System for Under US$10,000 MSRP

[Evolutionary]

Ron,

Helping your friend with such an interesting goal prompted me to join the community; so with links to reviews, here are some suggestions worth considering:


Music Hall Stealth Record Player comes with Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, detachable headshell, and RCA cables: $1,649.00


Marantz Model 30 Integrated Amp 100w @ 8?, 200w @ 4?, MM/MC phono preamp with adjustable MC impedance, discrete preamp and amp power supplies, headphone amp, all analog I/O with plenty of provisions, and remote: $2,999.00




Silversmith Fidelium Speaker Cables 6 ft. stereo pair: $1,195.00

​

Eminent Technology LFT-8b hybrid speakers: $3,200.00/pr. (incl. shipping) I had these on Sound Anchor stands, and they were notably better than the Martin Logan Sequel I's I had then. Though I don't frequent the Audiophiliac, he mirrors many of my observations of the LFT-8b, in my experience they really are that good.

System price including tax $9,585.58


- Options -​

Record cleaner – various
Record clamp – various

Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II Interconnects. The stock Music Hall Stealth RCA’s will get him by, but these along with a better turntable cartridge should get him further into aural bliss. Starting at 1.6 ft.: $1,487.50

​

Better cartridges: depending on the budget, the Sumiko Amethyst ($600.00) and Audio Quest AT-OC9XSL ($750.00) are good places to start.

​

Note: a cartridge stylus will wear over time as will vinyl media, and some cartridges pick-up relatively more record noise. Perhaps you can persuade him to look more into disc and/or streaming media. To that end, maybe there's a shop near him where he can compare a few favorite tunes on different formats i.e. vinyl, disc, streaming; to get a better idea of how his money could be spent.

 

[Rexp]

Ron,

Helping your friend with such an interesting goal prompted me to join the community, so here are some suggestions worth considering:


Music Hall Stealth Record Player comes with Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge, detachable headshell, and RCA cables: $1,649.00 View attachment 124541


Marantz Model 30 Integrated Amp all analog I/O with plenty of provisions: $2,999.00

View attachment 124542


Silversmith Fidelium Speaker Cables 6 ft. stereo pair: $1,195.00

View attachment 124544

Eminent Technology LFT-8b hybrid speakers: $3,200.00/pr. (incl. shipping)

View attachment 124545

System price including tax $9,585.58


- Options -​

Record cleaner – various
Record Clamp – various

Acoustic Zen Silver Reference II Interconnects. The stock Music Hall Stealth RCA’s will get him by, but these along with a better turntable cartridge should get him where he wants to go. Starting at 1.6 ft.: $1,487.50

View attachment 124546​

Better turntable cartridge: depending on the budget, the Sumiko Amethyst ($600.00) and Audio Quest AT-OC9XSL ($750.00) are good places to start.

View attachment 124547​

Note: a cartridge stylus will wear over time as will vinyl media, and some cartridges pick-up relatively more record noise. Perhaps you can persuade him to look more into disc and/or streaming media. To that end, maybe there's a shop near him where he can compare a few favorite tunes on different formats i.e. vinyl, disc, streaming; to get a better idea of how his money could be spent.

Interesting, how does the Marantz compare to pricier amps you've heard?

 

[Evolutionary]

Interesting, how does the Marantz compare to pricier amps you've heard?

This was a fun exploratory to see what I could find under 10 grand with a source platter, and I haven't yet heard the amp.

 

[chuck]

Interesting, how does the Marantz compare to pricier amps you've heard?

I have heard it and bought a Marantz 40n for a family member. It sounds very good and uses the Hypex modules. However, for a higher end 2 channel rig I prefer the Anthem STR, which has room correction, a phono stage, full digital capability, bass management with dual subwoofer outputs and is 200 watts of class AB power. I have used an Anthem MCA20 for years in a second system, it is essentially the same amp.

 

[christoph]

This was a fun exploratory to see what I could find under 10 grand with a source platter, and I haven't yet heard the amp.

How can you recommend something that you haven't heard yourself?
And the cables are more expensive than the gear itself?

 

[Another Johnson]

The higher level Marantz integrated amps sound pretty good for their price points. I’ve owned several over the years. They’re not competitive (to my ears) with the best products at over twice their msrp. But if you like anything near the Marantz price level, Marantz is worth a listen.

Safeandsoundhq.com (a large bricks and mortar store in western Massachusetts) often offers nice discounts on warranted open box and demo stock. If you’re interested in Marantz, Denon, Hegel, Esoteric, or other brands that they carry, they’re worth a look. The deals are in their outlet section.

They also have a generous return policy if you’re disappointed in your choice.

 

[Rexp]

Regarding budget allocation, a system I heard in the 80's that got me into high end audio was a Pink Triangle turntable, Crimson Elektrik pre/pwr and Heybrook HB2 speakers. The turntable cost more than the amp and speakers combined. Later I discovered Conrad Johnson pre amps which made listening to music truly addictive for both vinyl and tape. So the pre amp is key.

 

[Folsom]

Probably (understandably) it’s about availability and ease and coming together with gear Ron’s friend can audition… while I’m sure Ron gets the advantages of opening up to second hand but for his friend there’s also the comfortable mainstream perception/illusion that for gadgets like hifi latest = greatest.

