A Spending Exercise With No McIntosh

[jdandy]

Ok, this is totally hypothetical. I want a new sound system. I don't want any McIntosh components. The system has to be seperate components, digital source, and include speakers, interconnects, power cords, and speaker cables. I want a very good systems, but I have a budget, and cannot exceed $60K.

I have a complete system in mind, but I will wait to reveal it. Build me a great system.

[Still-One]

Dan
Assuming normal discounts. One option that coms to mind would be MBL 111f speakers, Ayre MX-R & KX-R amp and pre amp, and either the Meridian 808 vII or Ayre C5xeMP as source.
Jim

[jdandy]

Jim.......I had not considered MBL speakers, but you came very close to the system I have in mind. Any idea on ballpark $ figure for the system you outlined?

[Still-One]

Originally Posted by jdandy

Jim.......I had not considered MBL speakers, but you came very close to the system I have in mind. Any idea on ballpark $ figure for the system you outlined?

The MBL list for about $32k, the MX-R's and KX-R about $18k each and the Ayre CD about $6k. That is $74k and I am sure you could do 20% off.

[Still-One]

Dan
If used is an option.
MBL's new at 25% off $24k
Ayre MX-R and KX-R on Audiogon $21k
Ayre C5xe on Audiongon $4k
Uppgrade to MP $200
Total $50k

[Sproink]

Manley Steelhead $7500, Manley NeoClassic 300B $5500, Manley 500 Monoblocks $12000, Gabriel Gold Interconnects and speaker cables $4000, Blumenhofer Genuin FS 1 Speakers (verifying, but under for the total), Yamaha CT-7000 FM Tuner with custom power supply <$1000.

Alternate amp: Mark Levinson mono 53s (budget buster! ).

Too man choices for the CDP, but believe it or not a Rega Saturn works for me $3000, but there's always a Mark Levinson 390S $6700.

Hmm...a TT now...Transcriptor Reference Mark II (verifying with exchange, but likely within budget).

Prices are retail.


The Blumenhofer cabinetwork is impeccable.

[jdandy]

Sproink.......That's a nice combination of gear. Very interesting. Are you under the budget?

[TommyC]

Hmm.. fun thread!

Loudspeakers: Sonus Faber Amati Anniversario -> 30K
Preamp: Ayre KX-R -> 18.5K
Poweramp: Ayre MR-R -> 18.5K
Source: Ayre C-5XeMP -> 6K

Total: ~73K MRSP
You should be able to find these in good condition on Audiogon for ~50K. That leaves you ~10K for power conditioners, cables, and power cords!

[schaefer11]

Build a seperate room based on the golden ratio. Long wall 1.00 Short wall .619 ( I think) and whatever the ceiling height would be. Spend a few bucks on strategically placed acoustic panels. 1 Pair of Klipschorns on the long wall. Maybe Parasound or Rotel for the electronics. Buy used if necessary to pull it off for the 60K. Throw a party and play the music LOUD.

[jdandy]

You guys are putting together some nice gear. Since none of it is Mac gear, it is interesting to see what is being chosen. The three Ayre pieces do seem like a winning combination.