[Rob Babcock]

When I consider the fact that I only started using resources like Audigon a couple years ago, I really feel like a bonehead!   Nowadays I hate to buy anything new!

[TONEPUB]

It's really interesting to see how many people are buying used and how many are buying new.
My freinds are split 50/50.  I know a couple of them won't buy used because they like having
something new out of the box that has no cooties on it....

Personally, before I got the reviewer job, I bought almost my whole system from friends like
that because I knew their gear was in great shape and the dealers would offer them nothing
for it on a trade.  Pays to have a couple of wealthy, bored friends!!  Got a few screaming
deals on nice cars that way too!  javascript:void(0);

Even now, there are great deals on used gear and that amp, speakers or whatever that you
couldn't buy new for $10k, looks pretty intersting for 2k on Audiogon.

[lonewolfny42]

I know a couple of them won't buy used because they like having
something new out of the box that has no cooties on it....

Used equipement problem solution........

[Rob Babcock]

I know a couple of them won't buy used because they like having
something new out of the box that has no cooties on it....

Used equipement problem solution........

Wolfy, you're truly The Man of a Million Links!

[TONEPUB]

That's pretty funny!

I have a freind in the audio industry that shall remain nameless, that keeps
all of his remotes in Ziplock bags, so no one will get cooties on the remote!!

[lonewolfny42]

I know a couple of them won't buy used because they like having
something new out of the box that has no cooties on it....

Used equipement problem solution........

Wolfy, you're truly The Man of a Million Links!

A Million and One.......

[TONEPUB]

Back in my day we just put "CP" on our hand with a black sharpie
to signify that one had cootie protection, but I guess we are getting
off topic.

Thanks again!!

[Rob Babcock]

I know a couple of them won't buy used because they like having
something new out of the box that has no cooties on it....

Used equipement problem solution........

Wolfy, you're truly The Man of a Million Links!

A Million and One.......

Okay, A Million & One, then!       <------------- (the world's best smiley! )

[lonewolfny42]

I like this one Rob....    

[Rob Babcock]

Do you spend 24/7 on the net?

[lonewolfny42]

Do you spend 24/7 on the net?

No....only the nite time.
I'm in training for Denver this weekend.....last time only slept 8 hour's for 4 days...not bad....

[JohnR]

OK, a dancing banana I get, but what on earth is that ??

[lonewolfny42]

OK, a dancing banana I get, but what on earth is that ??

Heck with banana's...............

[meby]

Now that puts a smiley on my face

[mcgsxr]

Interesting thread.

Years ago, before finding this site, I had a system worth somewhere around 4K USD.  It had been purchased all at once, from a local dealer, and remained my system for 10 straight years.

Then I found this place, and not a single piece of that system remains, except the handbuilt rack, and Atlantis Reference stands, neither of which are in use!

My system today, based solely on DIY speakers, vintage SEP amp, and highly modded Bolder SB3, is likely worth only 2K USD, including the PC all the music lives on!

Funny impact this place has had, it taught me, through interaction with others, and experimentation, that great sound is actually relatively unrelated to $ spent, if you can forgo the beauty of commercial gear...

Thanks AC, for saving me $$!

[JLM]

In college I started replacing my big box system with a high end one (about $8000 in current dollars) in anticipation of the large dynamic range associated with CD's (years before they were available).  That system didn't "gel" with my living quarters/wife/neighbors, so I down sized.  Divorce forced another downsizing.

Eventually finding out that I was not a good candidate for lasix eye surgery pushed me instead to invest in audio.  Thanks to the internet I put together an audiophile entry level system.  Further surfing has led me here (and some other good sites) and into a completely different, legitimate audiophile system.

[Soundbitten]

My current system was purchased over a significant period of time and I probably would not have laid out that amount of cash all at once .

[tex-amp]

So far so good.  I really appreciate the feedback and will keep checking up on this thread.  I have posted it on a few other forums and am getting a bit different in terms of an actual number, but again, some good ideas.

Our dilemma as a magazine is that now and then a mfr. doesn't want you to review their middle of the line product, they want you to review the flagship product.  We are always trying to keep a balance of what we review, so we usually have stuff at all ends of the spectrum and are adding more web content to address the 200-2000/item gear.

Because I do this for a living, I've been fortunate enough to get a few good deals here and there and have had the help of a couple of really good sets of ears with my room.  However, we still want to get more people into this world, so we don't want to forget or minimalize the people just getting into this wacky world of ours.

Even though my main reference system is getting really close to six figures, I spent all day goofing around with the Squeezebox and am very excited about this device.  At the end of the day it's about really enjoying your music, regardless of investment.

I think a new question to post someday is how happy are you with your system?

Again, thank you all for your assistance, Ill keep an eye on this....

Jeff Dorgay
Publisher
TONE-Audio
www.tonepublications.com

I've been enjoying reading your zine.  I'm part used and part new. I'm right at $2K for the 2 channel and another $2K for audio in the HT.

I really like you that your zine is reviewing true budget speakers and internet direct.  I'd love to see a review of Ascend Acoustics SE series with the SEAS tweeters.  They have been out nearly a year now without a professional review.

[Daygloworange]

Right now, my two channel set-up would be about 3k for CDP, Pre, Amp. Speakers are 5 pairs, all kits, total cost in parts is maybe 3k. Going to be upgrading to SB 2 ( with mods ) possibly new amp. If I had purchased commercially available speakers of equivalent performance, my total system value would be between 15 to 20k.

My home recording studio (24 bit digital recorder) Analog console, digital outboard gear, samplers, synths, drum pads, microphones, cabling, monitoring,reel to reel, tape decks, etc...between 50 to 60k, easy. (possibly more)

If I didn't have that, I would probably have 20k to 30k in a 2 channel set-up, no problem. I would probably have multiple sytems.

Cheers

[miklorsmith]

I have two systems.  The upstairs system is pretty simple, with a Squeezebox, various <$1,000 amps, and VMPS 626r's.  So, the total value for this one is about $3,500.

The main rig also has a Squeezebox but also has a Dan Wright modded CDP.  Both run into a TacT 2.2XP which splits main amp duties to an Altmann DAC/Yamamoto A-08s and sub duties into a (yet unfinalized) reasonable SS amp.  Speakers are Zu Definition Pros.  This rig would sell for about $23k I guess.  Gads.

I like all sorts of gear reviews.  Stereophile drives me nuts.  The only "wow" reviews are of pieces that cost more than my whole (already too expensive) system.  Everything else has the tone of "well if you can't afford good gear, this will process a signal that will stimulate the tiny hairs in your ears".  Whee, I can't wait to hear it.

Stereophile also reviewed the older model Yammie A-08 like 5 months after 6moons reviewed the newer model.  Based on the 6moons review, I bought the A-08s and had been listening to it for some time before the A-08 review came out.  I wrote John Atkinson about it and surprise, surprise - no response.  The "ivory tower" attitude is lame.

Reviews also drive me nuts when they don't take care to match parts.  I know, let's review a SET amp.  Hmmm. . .no horns around, let's use the Colossus that sound great with my Krell! . . . "I have to say I was unimpressed with the dynamic capability of this flea amp.  Frankly, I can't understand what the excitement is all about."

What a refreshing attitude - asking "the people" what interests them.