What is your hifi system worth ? (retail price, and NOT what you paid for) [Archive] - Audio & Video Forums

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OzzieAudiophile
04-06-2008, 05:18 AM
Hello fellow audio-phreaks.

My other poll gave you the opportunity to express your passion to what kind(s) of
hifi systems you have set up in your home. Sorry I published ppl's choices, I will NOT do
that for this poll. You will be able to see the number result only, not who voted.

This one concentrates on how much pain, passion, dollars, you have paid in order to
take you to that journey you need to make. This is the TOTAL cost (retail price), of ALL
of the hifi systems in your home, as many as you actually have at home. Vote on what
your system(s) are worth shop retail price, NOT what you paid for.

Make sure you also add up all of your speaker cables, interconnects, speaker end plugs,
power surge protectors, UPSs, current regulator systems, sound dampeners, hifi/component
cabinets, LCD/Plasma, TVs, VCRs, BluRay players, HD boxes, DVR's, PVR's, surround
speakers, Subwoofers.

DO NOT add the value of your CD/DVD disc collections. I'm not interested in music media in
this poll.

Any set up over 5K, I'd be interested to know what it is, if it's in your profile, let me know,
to save space :crazy:

This is NOT a contest, it's not a 'most expensive' wins. I'm purely curious as what it took
to make your listening experiences as pleasurable as possible.

My theory is you cannot put a number/price on audio happiness. However we do tend
to live in life, the same way as we journey through our audio listening experienced lives.
We upgrade once in a while, some more often than others. Technology demands some of
us to upgrade more often than we would of 10 years ago.

I'm willing to take a guess that the majority of folks would have a system worth about
5K. I would be interested to find how if that ends up being the case, or am I so totally
wrong ?

Any systems 10K or more, msg me personally. I want to understand which components
are your most expensive ones, why you made those choices, what would you also say
is the weakness in your system (if you have found any).

NOTE : If you found this poll a most useful "getting to know our other hifi breatherin"
excercise, your positive feedback is welcome.


Thankyou again.

Luvin Da Blues
04-06-2008, 05:48 AM
Good question Ozziephile, I was wondering about a few members rigs also.

All prices USD and MSRP

Main System

Marsh p200b pre = $1500
Marsh a400s amp = $2500
psb Stratus GT-1 = $2000 ***will upgrade sometime soon
2-Infinity 10" subs = $700 ***will upgrade or delete sometime soon
Turntable = $1000
(complete with phono amp)
Misc ICs/spkr cbl = $400????

SubTotal = $8,100 (paid about $4500)

with 46" HDTV & HD receiver =$3,000

Total = $11,100 not including ext. soundcard and ext. HD for computer feed

Bedroom

Denon AVR2500 = $600??? bought used
Infinity Beta 20 = $500
Infinty TSS c&surr = $300??
Klipsch 8" sub = $250??
Cbls/wire = $100??

SubTotal = $1750

With 32" Phillips CRT = $700 new???

Total =$2450???

Misc unused gear

Sansui AU 6900 = $300???
HK TD302 tape = $700
Technics SPG350 CD= $250???

Total of all Entertainment Equip. = $14,800

A lot of the prices are an educated guesses so actual $$ may vary.
Anyone feel free to correct my prices.

Bigmoney
04-06-2008, 06:02 AM
Ozzie, my system goes as follows

b and w dm 602 s3 speakers***- 650
rotel rc1070-500
rotel rb1080 power amp-1000
monster cable z2 speaker wire (bi wired)-100
blue jeans cable interconnects (2)- 70
marantz 3001 dvd player (as source)***200
cyberpower 1010ht linefilter+surge- 120
crystal acoustics 12 inch sub- 650
monster cable power cord- 50 (for amp)
I have a 26 inch panasonic lcd-750 which is separate from my 2 channel rig
I have created my own sound damping for my components by taking two mdf slabs and stacking them between rubber grip pads on each corner of the botom mdf slab to separate the two- total cost to DIY probably 30 bucks
I also custom built 4 fet by two feet by 4 inch deep sound panels of mineral wool- total cost 70 dollars.
total=4480
This is a two channel system
I have marked a star by the two components I will upgrade soon in the future. While my amp and preamp cost over double my speakers, this is not the norm, nor reccomended approach. My approach, because I will be going to college, is to upgrade my speakers once I am out of colege. I wouldn't want to lug large floorstanders into my dorm reason being. The speakers I intend to buy will most likely be atleast 2 grand. Also in the near future I will upgrade my source to either the rotel 1072-700 or the marantz 5001-300.
On a student budget my situation is a little different, but even with the weaknesses I have (speaker, source) I still thouroughly enjoy my system

JohnMichael
04-06-2008, 06:02 AM
Interestingly I had to list my system and include replacement costs for my insurance agent. My main system totaled a little over $5,100. I do have $1,640 dollars in components that have been upgraded. What was surprising is most of the expense was in my turntable and modifications.

Rega Planar 2 $495.
Benz MC Gold cartridge $350.
RingMat record mat $ 90.
Incognito tonearm rewire $295.
Deep Groove subplatter $179.
Michell Technoweight $179.

Total $1,588

The table has replacement feet that were a gift but I do need to assign a value. They are great and I would not want to be without them.

The rest of my system is in my signature. The unused components due to upgrades are a Cambridge Audio 640A, Marantz CD5001, Ascend CBM 170SE, NHT SuperOne's, Sony cd changer recorder, Rotel RQ970 BX phono preamp.

Future upgrades will be the Exposure 2010S integrated amp and either the Musical Fidelity XLPS v8 or Simaudio Moon LP3 phono preamps.

OzzieAudiophile
04-06-2008, 06:18 AM
Sounds like you guys made pretty much the most of the money you spent.

What I was suprised the most is how much I spent on interconnects, cables.

DynAudio Contour 1.8s - 6000
(Getting next week delivered) - Samsung LCD 40inch LA40M81BDX 2500
Yamaha AV Receiver RX-V1300 - 1700
Monster Interconnects, Video Cable, and speaker plugs - 1200 (at least 7 cables)
Monster Power Surge Protection, plus other Surge protection - 500
Pioneer DVR-640H (250 GB HDD) - 900
Panasonic DVD-F65 (connect via Optical) - 150
GH Pair of Floorstanding Speakers (as rears) - 200
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total $13150

IF I end up getting my dream McIntosh MC402 - 10000
IF I end up getting my dream McIntosh MCD201 - 6300
XLR cables - 550
Power regulator (keep constant 240V ) 1500

Total cost will then become 31,500 ! :P (yeah if I sell the house lol)

basite
04-06-2008, 07:11 AM
here in europe?
well, I'll convert to US dollars, with the current exchange rates...

Mcintosh MA6400 € 4 500 = 7 064.55 US$
Thiel CS2.3 € 5 250 = 8 241.975 US$
Marantz CD5001OSE € 350 = 549.46500 US$
Luxman PD-282 ??? found it for free, it retailed for something like $350, back in 1976
Denon DL-103 € 180 = 282.58200 US$
Pro-ject Phonobox II € 99 = 155.4201 US$
Siltech MXT new york € 208 = 326.5392 US$
Kimber PBJ $87
Qed Qunex 3 $78 or so
Furutech powercable € 100 = 156.99 US$
Kimber 4VS (4m) €68 = 106.7532 US$


so that's $17399,2745 in total...

keep in mind the $ is pretty weak now compared to the €...

upgrades will be the sources, probably...
and the speaker cables.

Keep them spinning,
Bert

Ajani
04-06-2008, 08:17 AM
............
This one concentrates on how much pain, passion, dollars, you have paid in order to
take you to that journey you need to make.

.............

This is NOT a contest, it's not a 'most expensive' wins. I'm purely curious as what it took
to make your listening experiences as pleasurable as possible.

I know this is meant to be a fun thread and is really just to satisfy your curiosity, but I just wanted to emphasize one point:

The amount of money spent on your setup is not a meaningful measure of anything.

It is neither:

1) A measurement of someone's dedication or passion for audio: - If a multi-millionaire spends $200K on an impulse purchase of a HT, does that mean he has more passion for audio than the college student who saved, researched and auditioned for 2 years to buy a $1K setup?

Nor

2) A reflection of audio knowledge and experience: - Using the same example as above; the multi-millionaire might not even know how to power up his setup, while that same college student might know every feature on the millionaire's setup and be able to take it apart and rebuild it (with enough time and tools).

All that said, once I get my new system setup I'll revisit this thread and vote in the poll.

tony_abreu
04-06-2008, 09:08 AM
Ajani,
I agree with you to a certain level. But how many multi millionaire are reading these threads. Like you mentioned they spend the money without objection. On the other hand, I have to make sure that my hard earned dollars go along way, and I don't have a dollar tree in my backyard, therefore the money that I spend is a reflection of my passion.

Regards,

Ajani
04-06-2008, 09:22 AM
Ajani,
I agree with you to a certain level. But how many multi millionaire are reading these threads. Like you mentioned they spend the money without objection. On the other hand, I have to make sure that my hard earned dollars go along way, and I don't have a dollar tree in my backyard, therefore the money that I spend is a reflection of my passion.

Regards,

Yes and no. The problem still lies with trying to compare money spent. Even assuming that neither you nor I are millionaires; If you spent $5K on your setup and I spent $10K, does that mean I am more passionate about audio than you? Just because I frequent this board and spend $10K on a setup doesn't actually tell you how passionate I am about the hobby... I could just make far far far more money than you do (or just have far less expenses) and thus am able to spend more on audio. I still don't think money is a really good measure of anything in our hobby.

tony_abreu
04-06-2008, 09:44 AM
You bring a good point. If you have more earning power, definitely you will spend more. But for me as an individual, the money that I spend is a reflection of how strong my passion is for this hobby. Many fights with the wifey on priorities, will reassure this in my case.

