I like the literal exercise.
Here is precisely the system I would build, using used equipment where you could find it (you'd have to, otherwise the new prices would be +$20k) . I would target a super highly efficient speaker with a ton of dynamic punch that allowed top SET mono amps to shine. I had to dump my whole analog front-end and album collection to come in just under $35K, which I would do in a heartbeat for this digital front end to hit this budget.
- Preamp = Atma-Sphere MP-1 3.3 $9000
(used)
- Amps = Thoress 845 SET monos $4500 (used)
- Music Server = Sonore UltraRendu $875
- dac = Schiit Yggy $2300
- USB Regen = Uptone ISO Regen $325
- USB cables (2) Rendu to IsoRegen to DAC = 2 Uptone USPCB A>B Adapters $70
- Linear Power for Ultrarendu and Iso Regen (2) = 2 Uptone UltraCap™ LPS-1 $800
- Balanced power conditioner = Equi-Core 300 $799
- Speakers = Zu Druid 6 $10000
- Interconnects (2 pairs) = Audience SX $1900 (used)
- Speaker cables = Audience SX $1200 (used)
- Power cables (4) = 4 Shunyata Black Mambas $2000 (used)
- iPad $450 (used)
- Lifetime Roon $499
Total $34718
Remaining $282 (spend on vibrapods and Tidal monthly fees until gone)
Truth be told, I actually made/would make a couple upgrades from here, but that would have put me over the $35K by a grand or two. I would have gone upline on the Equi-Core to the 1800 or higher (looking now) and spent more on linear power supplies, maybe. But I could live with what I listed for sure. One could argue that I could/should save a few $ on an under-$10k-used set of Zu Definition 4s and get as good/better performance than the yet-to-be-released Zu Druid 6s, but my space is small and I think I could get a better total quality from the new smaller Druid 6s in my space.
Shoot your arrows at all of it...welcome the feedback.