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Post by garbulky on Jan 9, 2021 9:13:56 GMT -5
About $2000 to $2500 not considering the source. You just can’t make a blanket statement like that as it is just not true. My DAC costs more than that.  Well of course it can cost more and there are different qualifiers for great sound. I think great 2 channel can be had for this 2 Emotiva PA-1 amps. $600 Emotiva DC-1 (used) Approx $300-350 A pair of Emotiva T2. $1000 That puts you a little under 2k. Spend another $500 getting some half decent room treatment and you would have what I consider excellent sound. The hope is that the person would already have their preferred source ready like a computer or CD/DVD player so it's not counted in the cost. If the room is bigger or you require full 20hz reach, then, yes it gets more expensive due to subs. |
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Jan 9, 2021 9:38:14 GMT -5
If that's what YOU need then that's fine. Like I said initially, it costs whatever it costs for each individual. But there is no number for all.
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Post by mgbpuff on Jan 9, 2021 9:55:52 GMT -5
There is no answer for this question. Like anything else, there is a strata of available choices depending on your wealth. Prices usually vary according to the economic bracket that is targeted, the size of that market, and the
ingenuity of producing something that is difficult or expensive to reproduce or something that uses exotic materials and SOTA engineering (actually SOTA is not really absolutely necessary). If you can only afford a Ford or Chevy and your neighbor can afford a Lamborghini or Maserati, you may feel deficient even though the less expensive vehicles perform the needed task of transportation quite satisfactorily. SOTA actually filters down the economic market in time, but of course exoticism does not. I presently have different systems in my home that I cycle through in my listening. All are affordable systems to the average person save except the Revel Ultra Salon II speakers which still MSRP at $21,000. But I don't listen to these exclusive of my other systems which are all less expensive. I have a planar system featuring Maggie 3.7Rs that I love. Then there is an 300b triode (8 watt) / Cain and Cain 1/4 transmission line single transducer tall speaker (106 db) system that I can truly suspend reality while listening to. My Zu speakers sound fantastic driven by a modern Cary Audio integrated amplifier. The one type of speaker that I have not tried in my home is a horn system - maybe I will someday!
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Post by audiobill on Jan 9, 2021 9:58:17 GMT -5
If that's what YOU need then that's fine. Like I said initially, it costs whatever it costs for each individual. But there is no number for all. Agree - long lasting reliability, repairability and resale value are also part of the equation imo, and these attributes do cost. In fact, they may account for most differences in price! |
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Post by brubacca on Jan 9, 2021 10:29:09 GMT -5
My opinion being very influenced by speaker costs. They seem to skyrocket if you must have floorstanders in your room. Also I'm talking about 2 channel audio not HT.
20k is the starting point for the whole system with bookshelf speakers, but higher for floorstanders.
I'd put the following up for consideration:
Naim ND5 XS2 - $3500
Rogue Audio Cronus Magnum 3 - $3000
VPI Prime Scout - $2500
Hana SL/SH - $750
Lehmann Audio Black Cube 2 SE- $1200
These Electronics get you to $15k.
Speakers-
Monitor Audio Gold 100 - $2,400
Dynaudio Special 40 - $3,500
Depending on priorities the Streamer or Turntable could certainly be scaled back.
Personally I have bought almost all my gear 2nd hand or on clearance as its a way to get very high quality for much less.