Regards,

Feanor
04-06-2008, 10:06 AM
Well, OK ... my stereo system: approximate original US$ prices, or actual price if higher:

Technics SL-2 turntable & tonearm: $300
Denon DL-110 cartridge: $150
TCC TC-750 phono preamp: $60
HP computer, P4, 512MB RAM + monitor, keyboard, mouse: $900
Denon TU-767 tuner: $300
Sony SCD-CE775 SACD player: $600
M-Audio Audiophile USB external sound card: $200
Assemblage DAC 1.5 + Parts Connexion mods: $1000
Sonic Frontiers LINE 1 tube preamp: $2500
Replacement tubes for above, Ampex 'PQ' and Siemens: $260
Monarchy SM-70 Pro amps, pair: $1960
Magneplanar MG 1.6QR speakers: $1900
PSB Subsonic 5 subwoofer: $500
Assorted interconnects, mostly Blues Jeans: $400
Monster/Parts Express speaker cables: $60Total $11,340, and heck of a cost effective system at that. I bought quite a few of the above used, mostly much less than indicated. The Monarchys were, ummm, let's say, "factory seconds" direct from Monarchy Audio for half MSRP.

blackraven
04-06-2008, 10:30 AM
Magnepan QR1.6= $1800
Adcom GFR-700 AVR= $2,000 (Paid $1100 for Refubished Unit)
CA 840c CDP= $1500
Velodyne sub= $350
Denon DVDP= $300
Sony BluRay= $400 (Free with TV)
B&W LCR3 center channel speaker= $200
Monster and AudioQuest Cables and IC's= $900 (paid $250)
Power conditioner= $100
Sony 52" XBR4 LCD TV= $4000 (paid $2900)
Solid Cherry 3 piece entertainment cabinet= $5,000
JVC VCR= $300

Total= $16,400
Minus the $5K cabinet= $11,800 for equipment only

OzzieAudiophile
04-06-2008, 03:04 PM
Hi peeps.

Thanks for your descriptions of your systems.

It appears that I was wrong, so far from the results, there has been more voters that
have systems between 10 and 20K. However I'd probably take this poll results more to
heart when there's about 50+ votes.

Yeah spending power is always going to be a decider, however there's always the option
to wait 3 to 6 months if it means you can get something that you'll end up being a lot
happier about.

I realise that Australia pay 6 to 8 times more for cables/interconnects than the US :(

I hate retail lol.

From now on, all cables will be purchased off the official website.

Ajani
04-06-2008, 04:53 PM
You bring a good point. If you have more earning power, definitely you will spend more. But for me as an individual, the money that I spend is a reflection of how strong my passion is for this hobby. Many fights with the wifey on priorities, will reassure this in my case.
Regards,

LOL.... I'm in the same position.... nothing more challenging than trying to convince the wife that rebuilding my stereo is a MAJOR priority. Telling her that the first thing I did when I was single and moved out of my parents house was to buy a bed and a stereo. That I didn't buy a TV, Sofa or even bar stools untill months later, somehow doesn't seem to impress her :)

aevans
04-06-2008, 05:01 PM
Main System:
Kinergetics KBA-75 platinum Amp - $3000
Kinergetics KBA-75 platinum Amp - $3000
Kinergetics KPA-2 platinum Pre Amp - $3000
Denon Universal Player - $500
Radioshack interconnects/cables - $400
Burson Audio Buffer - $500
DIY speakers that I designed (madisound did the crossovers) - $750
Speakers Stands - $80
Selah Audio Galena's http://www.selahaudio.com/id146.html - $1600 under construction
Total Retail: $12830

Junk left over from previous years:
JVC CDplayer from 1990 - $120
JVC 1024bk 5.1 receiver - $650
NHT Super One XU - $360
NHT Super Center - $300
Kinergetics KBA-75 platinum Amp THX Certified - $3000
Total Retail: $4430

Baby's room:
Logitech 5.1 system - $120
Sony DVD/MP3 player - $250
Total Retail: $370

TV Stuff:
Sony Wega 27 inch HDTV - $500
Apex DVD player - $40
Total Retail: $540

Grand Total Retail: $18170
What I actually paid: $6300

OzzieAudiophile
04-06-2008, 05:58 PM
Gday aevans.

Talk about saving some money haha.

Ajani.

Whatever you have to justify for a new expense, you can bring up the point in terms of
how many hours/days a week you would be using it. For example, it is easier to convince
someone to buy a new bed because one sleeps around 1/4 to 1/3 of their life sleeping.
So 6 to 9 hours a day sleeping, it would get regular use.

A car that one may drive 15 minutes a day, which may be much more expensive ?
Maybe harder to justify.

Hifi, well is it one of those things that you get and use a lot for the first few weeks, then
use it once a blue moon ? Probably not that practical. Of course we know that is not
going to be the case for us phreaks on here. If you know you will be using the unit(s)
a LOT ? Then you have more to argue about.

Mr Peabody
04-06-2008, 07:23 PM
I should have read before I voted, I put just the price of my 2 channel set up without cables.

Some of the other stuff I have around not shown in my sig.

Adcom gtp-450, gfa-5500, gfa-5400
Dynaudio Audience 60's & 40's
Conrad Johnson solid state DAC / Denon cdp as transport
Sansui au9500 / Yamaha 5 disc changer
Sharp 26" LCD HD & Sony 30" widescreen HD
Krell kav-500i
Luxman am/fm receiver
Kenwood ax9 integrated / AR bookshelf spkrs
Musical Fidelity X-can headphone amp
Sennheiser HD-600, 580, a pair of cordless and portables

That lot is probably some where around $14k
I'd guess the stuff in my signature would total around $32k. That may be conservative since I am not about to account for each and every cable :)

I wonder where Florian would fall into.

oaqm
04-06-2008, 08:45 PM
Main System
Sony XBR50 - $3500
AVA 550 - $2200
Outlaw M2200 (x3) - $921
McCormack MAP-1 - $2400
Magneplanar 1.6 - $1800
Magneplanar SMGc - $900
Magneplanar MGCC1 - $800
Rotel RCD 965BX - $600
Marantz DV6600 - $500
Mirage MS12 - $650
DIY Rack for bigass TV - $150
Cables/Wires - Who knows?

Bedroom System
Panasonic TAU - $500
Rotel RSX 1055 - $1300
JVC XV-S500BK - $250
"Compu-Clair" - $700 (a DIY project involving an overpriced Clarion head unit being driven by a PC power supply and then hooked up via the preouts into the Rotel)
DIY Speakers - $300 (the left one worked better before I put my foot through the cabinet)
DIY Rack - $50
Cables/Wires - Who knows?

Obviously, I need mo' stuff.

Florian
04-06-2008, 11:09 PM
Speakers= Apogee Acoustics Grand (Nr. 7 from 17 pair worldwide) was 230000$ retail in Germany in 1998.

Preamp= Convergant Audio Technology Sl1 Siganture MKII was aprox. 5000$ retail

Midrange amp= Sphinx Project 14 MKIII (13500$ a piece)

Midrange amp 2= Sphinx Project 14 MKIII (13500$ a piece)

CD Player= Sphinx Project 32, retail was 12500$

Cinema Projector, Sony G70-Q, was in Germany 67000$ (used for 34000 in munich)

Magnan Speaker cables, retail 3500EUR in Germany from BT Electronics

Element power cables, retail about 400$ total

and some other stuff.....


Total cost aprox 345000$ IF I WHERE TO BUY RETAIL AT THE PRODUCTION TIME.... lucky for me, i did not :-)

pixelthis
04-07-2008, 01:04 AM
HARD ACT TO FOLLOW....


Integra 7.4 receiver...1200

various B&W speakers, around 2,400
(602s2, CC6, DM305 rears, ASW1000)

Cables, all monster, at least 1500

Shure cartrige, 50$, two TECHNICS turntables, in trade

Disc players, samsung DVDAUDIO, SACD upconverter 129 $
SONY DVD recorder 400$
SONY 300 disc changer 250$

computer, home built 400$

VIZIO 37IN 999$


TOTAL 7300$
:1:

OzzieAudiophile
04-07-2008, 02:32 AM
Florian - I found a photo which has the Apogee Acoustics Grands in cream colour.

Is that the colour you have ? if not what ? I think some of the tallest NBA players are still
shorter than those lol.

I see the amp there, I've seen smaller beds lol.

Wow I hope you have those babies insured :P Do you have plastic bags over the
couch for all the drool from the mates that come over to listen.

Envy is one of the 7 deadly sins isn't it ? :)

Nice one.

You realise your system is STILL worth over 100K if you took out the Apogee Acoustics Grand out of the equation.

Yeah that gear such as that, you want to dedicate a whole room to it all, the amp on the
floor with plenty of free space, like a cornered lion, just don't get too close :)

I'd charge admission for people to touch them, you would of got your money all back
by now (just kiddin).

Thanks for sharing that.

OzzieAudiophile
04-07-2008, 02:42 AM
pixelthis - I heard a lot of positive feedback about the Integra brand, sounds it has lots of
... integraty. B&W is available in a few stores here in WA, they are very nice too. I had
the opportunity to listen through one of their top of the range, it didn't look too tall, but it
was selling for 35K a pair. Needed the McIntosh pair of MC1200 to power them, yep 35K
monoblock amps :P ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Nice system.


Oaqm - nice system too, I have auditioned some Rotel, there's one shop that swear by
them. They do some nice gear.

Mr Peabody - you share a couple of brands that I do. I have the Sennheiser 570 Symphony
they are the model just below the 600's, and half the price. I heard them, they are just on
a different level. I wished I knew about that model at the time, I would of saved up. However
I am happy with the 570s and still use them today. I've had them for a while.

My Dyns are just a series above the Audience, they are clearly the strongest part of my
current system. That is why my other amp post puts me in a dialemma in finding
something good that will drive my Dyn babies.

I'm down to three brands :

McIntosh
Plinius
Parasound

The power amps go between 4K and 10K. It is not hard to guess which one is going for 4,
which one for 6, and which one can go for 10 :P

Luvin Da Blues
04-07-2008, 03:00 AM
Flo,

UNF!!CKIN BELIEVABLE. The winner and undisputed champ.:cornut:

I guess you don't have too many wild parties around that gear.:nonod:

In they immortal words of Will Smith.."I got to get me one of these".

