System for $5000 that will slaughter $15000 systems all day long

[Blizzard]

Well guys this thread was just begging to be started. I know many have been looking forward to it for a while now. So I must make sure I do my homework here to make damn sure this thread will be the definitive guide for those seeking the ultimate system for $5000. So just give me a bit to conduct some research, and stay tuned..............................

 

[GaryProtein]

OK, I'm VERY interested in this. I want to hear what everyone has to say because I want to present a new system to my musician daughter who would love my IRS but I told her she can't have it until I am dead. When she was 12 and knew very well where she was going with her occupation, I bought her a component system, with a decent receiver, cd player and moderate level B&W speakers-but that was 14 years ago. She still likes the system, but I know she would enjoy something better now.

 

[rockitman]

it's easy to build a 15k system that slaughters a 5K system all day long...lmao !
Pointless thread. The point is...the more money you spend, the better the system WILL sound if you know what you are doing.

 

[Blizzard]

it's easy to build a 15k system that slaughters a 5K system all day long...lmao !
Pointless thread. The point is...the more money you spend, the better the system WILL sound if you know what you are doing.

Yes the key is "If you know what you're doing". It's very easy to not make the best decisions at this price point. It's very easy to burn through $15000 and have a mediocre system. I've seen many of them and shake my head every time. The point of this thread is to come up with a system that will put to shame many very popular $15000 system choices. You know like the kind most people buy.

 

[Johnny Vinyl]

Yes the key is "If you know what you're doing". It's very easy to not make the best decisions at this price point. It's very easy to burn through $15000 and have a mediocre system. I've seen many of them and shake my head every time. The point of this thread is to come up with a system that will put to shame many very popular $15000 system choices. You know like the kind most people buy.

Based on your OP that's not the point at all. Here is what you said:

So I must make sure I do my homework here to make damn sure this thread will be the definitive guide for those seeking the ultimate system for $5000. So just give me a bit to conduct some research, and stay tuned..............................

Sounds to me like you've already anointed yourself with having the only answer.

Frankly I don't think you'll accept anyone's recommendation and will only make light of whatever they recommended.

 

[Blizzard]

Okay guys here it is. This system will be something else for the price, easily taking on, or beating the finest $15k systems.

First up let start with the media computer:

Once again we have the Intel Nuc 3815 from my superstream thread. Only this time the Audiolinux image is preconfigured with Jriver media centre, which can be run 100% headless using Jremote on any mobile device to control. Just burn the image to USB, pop in, fire up and it's good to go. You will need to initially set it up with your files, but that's a breeze to do with Jriver.

Amazon is sold out of these things but Newegg has everything:

Computer:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA6ZP3R86898

Ram:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148736

USB stick for Audiolinux OS/Jriver:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820173033

5tb harddrive for music storage:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822152425

Audiolinux with preinstalled Jriver:

http://www.tophifi.it

Jriver Linux licence:

https://www.jriver.com/purchase.html


Next down the line we have the same Gustard X20U DAC from the $10000 system. I still know of no better DAC for the price:

http://www.shenzhenaudio.com/gustar...018-xmos-hifi-dac-384khz-dsd-dop-decoder.html

For amps, we have the incredible Nord One NC500ST which uses the awesome Hypex Ncore NC500 amps, combined with the SMPS1200A700 supply. (Same as used in the $50000 Bel Canto Black system) This amp is on par with the very high value $3000 NAD M22, only more powerful as it uses the NC500's rather than the 400's:

http://www.iqspeakers.co.uk/#!product-page/onbar/fe662795-22cc-0f59-1b07-e00dbe3cba9e

For speakers we have something really special as well. They use the top of the line, incomparable 5.25" Scan-Speak Illuminator mid woofers. These are world class drivers used in the worlds finest systems. For tweeters they use the incredible Scan-speak ring radiator Illuminators. These are also used in several $30000 plus speakers. Crossover parts are very high quality, yet simple as these drivers don't need high order slopes to work together. Cabinets are built to the highest standards and offer the choice of the finest veneers.

It's a kit offered by Madisound, but Taylor speakers builds cabinets for it, and offers a complete assembly service. So if you go through them you can get the turn key speakers for only $2066.20. This is insane for the price as these will give any monitor out there at any price a run for their money.

https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.com/2-way-speaker-kits/lumine-one-2-way-speaker-kit/

http://www.taylorspeakers.com/html/lumin.html



As for cables. For interconnects we have the very nice D1's from member Davec of zenwave audio 0.5m pair:
http://www.zenwaveaudio.com/product/d1-interconnect-2/

Speaker cables we have the Neotech 3004 which use the finest UPOCC copper. Same copper as Dave's D-1 interconnect. 8 ft pair:

http://www.partsconnexion.com/wire_speaker_neotech.html

For USB cable we have the killer Furutech GT2 in 0.3m length

http://www.partsconnexion.com/wire_usb_furutech_gt2.html


There we have it. Now lets tally up the grand total:

NUC computer with ram, USB stick and 5tb hdd: $303

Audiolinux image: $33

Jriver media player Linux licence: $39.98

Gustard X20U DAC: $799

Nord One NC500ST amp: $1303

Lumine speakers fully assembled from Taylor speakers: $2066.20

Zen wave D1 interconnects with Furutech XLR connectors: $164

16' of Neotech 3004 speaker cable: $370.72

Furutech GT2 usb cable: $121


Grand total= $5035.86

A bit over the budget, but close enough.