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Post by 405x5 on Jan 9, 2021 10:45:18 GMT -5
What do you think a great 2 channel system costs (source, dac, turntable, cartridge, preamp, power amp, speakers? Not “good for the money”, but great in absolute terms for high quality equipment that should hold value? “GREAT” 2 channel performance is easily extracted from contemporary, 21st century multichannel audio systems....and one can easily toss that “absolute” word in there if it pleases you. Switch to stereo...good to go.....mains don’t reach low enough on some records?? kick in the sub. Most here have a good handle on the numbers for high end gear....Just make some intelligent choices and enjoy to the fullest, the best of both worlds. Bill |
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Post by 405x5 on Jan 9, 2021 10:50:13 GMT -5
If that's what YOU need then that's fine. Like I said initially, it costs whatever it costs for each individual. But there is no number for all. Agree - long lasting reliability, repairability and resale value are also part of the equation imo, and these attributes do cost. In fact, they may account for most differences in price! Resale value is the LAST thing I think about when it comes to this stuff. I use it until it’s outlived it’s usefulness and then dump it (one way or the other) and move on to something new or better. Bill |
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Post by garbulky on Jan 9, 2021 12:02:42 GMT -5
If that's what YOU need then that's fine. Like I said initially, it costs whatever it costs for each individual. But there is no number for all. Agree - long lasting reliability, repairability and resale value are also part of the equation imo, and these attributes do cost. In fact, they may account for most differences in price! The resale value for my suggestions at 2k, you'll probably recover about $1100 realistically so i am assuming . Now you gotta compare that lost value on the total lost value when resaling a high priced system. Even with great resale value, I'm willing to bet you'll end up losing more than that simply due to the high price. |
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Post by garbulky on Jan 9, 2021 12:04:53 GMT -5
If that's what YOU need then that's fine. Like I said initially, it costs whatever it costs for each individual. But there is no number for all. Did you miss the number I posted?  All jokes aside, what somebody considers great 2 channel is absolutely a subjective thing and one can easily spend way upwards of 10 to $15k - sometimes on a single piece of equipment. But if one wanted a great sounding two channel system at a low price, what I mentioned would be my number one pick. |
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Lsc
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Post by Lsc on Jan 9, 2021 12:11:39 GMT -5
If that's what YOU need then that's fine. Like I said initially, it costs whatever it costs for each individual. But there is no number for all. Did you miss the number I posted? All jokes aside, what somebody considers great 2 channel is absolutely a subjective thing and one can easily spend way upwards of 10 to $15k - sometimes on a single piece of equipment. But if one wanted a great sounding two channel system at a low price, what I mentioned would be my number one pick. I took the question as to provide my opinion on what the cost of a great 2 channel system would be and I provided that number. So along the same lines, I took your response as your opinion which I think is valid. I don’t think the OP wanted a general answer that applies to all which would be impossible to answer. I gotta say you would be a hit with my wife and family with your numbers! I’ve spent more that I ever wanted to in this hobby and what’s funny is that what I spent lots of folks would consider a modest sum and others think I’m crazy to have spent that much. |
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Post by garbulky on Jan 9, 2021 12:40:12 GMT -5
Did you miss the number I posted? All jokes aside, what somebody considers great 2 channel is absolutely a subjective thing and one can easily spend way upwards of 10 to $15k - sometimes on a single piece of equipment. But if one wanted a great sounding two channel system at a low price, what I mentioned would be my number one pick. I took the question as to provide my opinion on what the cost of a great 2 channel system would be and I provided that number. So along the same lines, I took your response as your opinion which I think is valid. I don’t think the OP wanted a general answer that applies to all which would be impossible to answer. I gotta say you would be a hit with my wife and family with your numbers! I’ve spent more that I ever wanted to in this hobby and what’s funny is that what I spent lots of folks would consider a modest sum and others think I’m crazy to have spent that much. No doubt. For instance, I certainly spent more than 2.5k with my system. Just my amps are almost 2 grand. I also think if it was to be like a realistically priced end game system for me it would be in the $16 to 20k category for me. Given the right speaker I could see myself spending 4 to 10k. 3 to 6k for a DAC and preamp etc. But interestingly, I have as of late been more interested in headphones, so I've been leaning towards good quality headphones now rather than an end game speaker system. |