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

PS; If I ever make it to Germany, I'm gunna beg for an invite to your place for a listen.:ihih:

Florian
04-07-2008, 03:36 AM
No problem to come over for a listen :-)

I have never seen a Grand in "cream color", just in black and rosewood. Here is a black one, it belongs to Dan D'Agostino of Krell Industries. The rosewood one is mine

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio//500/3099_3099_wallpaper.JPG

http://forum.stereophile.com/photopost/data/2/1341PICT7188-med.jpg

This one used to belong to a friend in France. The amps on the side are MBL 9011 ;-)

http://gallery.audioreview.com/data/audio//500/medium/wallpaper-602.jpg

audio amateur
04-07-2008, 04:32 AM
My currnent two channel, converted from UK price.
B&W 686: 550$
Trends Audio TA-10.1: 178$
Firestone Fubar II USB DAC: 208$
Partington Ansa 60 stands: 200$
Speaker cable plus bananas: 100$
Interconnect: 20$

TOTAL: 1256$ This doesnt include laptop which serves as transport

I also have a 1.3K$ theater at parents home.

audio amateur
04-07-2008, 04:36 AM
Thiel CS2.3 € 5 250 = 8 241.975 US$

If that's true, we really get raped by prices here, cause those retailed for 3.6K in the US

OzzieAudiophile
04-07-2008, 05:12 AM
Gday.

We in Australia are the kings of being shafted and ripped off.

Here's an example of prices I just got from the official Monster cable site.

Absolute lowest of their entire range :

I100-1M 102045-00 $9.95 pr.

Retail in Australia - $55 US dollars.

No that is not a misprint.

It is said, if it's Monster, it's not allowed to sold under $60 Australian. Ok, the video
1 meter cable you can get for a low $50 Australian.

The retail on the US - 1 m. piece - 3.28 ft. SV1R-1M 102025-00 $9.95 ea.

We have 10% of the complete range of what Europe and the US has in brands,
and range of component models, including cables. We have to pay 4 to 10x more.

So stop your whinging, leave it to the professionals (us) lol.

bfalls
04-07-2008, 05:23 AM
Legacy System
Legacy Focus Mains $6500
Legacy Silver Screen Center 1700
T&A P-30 rear surrounds 1900
Sony STR-DA3500ES 1800
Sony KDL52XBR5 LCD 5000
Sony PS3 600
Toshiba HD-DVD 230
Yamaha M-65 (biamp Focus) 800
Dishnetwork Vip622 600
Bello TV stand 300
Monster 3500MKII Power cond 400
Cables 1500
$21,330

Klipsch System
KG4 Mains 615
KLF-C7 center 500
KV3 (alt center) 400
RS3 surrounds (two pair) 800
SW8 450
Pioneer Combo player 1000
Sony SACD player 300
ACI Saturn sub 700
Marantz M-700 amp(2) 500
Hitachi 57S715 HD TV 2300
Cables, power cond 400
Denon AVR-3300 1000
$8965

Misc
Blueroom Minipods (2 pair) 650
NAD 603 Multi-ch amp 400
Lexicon CP1+ 1695
2 Mcintosh 40 AMP 700
BRE signal processor 250
Yamaha RX-V2095 1500
Yamaha MX-35 amp 350
Optimus Pro LX5 speakres (5) 450
Audio control octave 150
Phase-coupled activator 200
Sencore Video calibrator (P403) 5500
misc cables 1000
Sony KDL36XBR250 2500
15,345

Total $45,640

basite
04-07-2008, 07:13 AM
If that's true, we really get raped by prices here, cause those retailed for 3.6K in the US


it is true...

seen the Mc's price?

take a new MA6300 for example, in the USA it retails for 3000, maybe 3500 or so, here in europe, it goes for €4250, that's 6 672.075 US$ (at the moment).

You know, you could buy a MA6900 amp for that (their ex-totl integrated, recently the MA7000 took the crown), and still have well over a grand left to spend on other things...

see how we're being screwed?

not only with exotic brands you know, a parasound Halo A23 retails for $850 or so, well, here in Belgium, it goes for €1200...

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

audio amateur
04-07-2008, 07:24 AM
That's why we need to buy local stuff, at least we'll get less raped.. :D
And even you Yanks don't get raped on euro stuff.. what the heck?

Ajani
04-07-2008, 07:33 AM
That's why we need to buy local stuff, at least we'll get less raped.. :D
And even you Yanks don't get raped on euro stuff.. what the heck?

That is a major advantage of buying local gear.... no need to pay ridanculous prices. The US/Canada often get equally screwed on the prices of some European brands.

Feanor
04-07-2008, 07:37 AM
it is true...

seen the Mc's price?

take a new MA6300 for example, in the USA it retails for 3000, maybe 3500 or so, here in europe, it goes for €4250, that's 6 672.075 US$ (at the moment).

You know, you could buy a MA6900 amp for that (their ex-totl integrated, recently the MA7000 took the crown), and still have well over a grand left to spend on other things...

see how we're being screwed?

not only with exotic brands you know, a parasound Halo A23 retails for $850 or so, well, here in Belgium, it goes for €1200...

Keep them spinning,
Bert.

Although Mac price in Canada are closer to US prices than the European prices, but Canadian Parasound prices are closer to the European. That is, in Canada Parasound cost almost twice as much as in the US, (when I last ckecked). Go to US online retailer, Audio Advisor, (for example), and try to buy a Parasound to be shipped to Canada: "no-can-do" they tell you, because of agreements with the manufacture.

What happens is the US-based manufacture signs argeements with distributors in foreign countries, e.g. Canada. Typically these distribution agreement grant the foreign distributor exclusive rights to distribute in that country. Effectively these distributors are monopolists who get to decide the local MSRP and who the retailers will be. (The distributors role might include getting local government approval for electrical standards and setting a local repair service. These aren't that a big deal for well-established distributors; their main task is really marketing.)

Mindless greed usually triumphs. The foreign distributor typically isn't interested in creating volume or expanding the market for the product; rather they expect the product to "sell itself" based on its world-wide prestige. Ergo, they see it as in their interest to set the price as high as possible. They see their distributorship as a right to print money.

Brett A
04-07-2008, 07:42 AM
I only have one system. It's two channel. I have a couple thimgs that are vintage. Makes it hard to price them, so I went with current market ballpark figure.


Rotel RCD 1070 $700
Audioquest NRG-2 AC cord $100
Siltech New York Interconnects $250
Shanling A3000 integrated $1600
Signal Cable Magic Power AC cord $80
Speaker Cable $15
Pioneer PL-550 ~$150 now-a-days
AT 440 MLA cartridge $140
NAD 3020 integrated used as phono amp. ~ $125 now-a-days
Custom House IC’s $30
ATS Acoustic Panels (I consider these an important part of my system) $150
Grado SR-60 headphones $70
B&W 683 floorstanders $1300

Total: $4710
Paid: $3390

Glen B
04-07-2008, 11:25 AM
Two-channel system:

Classé CA-300 amp: $4,250
Classé CP-50 preamp with optional phono stage: $3,190
Classé RC-1 remote interface: $500
Marantz Reference SA-11S1 SACD player: $3,500
PSB Stratus Gold i speakers: $2,699
DIY balanced power conditioner (parts cost): $1,600
Denon DP-59L TT and AT-OC9 cartridge: $1,150
Acoustic Zen interconnects, power cords and speaker cables: $5,157

Total: $22,046

GMichael
04-07-2008, 12:03 PM
Hmmm... I'll play. But only if no one shows these totals to my wife.

System one:

Sanyo Z-4 HD projector............................3000 (paid 2000)
106" fixed screen.......................................350 (Free with projector)
Toshiba HD-A2..........................................200 (paid 100)
Sony PS3 80GB Blu-Ray & SACD..............500
Yamaha RX-V2500...................................1100 (paid 900)
JVC DR-MX1 Hard Drive/DVD/VHS..............500
Yamaha CDR-HD1300................................800 (paid 350)
Strata Mini's (in piano rosewood)...............2300 (paid 2000)
TITANIC MKIII 15" sub................................600 (paid 500)
C25 center............................................ ....300 (paid 100)
150 surounds & rear..................................600 (came free with the 360's that cost 600)

Total: $10,250 (paid 7550)

Bedroom system:

Sanyo Z-4 HD projector............................3000 (paid 2000)
92" powered screen...................................350 (free with projector)
HTR-5740 Part of a HTIB SYSTEM.............750 (free through on-line questionare offer)
JBL E20's for center, mains & rear..............200 (paid 40)
E10 surrounds......................................... .100
PS12 sub............................................... ..350

Total: 4750 (paid 2490)

Basement system:

Old 2 channel Pioneer receiver (80wpc).......300
4 DIY speakers.........................................3 00
Pioneer CD player.....................................150

Total: 750 (best sounding system in the house for music)

Grand total: 15,750 (actual money spent is about 10,790)

Assorted TT's cassett players and boom boxes left out.

GMichael
04-07-2008, 12:09 PM
Two-channel system:

Classé CA-300 amp: $4,250
Classé CP-50 preamp with optional phono stage: $3,190
Classé RC-1 remote interface: $500
Marantz Reference SA-11S1 SACD player: $3,500
PSB Stratus Gold i speakers: $2,699
DIY balanced power conditioner (parts cost): $1,600
Denon DP-59L TT and AT-OC9 cartridge: $1,150
Acoustic Zen interconnects, power cords and speaker cables: $5,157

Total: $22,046

Me like list. Uhg.. Grunt...

Ajani
04-07-2008, 12:30 PM
My Setup before I migrated and got married (that I was about to Upgrade):

Main System -

Rotel RC-1070 Pre-Amp $500
Rotel RB-1080 Power Amp $1,000
Mission V63 Floorstanders $1,500
Marantz CD5001 $330
Mac Mini (Used solely as a music server) $800
Panasonic 52inch LCD Projection TV $2000
Panasonic DVD Player $100

Lying Around -
NAD C352 Integrated Amp - $600
NAD C520BEE CD Player $350

Total System Cost (excluding Cables and Logitech Remote) - $7,180


Current System (since migrating and getting married):

Megavox DVD Player $30
Philips Boombox $40
Panasonic Headphones $20

Total System Cost - $90 :mad5: :mad2:

GMichael
04-07-2008, 12:36 PM
Current System (since migrating and getting married):

Megavox DVD Player $30
Philips Boombox $40
Panasonic Headphones $20

Total System Cost - $90 :mad5: :mad2:

I feel your pain. The only reason I still have my system is because I sold my Harley instead.:cryin:

Jim Clark
04-07-2008, 12:53 PM
Two-channel system:

Classé CA-300 amp: $4,250
Classé CP-50 preamp with optional phono stage: $3,190
Classé RC-1 remote interface: $500
Marantz Reference SA-11S1 SACD player: $3,500
PSB Stratus Gold i speakers: $2,699
DIY balanced power conditioner (parts cost): $1,600
Denon DP-59L TT and AT-OC9 cartridge: $1,150
Acoustic Zen interconnects, power cords and speaker cables: $5,157

Total: $22,046

Dood, I was gonna tell you that you were insane for putting that much into wires for this system. Then I came to my senses and realized that a) it's your money, your life, what do I care? and b) this is retail, not what you paid. Hopefully you didn't actually spend more for wires than you did on your speakers.

