View Poll Results: What are your hifi system(s) worth ? (shop retail price, NOT what you paid for)

Voters
40. You may not vote on this poll
  • Up to 1000 (US dollars, or convert to US if you can)

    1 2.50%
  • 1001 - 2000

    1 2.50%
  • 2001 - 5000

    7 17.50%
  • 5001 - 7000

    5 12.50%
  • 7001 - 10,000

    4 10.00%
  • 10,001 - 20,000

    16 40.00%
  • 20,001 - 30,000

    3 7.50%
  • 30,001 - 50,000

    0 0%
  • 50,001 - 100,000

    1 2.50%
  • Over 100,000

    2 5.00%
Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 97

Hybrid View

  1. #1
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    198

    Talking What is your hifi system worth ? (retail price, and NOT what you paid for)

    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

    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.
    Last edited by OzzieAudiophile; 04-06-2008 at 03:14 PM. Reason: Typo, spelling mistake :P
    Current System :

    Xindak XA8800MNE Mono Block Power Amplifier
    Cambridge Audio 840E Pre Amplifier
    Cambridge Audio 840C CD Player and DAC
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 MK-II
    Pioneer DVR-640H (250 GB HDD)
    Foxtel Digital
    Samsung LCD 40in LA40M81BDX
    Sony PS 3 (source - CD/SACD/DVD/Blu-Ray)
    XLO Interconnects & speaker cables
    Sonos Wireless Music System

    Upgrade Path :

    1. Power regulation system

  2. #2
    _ Luvin Da Blues's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    _
    Posts
    1,951
    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.
    Last edited by Luvin Da Blues; 04-06-2008 at 06:19 AM.
    Back in my day, we had nine planets.

  3. #3
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Posts
    288
    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

  4. #4
    Super Moderator Site Moderator JohnMichael's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Central Ohio
    Posts
    6,307
    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.
    Last edited by JohnMichael; 04-06-2008 at 06:18 AM.
    JohnMichael
    Vinyl Rega Planar 2, Incognito rewire, Deepgroove subplatter, ceramic bearing, Michell Technoweight, Rega 24V motor, TTPSU, FunkFirm Achroplat platter, Michael Lim top and bottom braces, 2 Rega feet and one RDC cones. Grado Sonata, Moon 110 LP phono.
    Digital
    Sony SCD-XA5400ES SACD/cd SID mat, Marantz SA 8001
    Int. Amp Krell S-300i
    Speaker
    Monitor Audio RS6
    Cables
    AQ SPKR and AQ XLR and IC

  5. #5
    Super Moderator Site Moderator JohnMichael's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Central Ohio
    Posts
    6,307
    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.






    Quote Originally Posted by JohnMichael View Post
    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.
    JohnMichael
    Vinyl Rega Planar 2, Incognito rewire, Deepgroove subplatter, ceramic bearing, Michell Technoweight, Rega 24V motor, TTPSU, FunkFirm Achroplat platter, Michael Lim top and bottom braces, 2 Rega feet and one RDC cones. Grado Sonata, Moon 110 LP phono.
    Digital
    Sony SCD-XA5400ES SACD/cd SID mat, Marantz SA 8001
    Int. Amp Krell S-300i
    Speaker
    Monitor Audio RS6
    Cables
    AQ SPKR and AQ XLR and IC

  6. #6
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    198
    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)
    Current System :

    Xindak XA8800MNE Mono Block Power Amplifier
    Cambridge Audio 840E Pre Amplifier
    Cambridge Audio 840C CD Player and DAC
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 MK-II
    Pioneer DVR-640H (250 GB HDD)
    Foxtel Digital
    Samsung LCD 40in LA40M81BDX
    Sony PS 3 (source - CD/SACD/DVD/Blu-Ray)
    XLO Interconnects & speaker cables
    Sonos Wireless Music System

    Upgrade Path :

    1. Power regulation system

  7. #7
    I took a headstart... basite's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Mortsel, Antwerp, Belgium, Europe, Earth
    Posts
    3,056
    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
    Life is music!

    Mcintosh MA6400 Integrated
    Double Advent speakers
    Thiel CS2.3's
    *DIY Lenco L75 TT
    * SME 3012 S2
    * Rega RB-301
    *Denon DL-103 in midas body
    *Denon DL-304
    *Graham slee elevator EXP & revelation
    *Lehmann audio black cube SE
    Marantz CD5001 OSE
    MIT AVt 2 IC's
    Sonic link Black earth IC's
    Siltech MXT New york IC's
    Kimber 4VS speakercable
    Furutech powercord and plugs.

