape cod style home. So it has angled walls that follow the roof line.

Looking for components that offer the biggest bang for the buck. I've done some research over the last couple of months and it seems like the Vandersteen 1Ci might be a good cornerstone to design a system around.


Thanks,

Joe

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lowrider57's avatar
lowrider57
3,018 posts
 
You may want to prepare for the future, (which is music streaming), by looking at an Oppo spinner which plays CD’s and can accept streaming services.
goheelz's avatar
goheelz
229 posts
 
In general, I'd advise thinking about the long term. Ask: will I always be in the upstairs room with smallish dimensions? This might change your approach somewhat.

For what you describe, I'd go this way. Prices are approximate, presuming you'd shop around some for slightly used/demo stuff:

-Rogue Sphinx integrated w. phono stage: $1200.00
-Sony HAP-Z1ES digital server (you'll stop using CDs forever, and you'll be able to stream Spotify too): $1800.00 (or less)
-Vandersteen speakers that you mentioned: $750.00 (?), because you like them. Or get smaller monitors (ELAC?), many possibilities for <$1000.00
-Hsu Research Subwoofer (various models available): $500.00. Subwoofer is the best way to get real bass in a small room.
-Use the stock power cords for now.  Upgrade them later or not.  Use the rest of your budget for inexpensive interconnects and some speaker cables.

good luck!



randy-11
1,913 posts
 
I suggest a used solid state amp to drive your Vandersteen speakers.  They are fine speakers and you can buy now if in a hurry.

for the amp, maybe a Hafler?

I also like the Oppo player for this - lots of used ones as people upgrade.  You may be able to get by with no pre-amp.  

Do NOT waste your money on any sort of expensive cables.

Also take a look at Cambridge Audio equipment; Rotel; and similar.

Marantz and Yamaha make good receivers if you decide to go that direction.

Try to save some money out for room treatments - much of which can be DIY - I've posted some links before on other threads.

One advantage is your room is non-square...
sjtm
79 posts
 

You did not say whether you would consider used.  I had great luck buying used on Audiogon, particularly in your budget range, as many people here trade up and have taken great care of their equipment.

So many options, but my first system was a Marantz PM-8005 integrated amp ($1,200 new), a Marantz SA-8004 SACD player ( current model Sa-8005 is $1,200 new), and Focal chorus speakers with Blue Jeans Cable speaker cables and interconnects.  My actual cost used was:

PM-8005 - $500

SA-8004 - $600

Focal 836V speakers - $1,200

Cables - $100

Complete system for $2,400 that met every expectation I had for a first system.  In fact, it could have lasted me a lifetime if I had not contracted upgraditis.

These were my choices, but I completely agree with others in that I auditioned many speakers before buying anything.  I happen to love the "Focal" sound, and, by reading many posts on this forum, focused on electronics that people felt paired well with this brand.

Good luck and have fun.


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gdnrbob
2,421 posts
 
+3 for Vandersteen's. +2 for Johnny R at Audioconnection.
The Vandy 1's with subs can be a killer combo. Paired with a used McCormack amp and preamp, and a Schiit DAC. and some AudioQuest cables and you should be under $5K.
Though I am a Vandy fanboy, I really believe they aren't only the best deal for an accurate, listenable speaker, but also a good foundation upon which you can compare other speakers.
Bob
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