Regards,
jc

E-Stat
04-07-2008, 01:03 PM
Main two channel - $62,000

Sound LAB U-1 $32,000
VTL MB-450s $12,000
GamuT CD-1 $ 4,000
VPI HW-1 $ 200
VPI Scout $ 900
VPI HW-16.5 $ 450 (forgot the RCM!)
Clearaudio TQ-1 $2,800
Dynavector DV20XH $600
Audio Research SP-9 MKIII $2,450
DIY Passive $ 400
DIY Room Treatments $1,200
Monster HTS-1000 $ 150
Cabling $5,300

Vintage audio - $6,660

Double New Advents $ 420
Threshold Stasis 3 $1,890
Manley Sigma Delta DAC $1,200
Pioneer PD-54 $ 600
Ariston RD-11s $ 600
SME 3009 II $ 200
Shure M97XE $ 100
Bellari VPI-129 $ 250
Pioneer TX-6200 tuner $ 150
Monster HTS-3500 $ 300
Cabling $ 950

HT - $7,445

Polk RTi38 $ 500
Polk CSi40 $ 300
RS Minimus 0.7 $ 100
Eosone RSP912 subs $1,200
NAD T763 $1,200
Behringer FBQ3120 $ 150
Oppo 971HD $ 200
Monster HTS-1000 $ 150
Cabling $ 500
Samsung HLN617W1 $2,995
Stand $ 150

I've purchased a number of components used. The U-1s were factory refurbished with new cores and electronics.

rw

Jim Clark
04-07-2008, 01:46 PM
Some interesting things I've learned in this thread:

If you're not in a hifi friendly country, you'd best be very well off.

If you people are paying anywhere close to retail then you are a salesperson's wet dream. : ) OK, I paid retail for my Oppo but at 199 it was already a steal.

HT people have more expenses to cover, and on the audio side of things probably aren't getting as decent a music system despite investing more. (yep, that includes me)

People are all over the place as to what constitutes their system. TV stands and stereo racks included in the price really jacks up the price of the system. Undoubtedly true but not something I would have included at the start of the thread.

My own tally of the retail of my main system (HT/music) is almost 22K. I more proud of the fact that I didn't spend anywhere near that much so I'm not even gonna bother typing all that junk in. It only needs to impress me.

Regards,
jc

OzzieAudiophile
04-07-2008, 02:59 PM
E-stat, nice set up there. Good range of brands of components.

Interesting to note that at least a few ppl around have also used Monster Cable.

Jim Clark - yes very easy for you to sit here and talk about "what you paid retail for this,
retail for that ?".

Like I am going to risk 5 to 10 K to save 1 K to purchase a component o/s, or
interstate, without first auditioning it !!. Besides, even if I could purchase it from the
official site o/s, they would have to build it to Australian standards, then I'll have to
pay in their currency, pay for all of the freight, it is pretty much likely to end up costing
the same.

Secondly certain retailers are the only official supppliers of specific products in
Australia (or a non US/Canada country). Yes you all can go on e-bay and haggle for
second hand gear. I just have a personal preference for brand new gear, and do not have
the money, nor the time to buy someone else's problems, and get it repaired.

There IS NO e-bay market for top-tier hifi components. I knew I wanted a pair of Dyn Audio speakers, and looked for a while on e-bay, pffttt 0 on the Australian ebay, and only the only
ones availalable o/s ebay were models below the one I was looking for.

Besides, I ended up getting a very good deal, so sweet, it is in my best interest not
reveal that.

Main reason being there is a shortage of places people could of purchased it brand new anyway. Plus if the gear is good enough, it wouldn't be on ebay or markets in the first
place

Oh yeah, what about "unwanted gifts ?" ? Hmmm I could not imagine not too many
folks outside the US, Canada, or Europe offloading a 10K component, if it's good enough,
it's a keeper (at least for a few years).

I don't know how many times I've said this before, and how many times some ppl are either
unable, or uneducated to listen, when you're sitting pretty in the US, Europe, or Canada,
you the freedom to bargain because you can pick and choose suppliers/shops/sources
to buy your components. For each hifi making company, there's only what, 10,000
suppliers all over the US.

If we need to buy a car ? Yes we do have the bargaining power to walk out, because
there's plenty of other car dealerships just down the road. Not quite the case with
hifi components (for a particular brand and model).

When you have the choice of one shop and none, your option to 'walk down the road to
buy elsewhere', is not so believable, considering they know which brands they have
exclusive rights to sell. I am not talking about NOT being able to haggle for price and
save money. I know how to do that.

Besides, it is NOT in the best interest of the more reputable top-tier hifi specialists
to try to rip off their customers (at least in Australia), because it is the long-term
business relationship they want to establish with their customer. I have been able to
walk in and be a pest, ask as many technicial questions as I can about specific brands,
and components. They freely give me their open-opinion, and have never made me feel
like I want to walk out, instead ask me to come back any time I wanted. I have not
overly abused it, but what is my business worth to them ? It's not just 1 power amp, it's
the pre-amp, the CD player, blu-ray player, headphones, the list goes on, of all the
other gear that I'm looking for. THAT is what they want.

There's a good reason why these hi-end hifi stores stay open for so long. They maintain
the business relationships with their clientel, good feedback can spread, but bad
feedback spreads like wildfire (especially with a small hifi country like Australia).

It's the shops that sell the low to mid range stuff that they can afford to lose your
business, because there are 1000's of shops like those, and they turn over more in a
week than most people make in a year.

I'm going to be realistic and say there would be no way I'd be able to get brand new
hi end equipment at 20%, 30% of retail price, as I'm sure a few of you guys will start
claiming to be able to, from the US, UK etc... I'd be able to get it for a decent price
lower than the retail.

Besides it would be too pricey, IF possible, and way too much trouble to purchase
gear from overseas, should warranty issues come up. Freight charges, insurance, plus
time without the component. The customer service component goes straight out of
the window. Not to mention I have to wait 1 week or more to receive it.

I'm not so fussed that I'm limited to choice, as I stated in other posts, that there are many
advantages of living/doing business in a smaller hifi product range country.

I'm sure at least most of you will agree, that if you're happy with your choice of
component but paid more than you should, is an easier pill to swallow than being
talked into buying a component you ended up being completely unhappy about, even
though you ended up saving more money in the short-term.

The most reputable hi-end stores don't need to talk sales jargon to make the sale, as if
your 2K purchase is going to make or break their company.

Good luck and congrats to everyone who ended up getting a good deal for their
stuff, I am one of those for the components which mattered the most. Just want to \
make sure all of us are clear we're all here to help each other make the best choice of
"what" component to buy.

I don't want this to end up as a sales course thread.

ldgibson76
04-07-2008, 05:45 PM
Hello to All!

I've been reading this thread since it's inception. There are some very impressive systems listed.

My system is as follows:

Component
MSRP / What I Paid

Samsung HP-S5053 50" Plasma HDTV
2799.00 / 2499.00
Belkin PureAV AV24502 HDMI switcher
149.00 / 99.00
Marantz SR9300 AV Receiver
3199.00 / 1000.00
Cambridge Audio 640C v.2 CDP
649.00 / 519.00
Denon DVD2910 Universal Player
729.00 / 425.00
Philips CDR950 CD Recorder
499.00 / 199.00
Yamaha CDC 685 CD Changer
229.00 / 199.00
DLO Homedock iPOD Docking Station
99.00 / 79.00
Apple iPod 30GB
249.00 / 149.00
Panasonic DMP-BD30K BD Player (Newly Acquired)
499.00 / 399.00
Sony DVPNC555ES DVD Changer
699.00 / 268.00
Pioneer Elite DVR-7000 DVD Recorder
1899.00 / 450.00
Microsoft XBOX Gaming System
150.00 / 150.00
Panamax M5400-PM Pwr Ctr
799.00 / 450.00
Panamax MAX5100 Pwr Ctr
349.00 / 300.00
Panamax MAX2 Coax Surge Protector
69.00 / 69.00
Monster Cable SW200 Surge Protector
89.00 / 49.00
(2) Klipsch Reference RF35 Towers
499.00 ea. / 500.00
Klipsch Reference RC35 Center Ch.
349.00 / 150.00
(2) Klipsch Reference RS35 DiPoles
299.00 ea. / 300.00
Klipsch Reference RS25 Dipole
199.00 ea. / 100.00
Klipsch Reference RSW10 Pwr'd Sub
1195.00 / 600.00
Universal Remote MX850 Remote
399.00 / 150.00
Cables (AQ;Key Dig;Monster Mseries)
1500.00 est. / 1000.00 est.
Sennheiser HD535 Headphones
219.00 / 75.00

Sub Total: MSRP: $18611.00 / What I Paid: $10108.00

Regards!

I apologized for the format. I tried to adjust the layout, but I guess the site's parameters wouldn't allow the modifications.

ldgibson76
04-07-2008, 06:13 PM
The Family room system is below:

Samsung TX-R3079WH SlimFit HDTV 30"
1199.00:yikes: / 789.00
Yamaha RX-V3000 AV Receiver
1999.00 / 699.00
Sony DVPNC875 DVD Changer
199.00 / 169.00
Marantz DV4500 CD/DVD Player
299.00 / 125.00
Sony Playstation 2
150.00 / 129.00
Toshiba M754 HiFi 6 head VCR
199.00 / 99.00
Panamax MAX4300 Pwr Ctr
249.00 / 199.00
(2) Polk Audio RTi70 Towers
449.00 ea. / 300.00
Polk Audio CS400i Ctr Channel
479.00 / 250.00
(2) Polk Audio FXi3
419.00 pr. / 300.00
Velodyne CHT12 Pwr'd Sub
499.00 / 248.00
Cables: BlueJeans;Monster MSeries;R/S Gold
400.00 est. / 300.00 est.