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Lsc
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Post by Lsc on Jan 9, 2021 13:03:12 GMT -5
No doubt. For instance, I certainly spent more than 2.5k with my system. Just my amps are almost 2 grand. I also think if it was to be like a realistically priced end game system for me it would be in the $16 to 20k category for me. Given the right speaker I could see myself spending 4 to 10k. 3 to 6k for a DAC and preamp etc. But interestingly, I have as of late been more interested in headphones, so I've been leaning towards good quality headphones now rather than an end game speaker system. I’m with you but I’m actually 100% fine with the XMC2 and Dirac for 2 channel. My buddy who has the Denafrips Terminator DAC hopefully will bring it over to do a quick shootout. He also has a BAT tube preamp but I doubt that he will lug that over. It’s too much work. Point being, does someone need a 2 channel preamp and a DAC vs using the XMC2 to achieve that magical 2 channel sound. As far as headphones goes, I got the Apple AirPod pro and wow. I’ve had the Grado in the past and some Bowers & Wilkins headphones but the convenience and the sound quality of these airpods, no wonder my son is perfectly content with listening to music on these. What a bargain all considering. |
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DYohn
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Post by DYohn on Jan 9, 2021 13:12:33 GMT -5
If that's what YOU need then that's fine. Like I said initially, it costs whatever it costs for each individual. But there is no number for all. Did you miss the number I posted? All jokes aside, what somebody considers great 2 channel is absolutely a subjective thing and one can easily spend way upwards of 10 to $15k - sometimes on a single piece of equipment. But if one wanted a great sounding two channel system at a low price, what I mentioned would be my number one pick. Yes, well the OP's question said nothing about "at a low price." And if you read my reply, I said it depends on the individual. So my only contention with your answer is it may be acceptable to YOU. It is not to ME. |
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Post by mauriceminor on Jan 9, 2021 13:55:58 GMT -5
Likwitz Lab LXMini speakers ( from magicLX521.com )
Finished 2490 Euro / pair ( shipping to US 85 Euro)
Complete kit 499 Euro / pair ( shipping to US 58 Euro )
Required Likwitz license 84 Euro
MiniDSP2X4HD with remote, programed from Madisound $216.50 ( shipping $16.95 )
Emotiva A-500 amplifier $499 ( free shipping )
You will need to add a source, cables, speaker wires
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Post by davidl81 on Jan 9, 2021 18:52:43 GMT -5
Here is the real question to this. How much of a difference could one hear between say a $3500 system of:
Rega P1 TT ($500)
Emotiva TA-100 DAC/Preamp ($500)
Blue Sound Node ($500)
XPA-2 ($1000)
Emotiva T2+ Pair ($1000)
And some $10,000 system? And would that difference really be worth $6500?
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Post by daveczski65 on Jan 9, 2021 20:19:59 GMT -5
I have to say,some of the vintage recivers and turntables from the 70s sound really good! I gave my ex an old rotel vintage receiver from 70s and she got and 1958 Garrard turntable,,have to say thru some nice 2way speakers,it sounds pretty dam good! Has a nice warm full sound.
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Post by audiobill on Jan 9, 2021 20:20:08 GMT -5
The more I read this, the more I think there is more than one “excellent”.
A Prius, a Porsche and a Bentley may all be considered excellent, but of course not in the same way.
And we all have different budgets and priorities, so comparing “good for the money” to “High End” is fruitless.
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Post by daveczski65 on Jan 9, 2021 20:22:10 GMT -5
Have to say some of the 70s recivers sound really good. I gave my ex my old rotel reciver and she had a 1958 Garrard turntable, have to say it sounds really good with some good 2 ways!
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Post by mauriceminor on Jan 9, 2021 23:11:35 GMT -5
Have to say some of the 70s recivers sound really good. I gave my ex my old rotel reciver and she had a 1958 Garrard turntable, have to say it sounds really good with some good 2 ways! Yes indeed I still rotate some vintage receivers into a system from time to time NAD 7020e, Marantz 2238b, and a Sansui 5000x Good memories and no repairs ever |
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Post by DavidR on Jan 10, 2021 16:23:43 GMT -5
Based strictly on the parameters/description of "great system", without regard for synergy, you are looking at Audio Research Corp for Pre and Amp, then Wilson or Legacy for speakers. maybe Linn for TT,........pick your fav high-end DAC and whatever else.
So we're looking at the cost of a house with the ARC and Wilson top of the line speakers.
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