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Started By
Message
Great "Bang For The Buck" Audiophile Gear
Posted on 6/11/16 at 4:02 pm
Posted on 6/11/16 at 4:02 pm
I figured I would start a thread to help those that are looking to either upgrade a piece of gear in their current system, or even begin the process of building an audio rig from scratch, but don't have unlimited discretionary funds.
There is more incredible sounding, well built, affordable gear than ever out there right now--you just need to know what to look for and where to find it...95% of this gear will not be found at your local Best Buy, and some are even offered direct from the manufacturer (hence the lower prices).
I will try to add a new piece every few days or so--it may be an amplifier, pre amp, turntable, DAC, speaker, or audio tweak. If there is a certain piece of gear you are looking for, ask, and I will try to steer you in that direction.
Please keep in mind that in the high end audio world, a 2-channel system with turntable, cartridge, amps, pre amps, speakers, and digital (CD and/or DAC with PC), averages around $30-40k...with many easily crossing the six figure mark...so when I suggest a great sounding power amplifier that retails for $500-$1000, in the audio world, that is fairly inexpensive.
Also, know that audiophile systems, much like Rome, aren't built in a day--most 'philes buy one piece at a time as funds become available. Since this is quality gear, it will last decades, so you won't be replacing it due to failure or obsolescence (and it tends to hold its value if you contract "upgradeitis").
I will try to keep all the "budget" suggestions to gear that would generally be found in complete systems ranging from $2k to around $8k.
First up--a real giant killer of an amp--the Odyssey Audio Khartago. It is offered direct from the manufacturer...$995.
Folks, I have seen and heard this amplifier at many audio shows driving speakers well into the $30k+ range...it's that good.
They will even custom anodize the faceplate or entire chassis for $100 more (pretty cool looking--see the last pic below)...
There is more incredible sounding, well built, affordable gear than ever out there right now--you just need to know what to look for and where to find it...95% of this gear will not be found at your local Best Buy, and some are even offered direct from the manufacturer (hence the lower prices).
I will try to add a new piece every few days or so--it may be an amplifier, pre amp, turntable, DAC, speaker, or audio tweak. If there is a certain piece of gear you are looking for, ask, and I will try to steer you in that direction.
Please keep in mind that in the high end audio world, a 2-channel system with turntable, cartridge, amps, pre amps, speakers, and digital (CD and/or DAC with PC), averages around $30-40k...with many easily crossing the six figure mark...so when I suggest a great sounding power amplifier that retails for $500-$1000, in the audio world, that is fairly inexpensive.
Also, know that audiophile systems, much like Rome, aren't built in a day--most 'philes buy one piece at a time as funds become available. Since this is quality gear, it will last decades, so you won't be replacing it due to failure or obsolescence (and it tends to hold its value if you contract "upgradeitis").
I will try to keep all the "budget" suggestions to gear that would generally be found in complete systems ranging from $2k to around $8k.
First up--a real giant killer of an amp--the Odyssey Audio Khartago. It is offered direct from the manufacturer...$995.
Folks, I have seen and heard this amplifier at many audio shows driving speakers well into the $30k+ range...it's that good.
They will even custom anodize the faceplate or entire chassis for $100 more (pretty cool looking--see the last pic below)...
7
Posted on 6/11/16 at 4:14 pm to Marco Esquandolas
I will edit the OP in the turntable thread to include a link to this. Thanks Marco
Posted on 6/11/16 at 4:28 pm to JumpingTheShark
Shark--cool--that works.
This is intended to be more of a direct affordable equipment thread, while the big thread is more of a vinyl, cool music, cleaning records, and everything audio discussion.
This is intended to be more of a direct affordable equipment thread, while the big thread is more of a vinyl, cool music, cleaning records, and everything audio discussion.
Posted on 6/11/16 at 7:13 pm to Marco Esquandolas
Thanks!
Once you finish with this idea, could you follow up with a Flac/headphone setup. I'll be moving a lot over the next several years and don't want to amass much, but I want to start replacing old cd's with higher quality stuff.
Once you finish with this idea, could you follow up with a Flac/headphone setup. I'll be moving a lot over the next several years and don't want to amass much, but I want to start replacing old cd's with higher quality stuff.
Posted on 6/11/16 at 11:47 pm to pjab
There is so much head-fi on the market right now, it's hard to keep up!
It's a great time to be a fan of "cans".
Astel & Kern makes some fantastic gear and does all hi-rez--but not cheap...check out their website--cool stuff.
Oppo also has a good amp and headphones--good value.
Even the new Sony portable player is damn good (about $700)--plays every type of file up to DSD/DXD.
Are you looking for portable headphone/amp combo or stationary for the home?
I use a portable amp & DAC from ALO Audio to drive Focal headphones when I travel. I have 6 pair of headphones, but I mainly use 2 of them. I really don't use cans much at home as I mainly use the big audio rig.
I find the Bayerdynamic Tesla headphones to be the King of phones...the Audeze cans are right up there with them too.
It's a great time to be a fan of "cans".
Astel & Kern makes some fantastic gear and does all hi-rez--but not cheap...check out their website--cool stuff.
Oppo also has a good amp and headphones--good value.
Even the new Sony portable player is damn good (about $700)--plays every type of file up to DSD/DXD.
Are you looking for portable headphone/amp combo or stationary for the home?