Sub Total: $6540.00 / $3607.00

Now for the Master Bedroom:

Samsung LN-S3251D 32" LCD HDTV
1799.00 / 1300.00
Denon AVR2801 AV Receiver
699.00 / 250.00
Pioneer DV-578A Universal Player
199.00 / 169.00
Klipsch Reference Cinema 8 Pkg w/RW10
1199.00 / 799.00
Cables: Monster Video3;MkII 300;Interlink
200.00 est / 200.00 est.


Sub Total: $4096.00 / $2718.00

ldgibson76
04-07-2008, 06:20 PM
Hello Again

By no means does all this crap listed in my previous post make me an audio or video-phile! Basically, it means that I have purchased a lot of boxes on the cheap! :ihih: Alot of this stuff was considered "floor models or discontinued. But, even then, most of the so called discontinued or floor model stuff was new in the box, but because of timing (end of the model year), were deemed floor models or discontinued.

I am an enthusiast!...I do love movies and music. Yes, finding a great deal is almost as good as the ownership experience in itself. And, yes, for the most part, most of this stuff is old technology. But I'm happy with what I've been able to achieve and no matter which system I listen to, my expectation is fulfilled within reason. There's always room for improvement which leads to this segway......

Now, I have not included the new "Paradigm Studio 100 speaker pkg", I purchased a few weeks ago. They are still in their respective boxes, and will not be used until I move into the new house in June of '08. That was a $4600.00 purchase. So in all, I'm sitting at the $35K mark. And I still want to buy either an SR9600 to replace the SR9300 or opt for a Multi-Channel amp (Sunfire preferrably). That will be another $2K!!!!!:yikes:

MSRP: $29247.00 / What I paid: $16433.00

It never stops!:idea: :shocked:

Regards!

Jim Clark
04-07-2008, 06:26 PM
E-stat, nice set up there. Good range of brands of components.


Jim Clark - yes very easy for you to sit here and talk about "what you paid retail for this,
.

You could have read my first point and said, "yeah, you got that right" and been done with it. Sure would have saved you a lot of time and a whole lot of typing but whatever floats your boat. Must suck trying to buy certain gear wherever the L you are. That was pretty much the whole point. Sorry I wasn't clearer.

Wish I had the time to read your whole rant but half time is almost over and the basketball game is ready to start back up.

jc

Glen B
04-07-2008, 06:51 PM
Dood, I was gonna tell you that you were insane for putting that much into wires for this system. Then I came to my senses and realized that a) it's your money, your life, what do I care? and b) this is retail, not what you paid. Hopefully you didn't actually spend more for wires than you did on your speakers.

Regards,
jc

Well you are right, its my money. I have been in this hobby for 40 years (while many here were still in diapers I'm sure). My choices have always been based on careful research and listening, not on anyone else's ideas or opinions of what my equipment investment ratios should be. The Acoustic Zen cable products are the best I've had in my system, purchased one piece at a time, with each choice bringing noticeable benefits. To me that is more important than considerations of cost and I believe my purchases are justified. BTW, a significant percentage of the cable cost is based on the fact that my speaker cables are a custom 25-foot pair ($1,900), length dictated by room layout.

Mr Peabody
04-07-2008, 07:39 PM
Old angry dude, how do you like that McCormack?

BFalls, I had one of those Phase Coupled Activators before. I used it with a uniquely high end Kenwood integrated driving Infinity Kappa 7's. The PCA with those sealed 12's did some serious vibrations. We did a lot of pro audio and used the PCA for the crossover but most owners didn't realize that most pro audio speakers didn't play all that low and they'd turn that thing up thinking it would work like a sub or something and throw cones loose from the basket.

E-stat, comes out of the closet with the Polk! :)

OzzieAudiophile
04-08-2008, 04:16 AM
Hey Jim.

Ok, apologies for the misunderstanding.

I just visited another dealer, who has the Cambridge Audio, which I have auditioned
elsewhere a year ago. It's pretty good, but will have to get some prices.

The 840 A and C for starters. Hmmm they're not bad, would need to probably pay
much more for not too much better.

It is clear a lot of you folks have paid some serious dollars, and/or managed to get
some very nice components/systems.

I have just spent 4 hours moving furniture around, and reorganising my CD, DVD, and
video collections :P I still need to disassemble my current cabinet so I can install
the new one that's being delivered tomorrow with my new LCD screen :)

Grrrr, would of been nice to have a day off for that.

I believe after today, all of my visual needs will be taken care of, apart from a Blue Ray
recorder with 1 TB hard drive (that will take probably about 2 years to be released).

Ajani
04-08-2008, 05:10 AM
I just visited another dealer, who has the Cambridge Audio, which I have auditioned
elsewhere a year ago. It's pretty good, but will have to get some prices.

The 840 A and C for starters. Hmmm they're not bad, would need to probably pay
much more for not too much better.

I haven't tried the 840A/C combo, but with the amount of stellar reviews for that pair I'd say it's well worth auditioning (or re-auditioning).... and I believe the 840A has HT pass through mode so you can still keep your Yamaha and HT setup.

shokhead
04-08-2008, 05:23 AM
Denon 3808-$1100
Denon 2930-$515
Panasonic TH-46PZ85U Plasma $1900
SVS -PB12–Plus $1050
BDI plasma cabinet $1600

Jim Clark
04-08-2008, 06:02 AM
Hey Jim.

Ok, apologies for the misunderstanding.



No worries, we're good. We all have different approaches, experiences, and opinions. I've seen some things on this thread that make me scratch my head and wonder and I've also seen more than a couple of pieces that I kinda wish I had. An automatic record cleaner would actually be near the top of that list. My little KAB EV-1 is a total PITA.

jc

JohnMichael
04-08-2008, 10:43 AM
Hey Jim.

Ok, apologies for the misunderstanding.

I just visited another dealer, who has the Cambridge Audio, which I have auditioned
elsewhere a year ago. It's pretty good, but will have to get some prices.

The 840 A and C for starters. Hmmm they're not bad, would need to probably pay
much more for not too much better.

It is clear a lot of you folks have paid some serious dollars, and/or managed to get
some very nice components/systems.

I have just spent 4 hours moving furniture around, and reorganising my CD, DVD, and
video collections :P I still need to disassemble my current cabinet so I can install
the new one that's being delivered tomorrow with my new LCD screen :)

Grrrr, would of been nice to have a day off for that.

I believe after today, all of my visual needs will be taken care of, apart from a Blue Ray
recorder with 1 TB hard drive (that will take probably about 2 years to be released).




Cambridge Audio is coming out with the 840A v2 very soon. The new and improved model. If you buy the first 840A I would expect some good discounts. Back when I bought my 640A I was surprised that they came out soon after with an improved version. Oh well.

Ajani
04-08-2008, 10:57 AM
Cambridge Audio is coming out with the 840A v2 very soon. The new and improved model. If you buy the first 840A I would ecpect some good discounts. Back when I bought my 640A I was surprised that they came out soon after with an improved version. Oh well.

Hopefully he'll get the same kind of discounts on the 840A v1 in Australia as the ones on AudioAdvisor. They've got it discounted to $1K (from $1.5K) - the same price as the 740A!

oaqm
04-08-2008, 12:41 PM
Old angry dude, how do you like that McCormack?

The only way I could improve on the McCormack would be to go to the CJ MET-1, which is basically a tube version of the MAP-1.

McCormack states that the MAP needs a minimum 100 hour break in, but it was immediately more "audibly transparent" than the Rotel 1068 I was using at the time. I would liken it to removing a couple of invisible bed sheets that had been on my speakers.

The build quality is what you would expect from CJ (McC stuff is built by CJ in Fairfax). Be advised that this is a 6 channel pure analog pre-amp, and not a processor in any way, shape, or form. You need a CD/DVD spinner that has its own DACs/decoders/Dolbyfiers/DTSificationers/FruitSqueezers/etc if you want to hear Luke's light saber swinging all around the room.

If you have been bitten by the multichannel bug and want to really concentrate on music first, something along these lines is indispensable. You can use an A/V receiver, but you are squeezing the music through an extra set of ICs via the volume control on your receiver, and it is unbelievably audible.

Sorry, I have run off at the mouth. In answer to your question, I like it. I like it a whole lot.

Ajani
04-08-2008, 12:54 PM
Be advised that this is a 6 channel pure analog pre-amp, and not a processor in any way, shape, or form. You need a CD/DVD spinner that has its own DACs/decoders/Dolbyfiers/DTSificationers/FruitSqueezers/etc if you want to hear Luke's light saber swinging all around the room.

I wonder why there aren't more multi-channel preamps? The only other one I can remember off-hand is the soon to be released (I think) Parasound Halo P7. A multi-channel pre seems like a great way to get high quality multi-channel sound for a decent price.

oaqm
04-08-2008, 01:19 PM
Home Theater is KING. The vast majority of folks that own A/V receivers watch their movies and listen to the radio or an occasional CD and are perfectly content.

Straight-up serious audio heads are a niche group, multi-channel audio heads are a splinter group within that niche. There isn't a big enough market to justify someone with huge manufacturing capability to even bother getting their feet wet.

Other than the Pink Floyd 35th Anniversary DSOTM SACD (and maybe the Beatles LOVE DVD-A), how many folks here even own a multi-channel disk?

filecat13
04-08-2008, 04:32 PM
Okay, I thought about NOT doing this, then thought it might teach me something about myself. I'll consider it therapy, and note that my collection burgeoned immediately after my wife of 28 years left and went back to Michigan, taking way more than half of everything with her.

That was a very liberating experience, and little by little the accumulation grew. Interestingly, I enjoy every one of these systems and listen to all of them in a week's time. I left out a number of smaller systems in bedrooms, other offices, etc., and didn't bother with all the spare drivers, voice coils, components, etc., that are not in current use.

