[jimdgoulding]

In the May/June 2011 TAS Neil Gader is mad for the Vienna Acoustic's Mozart Concert Grand SE a two and a half way narrow floorstander* that goes as low as 30Hz with 90db efficiency** (sumbitch weighs over 100 lbs) and good looks and cost $3,500.00.  Couple that with a Mystere IA21 50wpc integrated tube amp at $3000.00 and your ready for some fine music reproduction.  A thousand more buys you an OPPO 95 for any and all CD's (read the A class reviews) and yer batting a thousand with some change.  I can't comment on downloading files but somebody can.  Add analog?  For only A few hundred over budget check out the Rega 3 with arm and Pro-Ject tables.  A fellow member or two must have some cabling laying around they might be willing to part with or who can make a recommendation. 

*For a genuine full range standmount speaker look no further than the Reference 3a Da Capo's at $2500.00.  And get some good stands.  You can afford them.
**at 4ohms

Anyone else have suggestions?  Could be appreciated.  Cheers.

[srb]

... the Vienna Acoustic's Mozart Concert Grand SE a two and a half way narrow floorstander* that goes as low as 30Hz with 90db efficiency (sumbitch weighs over 100 lbs) ...

116 lbs/pair or 58 lbs each.

[jimdgoulding]

Thanks, srb, the pair.

[geowak]

I would think about these towers first.
http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/808dt/
At 3K they will rock with lower powered amps.

[TONEPUB]

We just got done listening to the Mozart SE's and I thought they were amazing for $3,500.  Work equally well with tubes or solid state.

[JLM]

That'd be some newbie system (and budget).   

After 40+ years at this, I've worked my way up to having a $9k MSRP (invested less) main rig (including cables, treatments, rack, accessories) that very well satisfies my musical tastes.  And nowadays with computers and facing retirement if/when the time comes to replace the system the next one would cost less (not due to finances) and be smaller/simplier (mostly due to better technology).

Starting at such a high level, the newbie would be a high-end consumer more than an audiophile as they'd miss much of the learning/appreciation curve of finding their way and discovering their particular likes/dislikes.  Sounds more like buying your 16 year old a new BMW M3 for their first car.

And frankly it's these sort of threads that can scare/discourage most "straights" of average means from even approaching serious audio.  Heck $8k is a down payment for a modest house where I live.

I know this isn't the Cheap and Cheerful circle, but IMO this would be better thought of a "start over" system for those who unfortunately had to sell off a nice system in this recession.

[kevin360]

I would think about these towers first.
http://www.stereophile.com/floorloudspeakers/808dt/
At 3K they will rock with lower powered amps.

Yep, I bought the Def Tech Mythos STS for my daughter and they are fabulous. They are being driven by a little Marantz PM8004 integrated which is rated at 70WPC. They rock, indeed.

[django11]

Is it really that hard to get good a high end system for 8000$ ?  If I had arrived directly at the equipment I have now for two channel listening the amount would be under 2000$.  I am not sure that folks around this website would consider it high end but most newbies probably would and everyone who hears it is impressed.  In the interest of full disclosure there is some DIY involved in my system...

[kernelbob]

I'd suggest the VonSchweikert VR22 speakers, under $3k including shipping.  They've been getting great response on AudioCircle and from reviewers.  For amplification, the integrated Jolinda tube amp would be a great match at around $1k.  That leaves half of the $8k budget for the rest.

[Doublej]

Is it really that hard to get good a high end system for 8000$ ?  If I had arrived directly at the equipment I have now for two channel listening the amount would be under 2000$.  I am not sure that folks around this website would consider it high end but most newbies probably would and everyone who hears it is impressed.  In the interest of full disclosure there is some DIY involved in my system...

I don't think so. There are at least 100 speakers that can be priced into an $8K system. I think a much more formidable challenge is a $2K system that sounds as good as an average $8K system.

[kernelbob]

An equally formidable challenge is an $8k system that sounds as good as typical $16k system.

[JLM]

I don't think so. There are at least 100 speakers that can be priced into an $8K system. I think a much more formidable challenge is a $2K system that sounds as good as an average $8K system.

Yes, I like the $2k price point for entry into "serious" audio, especially using a computer as a source.  Some really good sound to be had for a variety of tastes/needs at $2000 USD.  Heck, $2k buys a great TV (thinking like a newbie).

[jimdgoulding]

Another 3.5K speaker contender.  In the new issue of TAS, Robert Greene gives a very detailed review of the narrow fullrange floorstanding PSB Imagine T2 speakers.  He is very persuaded and persuading.  Editor Robert Harley is also onboard to the point of making his editor's page mostly about his being "fully engaged musically" by the PSB Synchrony Two model.  Apparently they, the speakers, have a lot in common to include the price.  Then he echos REG's review of the new speaker.  90db sensitivity (in room).  Dunno what that means really.  Anyone?

[doug s.]

considering some folks drop double $8k on a pair of speaker cables, i don't think $8k is unreasonable - for a high end system.  i think it is easy to get killer sound for a complete system for $8k, especially if you shop used.  yes, you can also get a great sounding system for $2k, but i am not sure it would be true high end.  i think you can do true high end for $8k.

doug s.

[JLM]

considering some folks drop double $8k on a pair of speaker cables, i don't think $8k is unreasonable - for a high end system.  i think it is easy to get killer sound for a complete system for $8k, especially if you shop used.  yes, you can also get a great sounding system for $2k, but i am not sure it would be true high end.  i think you can do true high end for $8k.

doug s.

Everyone has their own value systems developed over a lifetime of experiences.  But I can't think of a single audiophile I know (outside the internet) that own much more than an $8k system, let alone a newbie (that includes a reasonably well known non Audio Circle speaker manufacturer and a successful surgeon, both who enjoy a reasonably high standard of living).  OTOH the three of us live in Michigan where we've been suffering through a recession that started in 1973 and can still buy a modest house for $16k.   

Its always easier to spend money than to make it, but again this expensive talk does nothing but scare off outsiders.

[Rclark]

 This is my first system and it will be roughly 8K when finished, all the pertinent bells and whistles. Almost done now. 

[OzarkTom]

Since Anthony Gallo has gone factory direct only, you can buy the Classico IV's for $2500, the TBI Millenia amp is $500, and the great tube AMR Dac is $5000. That totals $8000.

But I could live with the Eximus Dac, $3K, to save $2000 and I hear great things about the $1695 Mytek Dac to save more.

So for less than $5000, the Classico IV's, TBI, and Mytek will be a very hard to beat combo at even spending $8K.

[squirrel_nut]

a pair of Salk speakers that match your room size and the rest, buy used. "upgrade-itis" is the bain of many audiophiles and i have benefited greatly from it     make your own cables and ICs. its fun and rewarding!

[toocool4]

Since no one has recommended cables yet, I have to say Grover Huffman. These cable are some of the best value cables around.

Check them out here www.groverhuffman.com

[mark funk]

Cable?   Belden for both IC and speaker cable. Been making cable for well over 100 years!

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