Wbf best system under $30k

Gregadd

WBF Founding Member
Apr 20, 2010
10,754
1,875
1,850
Metro DC
I thought we might have some fun trying to put together a system under the limit. Maybe we can avoid the inevitable format wars.
A system designed for an audiophile but can be integrated into a shared living space. Two channel.
There seems to be consensus that the speaker is most important. Why don't we start there
Try to give it some thought.
While it is preferable that you have actually heard the product it is sufficient that you have experience with the brand.
Keep in mind your choice of speaker should be compatible with your other choices.
Again try to do some ?esearch. Don't just pick the speaked you own or sell. Of course, you may if you like.
I suggest a $15k limit. Go over or under but it effects you other choices.
A picture would be helpful.
Please withhold your other choices until the speaker nominees are in. Going over or under the limit is ok. I just ask that you not turn it into a debate.
You should explain why you made your choice.
 
Just curious why you picked 30K as the number? I have 2 stereo set-ups that are well under that and sound quite nice. For speakers I use Revel Performa 206's in one and JBL 1400 Arrays in the other one. You don't have to spend that kind of money.

Rob:)
 
I thought we might have some fun trying to put together a system under the limit. Maybe we can avoid the inevitable format wars.
A system designed for an audiophile but can be integrated into a shared living space. Two channel.
There seems to be consensus that the speaker is most important. Why don't we start there
Try to give it some thought.
While it is preferable that you have actually heard the product it is sufficient that you have experience with the brand.
Keep in mind your choice of speaker should be compatible with your other choices.
Again try to do some ?esearch. Don't just pick the speaked you own or sell. Of course, you may if you like.
I suggest a $15k limit. Go over or under but it effects you other choices.
A picture would be helpful.
Please withhold your other choices until the speaker nominees are in. Going over or under the limit is ok. I just ask that you not turn it into a debate.
You should explain why you made your choice.

Once you guys come up with a top notch 30K system, we should get together and compare it with the system in my 10K system thread :)
 
I got the idea from the thread " The State of The High End."
Obviously you can post whatever you want. I prefer this not be a debate about prices
Tell us what you like about those speakers
Two voted for Harmon

0
 
Single source (analog or digital) or both?
 
When repondinhg to a post try not to autatically repeat the entitety of every post
I am using a smart phone and it makes things difficult to manage. If you are not making a rebuttal it is not necessary.
 
New or used?
 
New.
Modified- there would have to be an existing product run available to the general public.
Format- Your choice. With my limited knowledge I now regard digital hardware as a computer.
 
I was just about to say the Italians not only sound good they look good. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
 
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They may sound good, but those little extended feet make em look like they're about to crawl away.
I'll play them some Perry Como so they fall asleep.

I was just about to say the Italians not sound good they look good. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
Wow! I thought this thread was about posting what speaker one would buy using the parameters you set out. Never realized choices would also be criticized. I'll just bow out now.
 
I thought I was complementing your choice.
 
Ok Johnny. Mea culpa. I left out the word ONLY.
 
I thought I was complementing your choice.
Then I obviously misinterpreted your post. It just read weird to me.

My apologies.
 
I can propose a few systems based on individual components I have heard. I have not heard the system as whole but have heard part of whatever I propsoe .. for the most part :)

Here I go:

Digital only, MSRP

Magnepan Mg3.7i $ 6,000.00 (Prepare to spend multiple of that to approach its overall performance)
Berkeley Audio DAC 2 $ 5,000 ( One of the best DAC at any price IMHO)
SVS Sb200 Subs x 4 $ 2800 (with 4 of those you will get response down to the single digits in most rooms. Superb results can be obtained using only 3 in a Geddes configuration)
Sanders Magtech $ 6,000 (game changer. Audiophiles need to open their mind and ears to this super amp)
Blizzard Streamer $ 300 (Will build mine in two weeks .. at that price you can't do wrong :D )
miniDSP DDRC-88A $ 750 (You use DSP to optimize your multiple subs set-up .. Flat to single digits with smooth bass unattainable by any non-DSP means)
_______
$20,850

Enough left over to buy cables to your heart content ...
 
I can propose a few systems based on individual components I have heard. I have not heard the system as whole but have heard part of whatever I propsoe .. for the most part :)

Here I go:

Digital only, MSRP

Magnepan Mg3.7i $ 6,000.00 (Prepare to spend multiple of that to approach its overall performance)
Berkeley Audio DAC 2 $ 5,000 ( One of the best DAC at any price IMHO)
SVS Sb200 Subs x 4 $ 2800 (with 4 of those you will get response down to the single digits in most rooms. Superb results can be obtained using only 3 in a Geddes configuration)
Sanders Magtech $ 6,000 (game changer. Audiophiles need to open their mind and ears to this super amp)
Blizzard Streamer $ 300 (Will build mine in two weeks .. at that price you can't do wrong :D )
miniDSP DDRC-88A $ 750 (You use DSP to optimize your multiple subs set-up .. Flat to single digits with smooth bass unattainable by any non-DSP means)
_______
$20,850

Enough left over to buy cables to your heart content ...

I would love to compare that to my $10000 system :)
 
I would love to compare that to my $10000 system :)

Your system would not be able to compete on overall FR at the very least, I am also close to certain your 2-way bookshelf speakers cannot have the scale and stage presence ( see I am using audiophile lingo :) ) of the MG 3.7... While I ordered a Gustard X-20, I am not sure it is the equal of the Berkeley DAC-2 either few DACs are ... as for amps I have never heard the Nord so shouldn't/wouldn't say a thing.
 
Your system would not be able to compete on overall FR at the very least, I am also close to certain your 2-way bookshelf speakers cannot have the scale and stage presence ( see I am using audiophile lingo :) ) of the MG 3.7... While I ordered a Gustard X-20, I am not sure it is the equal of the Berkeley DAC-2 either few DACs are ... as for amps I have never heard the Nord so shouldn't/wouldn't say a thing.

Yes your system would definitely move more air in the lower registers that's for sure. However matching subs are in the works for my recommendation that will likely be unreal using Accuton drivers.
 

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