TubeHiFiNut
Super Member
One of the things that seems to be a misconception with High End Audio is that you have to spend five figures or more to play.
Personally, I think that, with careful system building, it is possible to put together a system that is true to our working definition of High End without depleting your bank account and/or ending up in divorce court.
To reiterate, we are working with the following (very fluid) definition:
There are lot's of AK Members who have been playing with Hi-Fi for many years and have owned a wide variety of components throughout the price spectrum.
So, let's put the creativity and experience of AK to work. For those who care to play:
1. Total system price must be <$9,999.99.
2. Assemble a system of components, new or readily available used, including source(s), amplification (separates or integrated), speakers, ICs and speaker cables.
3. Use retail new or ebay used (two normally worst case scenarios) to determine total system price. Simple DIY (speakers only) is OK as long as someone like me with ten thumbs could complete the project.
4. In keeping with our definition, fidelity to the midrange (where most of the music resides) has the highest priority.
5. These should be components that you have either owned, own now or have had extensive exposure to listen to over time and in familiar surroundings.
6. Please keep this thread a 'No Flame Thread' and keep all comments and discussions positive and informative.
I'll leave this post as-is and post my entry on a subsequent post.
My goal in starting this thread is to link the pool of experience here to newer members who may be looking for how to best build their system.
Thank you in advance for playing.
Personally, I think that, with careful system building, it is possible to put together a system that is true to our working definition of High End without depleting your bank account and/or ending up in divorce court.
To reiterate, we are working with the following (very fluid) definition:
High end components are designed with the goal of reproducing the sound of live, unamplified music in the home. Recreation of the soundstage and dynamics of the original performance across a wide frequency range are a priority with midrange fidelity having the highest priority. High end components can be vintage or current and price is not a consideration, only fidelity to the music.
There are lot's of AK Members who have been playing with Hi-Fi for many years and have owned a wide variety of components throughout the price spectrum.
So, let's put the creativity and experience of AK to work. For those who care to play:
1. Total system price must be <$9,999.99.
2. Assemble a system of components, new or readily available used, including source(s), amplification (separates or integrated), speakers, ICs and speaker cables.
3. Use retail new or ebay used (two normally worst case scenarios) to determine total system price. Simple DIY (speakers only) is OK as long as someone like me with ten thumbs could complete the project.
4. In keeping with our definition, fidelity to the midrange (where most of the music resides) has the highest priority.
5. These should be components that you have either owned, own now or have had extensive exposure to listen to over time and in familiar surroundings.
6. Please keep this thread a 'No Flame Thread' and keep all comments and discussions positive and informative.
I'll leave this post as-is and post my entry on a subsequent post.
My goal in starting this thread is to link the pool of experience here to newer members who may be looking for how to best build their system.
Thank you in advance for playing.