This needs to be broken into several posts, I think.

Nostalgia Vinyl System

Two JBL L100 Century speakers: $546
Kenwood KA-801 integrated amp: $700
Kenwood KT-815 tuner: $400
Technics SL-QD33 turntable with Shure M91: $290
Various cables and connectors: $30

Total: $1,966

Los Angeles Office System

Two JBL L7 speakers: $2000
Two Soundcraftsmen A400 amps: $1160
Soundcraftsmen DX4200 preamp: $699
Belkin iPod dock: $79
Niles IPC-8: $350
Various cables and connectors: $40

Total: $4,328

Wilmington Office System

Two JBL 4430 studio monitors: $3198
JBL B380 sub: $899
JBL BX63A crossover/bridge: $249
Two Soundcraftsmen A200 amps: $940
Technics SLPG300 CD player: $240
Belkin iPod dock: $79
Various cables and connectors: $44

Total: $5,649

filecat13
04-08-2008, 04:35 PM
Master Bedroom System

Two JBL S/2600 speakers: $3,996
Panasonic SA-XR10 digital receiver: $500
Zenith DVB318 DVD player: $229
Samsung SIR-T451 OTA HD tuner: $300
SharpVision 27” LCD HD flat panel TV: $1,499.
Harmony 880 remote: $175
Various cables and connectors: $65
Monster HTS400: $139

Total: $6,903

Main Floor MultiChannel Audio System

Five JBL PT800 speakers: $8,500
Two JBL PS1400 speakers: $3,600
One JBL HTPS400 speaker: $2,000
Fosgate Audionics FAP T1 pre/pro: $2,995
Fosgate Audionics FAA 1000.5 amp: $3,495
Panasonic DVD XP50: $500
Monster Power HTS5000MKII: $600
100’ speaker cable (12AWG): $59
Various cables and connectors: $360

Total: $22,009

filecat13
04-08-2008, 04:35 PM
The Music Room

Two Hafler SR2600 amps: $3,590
Soundcraftsmen DX-4200 pre/EQ: $899
Soundcraft EPM-8 mixer: $389
Two AKG D88s microphones: $118
Six ProCo balanced cables: $360
Sanyo LD karaoke player: $749
Panasonic DVD XP50: $500
ProCo RMS-2 dual amp speaker switch: $229
Dual 1219 with Shure V15E III: $415
Two JBL XPL200a speakers: $3,398
-or-
Two JBL L7 speakers: $2,000
-or-
Two JBL L250 speakers: $3,000
-or-
Two JBL SVA2100 speakers: $2,000
-or-
Two JBL L100 Century speakers: $546
-plus-
Three Fosgate Audionics CS220 THX subs: $2100
Three Hafler SR2300 amps (bridged): $4785
150’ speaker cable (14AWG): $59
Various cables and interconnects: $215
Niles IPC-8: $350

Total: $25,692

Garage System

Two JBL 240Ti speakers: $2,198
-or-
Two JBL XPL160 speakers: $2,498
-or-
Two JBL PT800 speakers: $3,400
JBL L8400P subwoofer: $899
ProCo RMS-1 speaker switcher: $129
Samson MDR624 mixer: $110
Soundcraftsmen Pro Power Three amp: $699
Soundcraftsmen Pro Power Four preamp: $399
Soundcraftsmen T6200 tuner: $299
Soundcraftsmen AE2000 analyzer/scanner: $799
Technics RS-TR515 dual cassette deck: $300
Technics SL-PD807 CD player: $280
Pioneer DVL-700 LD/DVD player: $1,200
Seleco SVD 800 HD CRT projector: $17,695
Chief CRT convergence stand: $499
Da-Lite Model B matte white screen: $349
Niles IPC-12: $500
Belkin iPod digital dock: $129
Various cables and connectors: $145

Total: $32,527

The Two Jims Theatre:

Six JBL PT800 speakers: $10,200
One JBL PC600 speaker: $1,700
Two JBL PS1400 speakers: $3,600
Two JBL HTPS400 speakers: $4,000
200’ speaker cable (12AWG): $119
Four AR subwoofer interconnects: $200
JBL (Lexicon rebadge) Performance Series AVA7 amp: $3,000
Fosgate Audionics FAP T1+ pre/pro: $3,195
Samsung SIR-T451 OTA HD tuner: $300
Mitsubishi HC4900 1080p LCD projector: $2,995
Mitsubishi M-V7057 LD player: $1,299
Yamaha DDP-1 AC-3 RF Demodulator: $799
Panasonic S-VHS Hi-Q video recorder: $800
Panasonic DVD XP50: $500
Niles IPC-12: $500
Harmony 1000 remote: $400
Various cables and interconnects: $600
Da-Lite Model B Matte White screen: $349

Total: $34,763

oaqm
04-08-2008, 05:25 PM
I bow to your vast and superior collection of JBLery..... JBLishness.... JBLosity.

Dude, that's a lot of serious speakers.

filecat13
04-08-2008, 06:26 PM
I have that shirt.


I bow to your vast and superior collection of JBLery..... JBLishness.... JBLosity.

Dude, that's a lot of serious speakers.

JBLunacy might be closer.

For those who doubt, take a gander at my user gallery.

Ajani
04-09-2008, 05:30 AM
I have that shirt.



JBLunacy might be closer.

For those who doubt, take a gander at my user gallery.


WOW :yikes:

You clearly love one brand.

OzzieAudiophile
04-09-2008, 06:17 AM
Hi folks, sorry I didn't write a part 1 of 3 per-sei.

Part 1 was yesterday when I had to rearrange my furniture to improve on my
overall listening experience. I will certainly have to spend more time listening with
my speakers further apart from each other. You would be suprised just how much
junk you can find under a couch lol.

Part 2 - I brought a new hifi cabinet. It's more horizontal than vertical, it certainly gives me
far more space for my components. There's 10 slots, my components all take up 3.
The lcd will go on top. I can't believe it took a while to put the new cabinet together.
If you want to get yourself free splinters in your fingers, and learn to get used to the smell
of wood glue :P I didn't want to put in the side panels as my components have more space
to breathe. There's next to no chance of my components overheating, it was just an
extremely higher chance before.

I have yet to open up the lcd box to put it on top of my cabinet. I just got it delivered
today. That's a job for tomorrow, plus 1 friend.

It took a while to hook up everything again to my amp. Can't wait to hook up the lcd.
I nearly done my back in carrying parts of cabinet, 1/2 during the finishing, 2/3 of
the weight of the cabinet, grrrr for the back.

I was advised to change the direction of where everything was facing. My speakers
were 5 feet from each other, and I was 6 foot away from them.

Now, they are exactly 10 feet away from each other. I'll be able to move my couch to the
correct new position, only after setting up my lcd, which will make it a little over 10.1 feet
away. Dynaudio recommend that the distance between speakers should be equal or less
than the distance between me and the speakers. It's nearly a perfect triagle.

Good speakers don't really have to live by that rule, because the imaging angle covers a
greater angle than directly in front, but close to perfect triangle, unobstructed, does help.

If only some of you guys could bring over a few of your components, I have a few slots
spare now hah.

:)

Feanor
04-09-2008, 06:28 AM
I have that shirt.



JBLunacy might be closer.

For those who doubt, take a gander at my user gallery.

I suspect an ulterior motive for so much of one thing. Personally, with some many systems, not to mention so much financial investment, I'd want a much more variety.

Ajani
04-09-2008, 08:14 AM
Personally, with some many systems, not to mention so much financial investment, I'd want a much more variety.

Me too (but as long as filecat is happy, then so be it)... but with that amount of money and that many setups, I'd have a solid state beast in one room (at least 500 watts), 5 watt Tubes with horns in another... and even though my only experience with Maggies (MG12) was terrible, I'd have a maggie setup just for the fun of trying to see what music etc... would get it to really sing in another room.. and of course my favourite gear in a seperate room entirely.. each system would have entirely different brands from the other.

filecat13
04-09-2008, 08:34 AM
I suspect an ulterior motive for so much of one thing.

Not sure what this means. Care to explain?


Personally, with some many systems, not to mention so much financial investment, I'd want a much more variety.

I suspect you mean "brand variety" since there's incredible variety here. This represents more than four decades of product lines from one of the world's oldest, most diverse, and most successful audio brands.

There are two-ways, three-ways, and four ways in the mix. There are paper tweeters, silk tweeters, Aluminum tweeters, Titanium tweeters, and Beryllium tweeters; waveguides, constant directivity horns, defined directivity horns, and bi-radial horns. Speaker cones range from pulp, PolyPlas®, Aquaplas®ed paper, Aluminum, Titanium, carbon-filled polypropylene, mineral impregnated cloth, and more; from 15", 14", 12", 10", 8", 6.5", 6", 5", 4" to 3"; from AlNiCo to Ferrite to Neodymium to ceramic magnets; regular "box" four-sided cabinets, irregular four-sided cabinets, three-sided curvilinear cabinets, five-sided cabinets, and eight-sided cabinets...

...well, you get the idea. As I suspect is true with most other brands that have a lineage and breadth of products like JBL, there are many different sonic signatures, dispersion characteristics, efficiencies, styles, and capabilities.

As a fresh-out-of-high school kid working for the Penn Central Transportation Company (railroad) in Ohio in 1969-70, when I could afford to buy a pair of brand new JBL L100 Century speakers I started on an amazing JBL journey that, as I wrote earlier, really took off after gaining my freedom in 2000. :)

ldgibson76
04-09-2008, 08:36 AM
I have that shirt.



JBLunacy might be closer.

For those who doubt, take a gander at my user gallery.

"Filecat"

You are out of control!:shocked:
If this is your way of experiencing nirvana, so be it! Congrats!

Regards!

Feanor
04-09-2008, 09:08 AM
Not sure what this means. Care to explain?
...

I suspect you mean "brand variety" since there's incredible variety here. This represents more than four decades of product lines from one of the world's oldest, most diverse, and most successful audio brands.
...

...well, you get the idea. As I suspect is true with most other brands that have a lineage and breadth of products like JBL, there are many different sonic signatures, dispersion characteristics, efficiencies, styles, and capabilities.