 

[Blizzard]

Based on your OP that's not the point at all. Here is what you said:

Sounds to me like you've already anointed yourself with having the only answer.

Frankly I don't think you'll accept anyone's recommendation and will only make light of whatever they recommended.

If someone has better suggestions, I'm more than open to hear them. But it will be pretty tough with this system I came up with

 

[Gregadd]

Because we are friends why don't we just get rhis on the record now. Have you heard this system? If so have you compared it to any $15k system? Just for the record you can recommend things you have not heard. It just tells how much weight we should give your choice.

 

[Blizzard]

Because we are friends why don't we just get rhis on the record now. Have you heard this system? If so have you compared it to any $15k system? Just for the record you can recommend things you have not heard. It just tells how much weight we should give your choice.

Actually I'm completely deaf, so I can only judge the components by studying the information. We will have to leave the subjective impressions up to anyone who takes the plunge and try's the system out.

 

[Gregadd]

It's okay. I drive places I have never been before just using my navigation system.

 

[DaveyF]

Actually I'm completely deaf, so I can only judge the components by studying the information.

Interesting comment, LOL

 

[Blizzard]

It's okay. I drive places I have never been before just using my navigation system.

There's only 2 ways anyone will be able to recognize the value of this system:

1: Possess enough knowledge to know based on the information provided that the system will be killer

2: Buy the system and listen to it for yourself

If I had this system in my living room right now, with detailed photos of me listening to it, with a big wide smile across my face, it would be absolutely meaningless information. I hear everyday around here that I have no listening experience anyways. My subjective evaluation of this system would be absolutely worthless. Let's let the more experienced listeners share their subjective impressions on this system instead.

 

[Gregadd]

Ok Mike I'm going to leave you alone

I did have one question. If it's not a prototype, would you consider opening a thread in the DYI subforum detailing its' construction? It really looks cool..

 

[Blizzard]

Ok Mike I'm going to leave you alone

I did have one question. If it's not a prototype, would you consider opening a thread in the DYI subforum detailing its' construction? It really looks cool..

The speaker? It's a very well known speaker that's been around for a while now. It's not DIY if you buy it assembled. Here's a speaker that uses the same Scan-Speak mid woofer:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews2/kaiser/1.html

Only the Tweeter in The Kaiser Chiara is the Mundorf AMT used in the speaker in my $10000 system thread. But it's on par with the Scan-Speak quality wise.

The tweeter it uses is one of Scan-Speak's best. Better than the one used in this speaker:

http://www.positive-feedback.com/Issue40/vr5_anniversary.htm

https://www.madisoundspeakerstore.c...tor-r3004/6620-00-1-tweeter-black-face-plate/

 

[Phelonious Ponk]

The Scanspeak drivers are very good. SOTA? probably. But the inclusion of a $125 usb cable drives this system deep into audiophile nervosa territory, challenging the credibility for anyone without the religion.

Tim

 

[Blizzard]

The Scanspeak drivers are very good. SOTA? probably. But the inclusion of a $125 usb cable drives this system deep into audiophile nervosa territory, challenging the credibility for anyone without the religion.

Tim

The Scan-speak illuminator's are among the world's finest drivers. SOTA to the extreme. As for the cables, if they don't matter to you that would save you even more money then right?

 

[Phelonious Ponk]

The Scan-speak illuminator's are among the world's finest drivers. SOTA to the extreme. As for the cables, if they don't matter to you that would save you even more money then right?

Right.

Tim

 

[Blizzard]

OK, I'm VERY interested in this. I want to hear what everyone has to say because I want to present a new system to my musician daughter who would love my IRS but I told her she can't have it until I am dead. When she was 12 and knew very well where she was going with her occupation, I bought her a component system, with a decent receiver, cd player and moderate level B&W speakers-but that was 14 years ago. She still likes the system, but I know she would enjoy something better now.

I'm sure she would be more than thrilled with this system.

 

[Blizzard]

Keep in mind that Madisound will upgrade the crossover components in the speaker to whatever quality you desire for only the difference in parts cost. If you want to use Mundorf silver/gold supreme EVO's like the Magico Q7 MK2, not a problem. There's only 4 caps in the whole system.

 

[JackD201]

The 2904-7000 has better specs than the 3004. It extends farther, is more efficient and has better power handling. Being air cooled, you'd think these differences would be even more important considering the difference in price isn't all that much. Did the higher model number make you assume it was the new flagship?