There’s plenty of good things in going to second hand but given the brief that’s all moot… sticking with the budget and buying off the shelf is the brief Ron has to work with. It may also be the thing that could hold this to being more about a renewal and replacement and less a potential for something of a real upgrade which the audiophile instinct in us probably innately reaches towards.

While going to recent second hand even just for the speakers/amp combo could take the outcome up quite a ways towards it being a real potential step up… I spose you could offer two solutions one showing what all new buys and contrasting with a proposed setup with an example of going to recent second hand options for the speakers and the amp and put together with a handsome vintage turntable. But that’s making all this much more the kind of commitment an audiophile wants to chase rather than being a straightforward solution for Ron’s friend.

It’ll be interesting to see what Ron will be able to work up as a system at any rate. It’s a tight budget for sure.

Second hand offers a lot. But I literally am just saying for the turntable it is the difference between something very nice that is separated by degrees of diminishing returns from more expensive units, and something that makes the more expensive turntables look worth every damn penny.

You can buy literally any sound new, except in TT at the price point. There are literal vintage sound options that sound vintage (limited but do exist).

Someone else mentioned old receivers, some of those refreshed the right way (sorta rare, 3 prong plugs ruin them but techies are obsessed with doing it) are going to trump all but a really esoteric flea watt amp in the price range. So while I am aware of that, I'm also aware that all the new TT's have horrid speed control over the 360* and are on MDF plinths - they're cheap AF.

The questions burns about speaker placement. Suggestions of new ones that are a step above certain others ones for the desired outcome really are dependent on that. If they are wall huggers or corner setters then there are specific options.

 

[Solypsa]

The questions burns about speaker placement.

This and size of room, and construction ( glass and concrete tower, old stone, etc...) will be a big factor in speaker efficiency which will in turn dictate amp type / topology.

 

[Kenc]

Without knowing anything about the room or the person, I would humbly suggest something approximating (but gently exceeding) my secondary system: Atohm GT-1 HD speakers, Kef KC 62 subwoofer, NAD M10 v2 integrated amp, Rega P3 with Exact MM cartridge (super easy to set up) and Project Tube Phono preamp. A streaming service can be added later for a nominal fee and I'm fairly certain it will become his prmary or at least an often used source in such a system. Video easily integrated into this system with HDMI eARC. Dirac room correction works exceptionally well.

 

[Amir]

Audio Note Zero CD Player $3000
Audio Note Zero Integrated Amplifier $3000
Audio Note AZ-Two Deluxe Loudspeaker $4400

Total $10400

 

[Amir]

I allways told for less expensive audio systems the best way is going for minimal designs with less parts, small room + tube amplifier + two way high efficency paper dd speakers are my favorite for low budget systems.

Audio Note Zero is my recommendation for $10k system.

I also recommend Vintage turntables from Garrard Thorens Technics at low prices.

 

[morricab]

Audio Note Zero CD Player $3000
Audio Note Zero Integrated Amplifier $3000
Audio Note AZ-Two Deluxe Loudspeaker $4400

Total $10400

View attachment 124650

I like the idea….except the speakers.

 

[bonzo75]

And apart from the fact that there are multiple posts on this thread stating he wants vinyl and not CD - but let's just ignore that.

looks like Amir edited his post. At least he is reading mine

 

[Kjetil]

A Thorens TD 1601 with an AT VM540ML (he manages to change a stylus I hope) straight into a pair of KEF LS60 Wireless.
Yes I know they can stream and connect to your tv but that’s just bonus.
If he doesn’t like the Thorens get the entry level Linn LP12 Majik with Adikt.

 

[morricab]

And apart from the fact that there are multiple posts on this thread stating he wants vinyl and not CD - but let's just ignore that.

looks like Amir edited his post. At least he is reading mine

Ron also started talking about streaming with a DAC…

 

[bonzo75]

Ron also started talking about streaming with a DAC…

yes not CD, and that doesn’t change the key request. It was a suggestion others made that streaming, social with things such as ifi etc could lead to better price, so Ron said he would let the guy know.

 

[bonzo75]

Regarding budget allocation, a system I heard in the 80's that got me into high end audio was a Pink Triangle turntable, Crimson Elektrik pre/pwr and Heybrook HB2 speakers. The turntable cost more than the amp and speakers combined. Later I discovered Conrad Johnson pre amps which made listening to music truly addictive for both vinyl and tape. So the pre amp is key.

Pink Triangle with SME V arm is a very high value musical table but users say tough to set it up right.

 

[scericson]

Magnepan LRS/stands	1,300
NAD C399	2,000
TECHNICS SL-1210GR2	2,200
Soundsmith Aida HO	2,000
Pangea turntable rack	250
Triode Wire sc, 9'	950
Triode Wire ph, 3'	450
Triode Wire 2 pcs, 5'	600
Total	9,750

 

[christoph]

Magnepan LRS/stands	1,300
NAD C399	2,000
TECHNICS SL-1210GR2	2,200
Soundsmith Aida HO	2,000
Pangea turntable rack	250
Triode Wire sc, 9'	950
Triode Wire ph, 3'	450
Triode Wire 2 pcs, 5'	600
Total	9,750

Nice one, but we still don't know ANYTHING AT ALL about the room and the Maggies need to be into the room quite a bit.