I use a portable amp & DAC from ALO Audio to drive Focal headphones when I travel. I have 6 pair of headphones, but I mainly use 2 of them. I really don't use cans much at home as I mainly use the big audio rig.
I find the Bayerdynamic Tesla headphones to be the King of phones...the Audeze cans are right up there with them too.
Posted on 6/11/16 at 11:55 pm to DannyB
quote:
DannyB
quote:
Huntsville, AL
I stopped in Vertical House Records a few weeks ago--neat place.
Posted on 6/12/16 at 12:06 am to Marco Esquandolas
Never been there. Will have to check them out next time I am home on leave from Afghanistan.
Posted on 6/12/16 at 12:08 am to Marco Esquandolas
I know that many here are familiar with the Andrew Jones designed Pioneer loudspeakers...they have been an exceptional value the last couple years for those looking for an entry level speaker for around $300/pr.
Well, Mr. Jones has teamed up with a German backer and formed ELAC speaker company. The designs are very similar to the Pioneer models, but he adds a few more models to the line. I believe the large floor standers are like $600/pr.--pretty good deal.
At the recent Axpona high end audio show, the ELAC UB-5 speakers won the "Best Sound for the Money" award from the Absolute Sound magazine.
About the new UB-5 speakers, they wrote, "Andrew Jones played a deadmau5 cut at lease-breaking levels and the sound held together as well as with speakers four times the size and price"
Check them out... ELAC
Well, Mr. Jones has teamed up with a German backer and formed ELAC speaker company. The designs are very similar to the Pioneer models, but he adds a few more models to the line. I believe the large floor standers are like $600/pr.--pretty good deal.
At the recent Axpona high end audio show, the ELAC UB-5 speakers won the "Best Sound for the Money" award from the Absolute Sound magazine.
About the new UB-5 speakers, they wrote, "Andrew Jones played a deadmau5 cut at lease-breaking levels and the sound held together as well as with speakers four times the size and price"
Check them out... ELAC
Posted on 6/12/16 at 12:09 am to DannyB
Posted on 6/12/16 at 12:24 am to Marco Esquandolas
I really enjoy my emotiva amps. XPA-2 is great bang for your buck if you need big clean power. In the headfi world I think some of the lower priced Schiit stuff is also excellent for the money.
Posted on 6/12/16 at 12:26 am to Marco Esquandolas
Posted on 6/12/16 at 12:44 am to Marco Esquandolas
Stationary. I'll start researching those suggestions.
'Preciate the advice!
'Preciate the advice!
Posted on 6/13/16 at 7:56 pm to Marco Esquandolas
Are the all in one portable players better than the Alo or oppo amp/dac type?
Originally I said I wanted stationary, but the price point of the portable units might get me started.
Originally I said I wanted stationary, but the price point of the portable units might get me started.
Posted on 6/13/16 at 10:43 pm to pjab
If you want stationary look at the Schiit gear. if you want portable, look at the Chord Mojo.
Posted on 6/14/16 at 12:08 pm to Marco Esquandolas
quote:
I know that many here are familiar with the Andrew Jones designed Pioneer loudspeakers...they have been an exceptional value the last couple years for those looking for an entry level speaker for around $300/pr.
I bought these along with the center and bookshelves for my surround system. They are really good speakers for the money.
Posted on 6/14/16 at 4:54 pm to NOFOX
quote:
If you want stationary look at the Schiit gear. if you want portable, look at the Chord Mojo.
I agree with this. While Chord is not cheap (their reference amplifiers for home are pushing $100k!)...their portable stuff is pretty good. They make a couple models--the Hugo around $2k and the Mojo around $600 I believe.
The Schiit gear is also extremely good and not crazy expensive. It hits well above its price point.
Posted on 6/15/16 at 8:19 am to Marco Esquandolas
What are your thoughts about an affordable turntable? Any thoughts/opinions on the Pro-Ject Debut tables?
They seem to get rave reviews, and they look as if they've all got upgradeable tonearms and cartridges. At $399, is there a better option? Have you already hit diminishing returns and are just as good with a cheaper model?
They seem to get rave reviews, and they look as if they've all got upgradeable tonearms and cartridges. At $399, is there a better option? Have you already hit diminishing returns and are just as good with a cheaper model?
Posted on 6/15/16 at 6:06 pm to Hopeful Doc
The Pro-Ject Debut is my go to recommendation for a sub $500 table/arm/cart combo. I also recommend the Puck-It center weight for $80.
With that said, I do not recommend all the other tweaks and upgrades for that table because once you add the speed box, new cart, acrylic platter, upgraded isolation feet, you spent enough to move up to a VPI travelled or used VPI Scout, which are in another league.
I am not saying all those upgrades don't make the ProJect better, just that for the money spent, you approach a big jump to another table.
With that said, I do not recommend all the other tweaks and upgrades for that table because once you add the speed box, new cart, acrylic platter, upgraded isolation feet, you spent enough to move up to a VPI travelled or used VPI Scout, which are in another league.
I am not saying all those upgrades don't make the ProJect better, just that for the money spent, you approach a big jump to another table.
Posted on 6/15/16 at 9:18 pm to Hopeful Doc
i'm not an expert but i bought a music hall mmf 2.2 on wikibuy for less than $200. The $200 you save can go towards a lot of upgrades.
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