Do you listen to gear below your budget when you go equipment shopping?

[O'Shag]

Excellent Question Ajani,

I would have to answer no actually. When the upgrade bug hits, I do research online within or above my budget, then go auditioning.

Having said that, I try to buy equipment that over performs in it's price class. My psb speakers, AT440MLa cartridge,OPPO 981 and Marsh pre/amp for example.

My word LDB, but your system is starting to look the business...

Ajani, in thenormal context of things your right. SOME budget components offer a lot of bang for the buck for someone wishing to 'get close' to the music, its meaning, and its structure. One can derive great enjoyment from some budget components, as long as they convey the musical meaning as it relates to our tastes. In terms of amplification - mamps and premaps oops sorry I mean amps and preamps Very few budget components can deliver some magic, most in fact sound like crap. Some exceptions are the Naim Nait 5i (1,500) or LFD integrated (2,800). Not budget in some peoples book but thats reality. How about bluesman's Marsh A400s and P2000. They are not cheap by any means (actually they're bloody expensive for 'normal' people) but are considered budget according to high-end spending standards. They are excellent components that punch well above their weight class. Or how about the Monitor Audio RS6 (RS8?). A helluva lot of speaker for well under 2k. There's also a few good deals to be had from Chinese made schtuff.

I've noticed how every so often the mags will feel compelled or pressured to review budget components. I think some reviewers tend to wax lyrical about some budget products because they feel obliged to please normal people who can't afford $5k for one component.
And there's the rub; because of this, I am inclined to take their written reviews on such products with a grain of salt. I think one can expect to get a really decent sounding speaker for $400, but as far as a great sounding integrated for $500, fuggeddaboudit..
Cheers BigEars

[Luvin Da Blues]

My word LDB, but your system is starting to look the business...

Thanks and thanks to you for da recomends. Just need to get speaks of the same or better calibre.

How about bluesman's Marsh A400s and P2000. They are not cheap by any means (actually they're bloody expensive for 'normal' people) but are considered budget according to high-end spending standards. They are excellent components that punch well above their weight class.

....Not to bad, paid $750 for the pre (list $1500) and $1200 for the amp (list $2500), both demo units (with full factory warranty)and well looked after from a higher end shop in San Rafael, Ca. Have you ever dealt with or know about Kepke Audio Video Design. Bernie is one stand up guy, wouldn't hesitate to do business with him again. Shipping was a bit more than I thought it was going to be tho, oh well, I have no regrets whats so ever.