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Buget system idea?

I currently own Magneplanner 2.7's, Rotel RB 960 (60w x 2, dual mono), Rotel RB 960 Preamp, and my CD player just quit working.

Being married I must try to spend around $2000 and $3000 max, on the whole system, to get a new sound. Only interested in 2 channel audio.
I am trying to sell the Maggies and go box again.

I have been looking into used Musical Fidelty X-ray CD, X-150 integrated with Paradigm Studio 60's, V3. Of course I have no idea how this will sound because there is only ONE audio dealer where I live, and he doesn't have much to choose from. I am going purely on reviews.
I will get a chance to actually listen to the studio 60's in a couple weeks.
Also looking into Njoe Tjob CD, and still threatening to go tubes. According to most on here, the Jolida 302b with EL34's seems to be a winner, or Primaluna Prologue 2.

What do you all think? Tubes / SS ? I wish I could spend more, but that will have to wait until later.
mab2112
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
4,637 posts
 
Here you go. This is the best system for the money I have heard. Dont think you can do any BETTER.

Ack dack (Version 1) $400 here on the Gon new.

Good used transport like Theta Basic or Universal II ($350 used)

Cardas Lightning 15 digital cable ($130 used)

Cayin TA30 tubed int amp ($600 used on Agon)

Paul Speltz anticable speaker wire - $10 foot new

Good IC's from DH Labs or Z Squared for less than $100 each

Green Mountain Audio Europa speakers used for $650 on Agon

$2200
grannyring's avatar
grannyring
4,637 posts
 
One more.

Cain & Cain Abby speakers ($1100 used)

ASL Tulip 2a3 SET amp ($750 used)

Ack dack or Scott Nixon DAC

Used transport like Theta I mentioned above or Parasound belt drive or Theta Pearl

Paul Speltz anticable

Perhaps mpre "musical" than the above system on jazz,accoustic, female voices.
Ag insider logo xs@2x
restock
826 posts
 
Well one more, since you already have suggestion for the Cain Abby's: if you like more power and dynamic the Sophia Electric EL34 tube amp sounded great with the Abby's when I listened to them at Sounds Real Audio in Denver. Certainly you have many amp options open, if you go with more sensitive speakers (ASL Tulip, Bottlehead S.E.X, etc.).

Good luck,

Rene
rar1's avatar
rar1
1,578 posts
 
Mab:

I have listed a system of new components, as I am extremely hesitant to purchase any components used. With that said, I have owned the components below for a while and they sound the best of any system that I have owned in the past 35 years. What's even more interesting, is that this is my secondary system and I have enjoyed it so much that I have sold my $3000 solid state Musical Fidelity A300 CR power amp to buy another Prima Luna for my main system. Rather than keep on ranting, please see the review of the Prima Luna that I wrote here in the Audiogon Review Section.

The system that I recommend is as follows:

Prima Luna Prologue 2 tube integrated amp($1345 list)
Omega Super 3 Loudspeakers ($540 list)
Music Hall MMF CD25 CD Player ($540 list)
total: $ 2425

Regards, Rich
drew_w
63 posts
 
My friend has the 2.7QRs...runs them with a Bryston 4BST...the status lights on the Bryston blink red at peaks on rock material played at average (certainly not deafening) sound material. I'm not sure what your listening habits are or what you listen to, but I think you are SEVERELY limiting the potential of the 2.7QRs. They're absolutely fantastic speakers, but they really need muscle to get going. You will also be amazed at how revealing these speakers are, but a bigger SS amp would be a necessary starting point, at least in my experience with these speakers.
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