As a fresh-out-of-high school kid working for the Penn Central Transportation Company (railroad) in Ohio in 1969-70, when I could afford to buy a pair of brand new JBL L100 Century speakers I started on an amazing JBL journey that, as I wrote earlier, really took off after gaining my freedom in 2000. :)

Well, no offense intended. I just wondered if you worked for JBL for example -- nothing wrong if you did, of course.

Despite the JBL diversity, (or some might say, lack of coherent design philosophy), my inclination would be to explore many manufactures rather than just one. But that's just me.

My own experience with JBL is limited. Back circa 1971 I heard and fell in love with a pair of Lancer 77s. They were C$700 as I recall and I didn't have that cash just then. I resolved to save up to by the 77s but before got the cash, I got a chance to A/B them with AR3a's. The latter were so much more natural and resolved that I never considered JBL again.

E-Stat
04-09-2008, 10:28 AM
The Music Room
You forgot to mention how many shares of Harman International (JBL) stock you own as well. :)

Curious that you put the $17k projector in the garage!

rw

filecat13
04-09-2008, 10:36 AM
You forgot to mention how many shares of Harman International (JBL) stock you own as well. :)

rw


Ha ha, none fortunately! :p Never have.

It's taken a beating ever since that equity buyout deal was announced a year or so ago. It's since fallen apart. Most of the larger players in audio are eating it right now. :17: Not a good place for investment.

filecat13
04-09-2008, 10:52 AM
Well, no offense intended. I just wondered if you worked for JBL for example -- nothing wrong if you did, of course.

None taken. I've been in nonprofit work most of my life. Since I moved to CA from MI, I do know a couple of guys who work there. I once bought a pair of prototype JBLs from a former engineer who listed them on craigslist.org here in Los Angeles. I won a contest a few years back that go me a nice 5.1 Performance Series set, but it wasn't sponsored by JBL. I guess that's as close as I ever got to being on the dole from JBL. I liked the Performance Series so much I bought a 7.1 set for the Two Jims Theartre.


Despite the JBL diversity, (or some might say, lack of coherent design philosophy), my inclination would be to explore many manufactures rather than just one. But that's just me.

I would simply say that JBL has several coherent design goals according to market segment. Most people only see one small sliver of the company's products. I've been lucky (obsessed?) enough to see several of its market segment products and their evolution over the years.


My own experience with JBL is limited. Back circa 1971 I heard and fell in love with a pair of Lancer 77s. They were C$700 as I recall and I didn't have that cash just then. I resolved to save up to by the 77s but before got the cash, I got a chance to A/B them with AR3a's. The latter were so much more natural and resolved that I never considered JBL again.

IMO you made the correct decision. There are no Lancers in my collection. :shocked: The ARs are probably better than the L100s I bought back then and still use. However, the JBLs were way cooler looking and could definitely rock the house (or dorm as it were). We were listening to Deep Purple, The Who, Led Zeppelin, and Grand Funk Railroad, so the L100s were perfect.

OzzieAudiophile
04-10-2008, 07:21 AM
Hi peeps.

Today I finally finished the unpacking and setup of my LCD tv.

Several things I've learnt from now being able to watch on a 40 inch screen as opposed to
a 19 inch crt tv :P

1. Sooo much better to connect my PC directly to it, I no longer need my PC desk, so I
will gain much more free space in my lounge room.

2. Well I already knew this fact, but I have no other components which have a HDMI out.
I.e. There's no possibility of viewing anything beyond 576p :( I will need to get an DVD
upscaler.

3. My DVD playback image is much better than my cable tv and dvr. Best I could connect
from lcd tv to my dvr is component cable. It is capable of up to 1080p, however I have no
signal from anywhere beyond 576 anyway :( My lcd is capable of telling me precisely
what signal I'm picking up, which is 576 max (so far).

4. I have no digital set top box, I may consider getting one to enchance the signal. I know
for a fact that my tv antenna is way dodgy, even on my old crt tv, I receievd a snowy
grainy signal at the very best. Changing/upgrading the cable type made little improvement.

5. Can't wait to play Rome Total War on my pc, which I'm going to do now lol.

6. With the space I have gained by rearranging my furniture, the quality, imaging of sound
through the speakers has vastly improved. Really does make a difference when you give
good speakers plenty of room to breathe, and really minimising obstructions :)

7. Next step will need to borrow a blu-ray player to test the signal/performace on this lcd
screen. Will also need to borrow an upscaler dvd/universal disc player. The Cambridge
Audio one sounds like a good option.

EG

SlumpBuster
04-10-2008, 12:33 PM
Wow! Filecat's got an impressive list there. It's looks like the audio equipment version of my pornography collection. :0:

I think I only got about $10,000 worth of stuff not counting TV and furniture. But I don't even know how much alot of my stuff cost or what it translates to. For example, I have a quad receiver that I paid $0 for, but retailed at $700 in 1973. I ran it through an inflation calculator, but I don't think $124,000 was right.

O'Shag
04-11-2008, 01:16 AM
KEF's ultimate statement Reference 109, project codename: The Maidstone Sold for $22,000usd in 2002. I was offered $35,000 for them by an Asian collector two weeks ago. Never really intended as a consumer product, just produced a few to show the world what they could do. Bespoke-built from the ground up with no off the shelf parts to be the best in the world. Definitely on a very short list of the best.

MFA MC Reference Prototype - The production version was $15,000usd new, but the prototype is much more valuable and delivers much better performance. I've been offered $20,000 for it, its worth more but it doesn't matter because I could never part with it anyway, its too good.

Monitor Audio Gold Reference 60 - $4,000 (what a bargain!) Its embarrassed some much more expensive speakers I've heard. But it cannot scale the sonic heights of the Maidstone.

Mission 767 flagship speakers - $7000usd when new LFA unit another $500

KEF Reference 107/2 - $7,500 - Great speaker which I still love. Very organic sound, superb for Jazz, Classical.

Polk Audio RT5000p (sold the RT3000 but still have the CS1000p center and FX/1000 surrounds), The CS1000p and F/X1000 come to around $3,800 when new
Audio Research Classic 150 monoblocks balanced version - $13,000usd - Awesome sound thats gets too close to the Reference300 and 600 for comfort. Thats probably why ARC discontinued the Classic 150 production.
Audio Research Classic 120 monoblocks balanced verion - $7,500usd
Mark Levinson No 27 x 2 at $3,500 each - $7,000 (good luck trying to get solid state amps of this quality new at anything close to that price, especially Levinsons. I think the Marsh A400S are best solid state bang for the buck amps available for the present)
Spectron Model 10 preamp SN# 1 (first ever made by John Ulrich) - $6000
Spectron 1KW amp SN# 2 (second made by John Ulrich, father of commercial digital amp technology) - $3,000
Audio Research SP6E - $3,700 when new
Musical Fidelity M1 turntable / SME M212 tonearm / Nordost Valhalla oem cable $7,500
Musical Fidelity Trivista DAC 21 - Level 2 mod by Chris Johnson (Sonic Frontiers) $4,200
Purist Audio Dominus digital cable - $800
Alphason HR100MCS pure titanium tonearm with pure mono crystal silver wire - $2,500 when new
Dynavector Karat 17D2 cartridge - best cartridge for the price at $895
Stanton 881s cartridge - $125.00 thought this was good until I heard the dynavector which totally blew it away.
California Audio Labs Tempest II tube Analogue CD Player - $5,000
California Audio Labs Delta transport - 1,100

Mostly Transparent MusicWave Ultra Cabling - don't know, but easily over $7k
QED Genesis Silver Spiral bi-wire cables - $800
QED Silver Anniversary (for surrounds) -$200 or so
Yamaha RX-Z9 Processor /Receiver $4,500
anchor Bay Tech/DVDO HD+ scaler - $1,300
Denon DVD-3910 - $1,600
Sony DVP-NS9000ES DVD player - very nice well made player - $1,300
Denon DVD5000 - antique thats made like a brickhouse but doesn't sound as good either standalone or as transport as its baby brother the 3910
Tice PowerBlock and Titan power conditioning and energy Storage system have four units
altogether close to $7,000 new
Cinepro power conditioner - $3,500
Sony KDS-R70XBR2 70"SXRD TV - $7,000
Loewe Aconda 40" CRT Tube TV - $5,800
Racks/Stands; Bello, BDI, Custom - $3000
Hard Drives for DVR storage - $300
Accessories - quite a bit
Power cords - about $300
Carver C4000T preamp - $1,500
Carver TFM45 amp - $950
Carver CD-390T - tube reference CD player (bloody great cd player that kick the pants of a lot of modern ones, I'm not kidding)
CarverTDR100 - tape deck
Alesis ML9600 - CD-R
lots of extra bits
My Missus - priceless

Luvin Da Blues
04-11-2008, 03:17 AM
Impressive list O'Shag. I assume that you are only using some of that gear on your list at one time or do you have that many systems hooked up?

BTW, total for all of your gear listed = $167,675 nice.

O'Shag
04-11-2008, 10:48 AM
$167k??? wow, By the way, I'm a little short today, can you lend me 5 dollars?

Don't use all at once. swich things out to get different sound. Don't use the MFA all the time as it utilizes tubes in its operation. Ditto much of the other stuff. Got other systems setup in the bedrooms.

Mr Peabody
04-11-2008, 06:04 PM
We might need a recount, I think he added a zero on the end of that Yamaha receiver :)

Nice collection though. I'd like to hear the KEF, no one around this area carry them.

filecat13
04-11-2008, 07:53 PM
Curious that you put the $17k projector in the garage!

rw

Yeah, that's a bit of a shame. I have a $13,995 Seleco SVD 500 HD that I used for a few years, but it only did 1080i, so I got the 800 HD that did 1080p less than a year ago. The thing about CRTs of course is that they're huge, weigh a ton, produce lots of heat, and they have four or five cooling fans. The picture is gorgeous, but the fixed length lenses and other primitive characteristics begged for a small, quiet, lightweight solution. The $2,295 Mitsu HC4900 has a picture every bit as good, with even more glorious color and total silence at the loss of a bit of black. I could live with it, and my GF was ecstatic to get the three-eyed beast out of the house.

Nobody wants to buy a big, heavy CRT projector, so it (and the SVD 500) went to the garage, where I sometimes crank them up when I'm on the elliptical or treadmill. The picture is still amazing.

O'Shag
04-13-2008, 08:44 PM
[QUOTE=Mr Peabody]We might need a recount, I think he added a zero on the end of that Yamaha receiver :)

Well, if it was a Levinson No.40 media processor I'd have to add a zero, and that wouldn't even include the amps :)

Making this list has given me pause for thought.. I need to trim down the system a little..

OzzieAudiophile
04-14-2008, 12:09 AM
Mr Peabody, how are the Dynaudio t2.5, t2.1 s treating you ?

Happy with the imaging ?

As to the rest of you guys ? Nice impressive lists, nice to know you're not
so fussy lol.

O'Shag, I could only dream that my area in Australia could stock 1/10th of the
range of brands that you have :(

Mr Peabody
04-14-2008, 06:58 PM
O'Shag I can take a hint, I'll be glad to accept your donations. Why don't you trim off a set of those monoblocks, heck, your choice.

filecat13
07-10-2011, 10:47 AM
Wow, what a way to resurrect a thread: SPAM it back to life.

BTW, those CRTs are still in my garage, waiting for someone to give them a good home.

JohnMichael
07-10-2011, 11:19 AM
Interesting to read my old post. I still have the Rega ttable and the Sony cd recorder/changer. I still have the Marantz cd player but it is in storage being replaced by the Marantz SA8001. The Ascends also in storage were replaced by the OML1's which were replaced by the MA RS6's and then the MA's went to storage and the OML1's are back on the stands again. The Cambridge Audio 640A was replaced by the Onkyo A-9555 which is in storage replaced by the Krell S-300i. The Cambridge 640p and the Rotel 970 phono preamps are in storage and the Gram Amp 3 with improved power supply is my current favorite with my low output moving coil carts. I am currently enjoying the AT F7 phono cartridge bit also own a Grado Red, Ortofon OM 20 and the Benz MC Gold.







Interestingly I had to list my system and include replacement costs for my insurance agent. My main system totaled a little over $5,100. I do have $1,640 dollars in components that have been upgraded. What was surprising is most of the expense was in my turntable and modifications.

Rega Planar 2 $495.
Benz MC Gold cartridge $350.
RingMat record mat $ 90.
Incognito tonearm rewire $295.
Deep Groove subplatter $179.
Michell Technoweight $179.

Total $1,588

The table has replacement feet that were a gift but I do need to assign a value. They are great and I would not want to be without them.

The rest of my system is in my signature. The unused components due to upgrades are a Cambridge Audio 640A, Marantz CD5001, Ascend CBM 170SE, NHT SuperOne's, Sony cd changer recorder, Rotel RQ970 BX phono preamp.

Future upgrades will be the Exposure 2010S integrated amp and either the Musical Fidelity XLPS v8 or Simaudio Moon LP3 phono preamps.

Hyfi
07-11-2011, 05:57 AM
Never posted in this one....

Counterpoint NPS400 - $4500
Vac CLA1 MKII - $6500
Clearfield Continental Speakers - $4500
Dynaudio Audience 82s - $2700
Rotel 1071 CDP - $799
OPPO 93 - $500
Integra 30.3 - $699
Mirage OM12 sub - $450
Infinity Beta Center - $200 (?)
Dynaudio Audience 42s - $799
Odyssey Stratos - $1200
Synergistic Speaker Cables - $1400
2 sets Synergistic ICs - $900
Various other Tara Labs ICs - $1000
Rotel 1050 Receiver - $800
JM Labs Tantal 509s - $800
____________________________
$25750

Lots of other gear not even listed but all above in the rack and working in one configuration or another.

ken88
07-11-2011, 06:11 AM
Florian, your amazing system is fit for President Obama and Queen Elizabeth !!!!! I bet you the current system at the White House and Buckingham Palace don't even come close to what you have in your own mansion. Your total costs of $345K cost more than the average price of a house in U.S. and Canada!!!!!!!! BTW, your house must be worth a few times more than :5::5:what the equipment costs!!!!!!

ken88
07-11-2011, 09:18 AM
My current system includes the following:

Main floor:
-Anthem receiver MRX 700: $2,200
-Totem Sttaf used as main front: $1,895
-Totem Mite T Centre: $650
-Totem Mite rear surround: $825
-Mirage sub: $350
-Onkyo Blu-Ray: $400
-Sony VE5: $1,000
-PVR:$400
-various monster cables, etc: $300

Basement:
-Yamaha receiver: $400
-Sony XBR: $4,400
-Mirage front speakers: $750
-Boston Acoustic Centre: $250
-Polk rear surround:$200
-PVR: $400

The total costs come up to $14,420, excluding many used equipment when upgrading to current systems.

This is , for sure, an expensive hobby!!!!!! It becomes worse when you feel the urge to upgrade !!!!!!!!

thepogue
07-15-2011, 11:53 AM
ML # 27 - 2,700
Musical Fidelity 308cr 2,400
ML Prodigy's 11,000
Rega Planet 1,000
CJ Premier 9 DAC 3,000
LP-12 3,000
Straightwire Cabling 2,000

25k ish

bfalls
07-16-2011, 12:49 PM
Emotiva UMC1 700.00
Emotiva XPA-5 800.00
Oppo BDP-93 514.00
Yamaha M-65 500.00
Legacy Focus 6500.00
Silver Screen 1495.00
T&A P-30 2100.00
Klipsch RS3 500.00
Sony KDL-52XBR5 5000.00
Monster 3500MKII 400.00
PS3 600.00
Audioquest cables 600.00
BelloLCD/audio stand400.00
Power Cords 150.00
20259.00

dingus
07-16-2011, 02:14 PM
i'm in at just under $10k (prices approximate; esp. the wire)

AR MGC-1 ...............$3600
M&K V-1b .................$900
Pioneer VSX-47TX ....$3000
Oppo BDP 83.............$600
Squeezebox ..............$300
Vortexbox Appliance ..$350
Panamax Max 5300 ...$400
various wire ...............$350
...............................$9500

Poultrygeist
07-17-2011, 03:23 AM
Price is not indicative of sound quality. Less expensive DIY options can compete with and exceed the highest priced gear.

thekid
07-17-2011, 03:36 AM
Hmmmm 3 yr-old thread- Anyone calculated for the depreciation or appreciation of their gear since then???

Can't really calculate what my main system is worth. It depends too much on what the local Salvation Army is charging for it these days........ :D

pixelthis
07-20-2011, 12:02 AM
Hmmmm 3 yr-old thread- Anyone calculated for the depreciation or appreciation of their gear since then???

Can't really calculate what my main system is worth. It depends too much on what the local Salvation Army is charging for it these days........ :D


depreciation is not important, nor price.
APPRECIATION is all, if you appreciate it you have done
well my lad.:1:

Mash
07-22-2011, 01:07 PM
Maybe this deserves a redo with the professions & approximate incomes of the systems' owners also included. Some people may have professional systems because they make their living in the audiophile equipment business. Others may simply prefer to enjoy life while they may. Some may simply be very cautious with a buck. Today's economy would seem to prove that the latter have the right idea.

My daughter was negotiating a buy-sell with another doctor some years ago where she would be the junior doctor for 3 years and then the other doctor would [supposedly] retire after that 3 years at 65. Somehow she learned that that doctor, who really lived the big life, had only saved $500,000 toward his pending retirement. She broke off the negoiations and opened her own offices because she figured she would be the junior doctor in that practice for a long time. She & her banker husband still live in a modest mortgage-free house.

I have about $20,000 spread over 4 systems with about $10,000 of that in one main system, and I feel guilty about that.

I am also retired but we are better off than most. This economy has led to cutbacks in non-essential spending, like on the State Police & Sheriff's department, so I just hope I have enough guns & ammo...... the situation seems to be worsening for the working classes and now the middle class, and not counting our constipated Congress there are still a lot of people who do not think very far ahead. So... let's put some music on....

TK88
08-03-2011, 07:15 AM
Hello fellow audio-phreaks.

My other poll gave you the opportunity to express your passion to what kind(s) of
hifi systems you have set up in your home. Sorry I published ppl's choices, I will NOT do
that for this poll. You will be able to see the number result only, not who voted.

This one concentrates on how much pain, passion, dollars, you have paid in order to
take you to that journey you need to make. This is the TOTAL cost (retail price), of ALL
of the hifi systems in your home, as many as you actually have at home. Vote on what
your system(s) are worth shop retail price, NOT what you paid for.

Make sure you also add up all of your speaker cables, interconnects, speaker end plugs,
power surge protectors, UPSs, current regulator systems, sound dampeners, hifi/component
cabinets, LCD/Plasma, TVs, VCRs, BluRay players, HD boxes, DVR's, PVR's, surround
speakers, Subwoofers.

DO NOT add the value of your CD/DVD disc collections. I'm not interested in music media in
this poll.

Any set up over 5K, I'd be interested to know what it is, if it's in your profile, let me know,
to save space :crazy:

This is NOT a contest, it's not a 'most expensive' wins. I'm purely curious as what it took
to make your listening experiences as pleasurable as possible.

My theory is you cannot put a number/price on audio happiness. However we do tend
to live in life, the same way as we journey through our audio listening experienced lives.
We upgrade once in a while, some more often than others. Technology demands some of
us to upgrade more often than we would of 10 years ago.

I'm willing to take a guess that the majority of folks would have a system worth about
5K. I would be interested to find how if that ends up being the case, or am I so totally
wrong ?

Any systems 10K or more, msg me personally. I want to understand which components
are your most expensive ones, why you made those choices, what would you also say
is the weakness in your system (if you have found any).

NOTE : If you found this poll a most useful "getting to know our other hifi breatherin"
excercise, your positive feedback is welcome.


Thankyou again.

Well..I have prity cheap tube electronic from China but sounds great...with german boxes Magnat Sigma 1000 ....30 years old but the sound is terrific:thumbsup:

Xytech
08-09-2011, 07:50 AM
Er... 800? I feel so insignificant!

eisforelectronic
08-10-2011, 05:50 PM
Emotiva UMC-1 $699
Emotiva XPA-3 $699
Peachtree Audio INova $1799
BAT VK-D5se $4000
Audio Physic Tempo 6's $6000
Sony PS3 $600