    I'm a happy 20 year old...

  8. #8
    Forum Regular audio amateur's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Location
    France
    Posts
    2,524
    Quote Originally Posted by basite
    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

  9. #9
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    198

    Shafted ? YOU ? bah ... come to Australia !!

    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.
    Current System :

    Xindak XA8800MNE Mono Block Power Amplifier
    Cambridge Audio 840E Pre Amplifier
    Cambridge Audio 840C CD Player and DAC
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 MK-II
    Pioneer DVR-640H (250 GB HDD)
    Foxtel Digital
    Samsung LCD 40in LA40M81BDX
    Sony PS 3 (source - CD/SACD/DVD/Blu-Ray)
    XLO Interconnects & speaker cables
    Sonos Wireless Music System

    Upgrade Path :

    1. Power regulation system

  10. #10
    Suspended
    Join Date
    Oct 2005
    Posts
    928
    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

  11. #11
    I took a headstart... basite's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2006
    Location
    Mortsel, Antwerp, Belgium, Europe, Earth
    Posts
    3,056
    Quote Originally Posted by audio amateur
    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.
    Life is music!

    Mcintosh MA6400 Integrated
    Double Advent speakers
    Thiel CS2.3's
    *DIY Lenco L75 TT
    * SME 3012 S2
    * Rega RB-301
    *Denon DL-103 in midas body
    *Denon DL-304
    *Graham slee elevator EXP & revelation
    *Lehmann audio black cube SE
    Marantz CD5001 OSE
    MIT AVt 2 IC's
    Sonic link Black earth IC's
    Siltech MXT New york IC's
    Kimber 4VS speakercable
    Furutech powercord and plugs.

    I'm a happy 20 year old...

  12. #12
    Shostakovich fan Feanor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    London, Ontario
    Posts
    8,127

    Why? you ask

    Quote Originally Posted by basite
    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.

  13. #13
    Music Junkie E-Stat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
    Posts
    5,462
    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
    Last edited by E-Stat; 04-08-2008 at 12:35 PM.

  14. #14
    Ajani
    Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by OzzieAudiophile
    ............
    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.

  15. #15
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Miami, FL
    Posts
    22
    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,
    "Music is the Best" Frank Zappa
    • Samsung LCD 46"
    • B&W 704's Speakers
    • B&W HTM7 Center channel
    • Velodyne SPL 1000 Subwoofer
    • Denon AVR2808CI Receiver
    • ATI 1505
    • Sony PS3 Media player
    • Denon 2910 DVD Player
    • Turntable Rega P1
    • Bellari Pre-Phono
    • Transparent cables/Blue Jean cables

  16. #16
    Ajani
    Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by tony_abreu
    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.

  17. #17
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Miami, FL
    Posts
    22
    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,
    "Music is the Best" Frank Zappa
    • Samsung LCD 46"
    • B&W 704's Speakers
    • B&W HTM7 Center channel
    • Velodyne SPL 1000 Subwoofer
    • Denon AVR2808CI Receiver
    • ATI 1505
    • Sony PS3 Media player
    • Denon 2910 DVD Player
    • Turntable Rega P1
    • Bellari Pre-Phono
    • Transparent cables/Blue Jean cables

  18. #18
    Ajani
    Guest
    Quote Originally Posted by tony_abreu
    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

  19. #19
    Shostakovich fan Feanor's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
    Location
    London, Ontario
    Posts
    8,127

    Show & tell time, eh?

    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: $60
    Total $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.
    Last edited by Feanor; 04-06-2008 at 10:20 AM.

  20. #20
    Forum Regular blackraven's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2006
    Location
    St. Paul, Minnesota
    Posts
    5,421
    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
    Pass Labs X250 amp, BAT Vk-51se Preamp,
    Thorens TD-145 TT, Bellari phono preamp, Nagaoka MP-200 Cartridge
    Magnepan QR1.6 speakers
    Luxman DA-06 DAC
    Van Alstine Ultra Plus Hybrid Tube DAC
    Dual Martin Logan Original Dynamo Subs
    Parasound A21 amp
    Vintage Luxman T-110 tuner
    Magnepan MMG's, Grant Fidelity DAC-11, Class D CDA254 amp
    Monitor Audio S1 speakers, PSB B6 speakers
    Vintage Technic's Integrated amp
    Music Hall 25.2 CDP
    Adcom GFR 700 AVR
    Cables- Cardas, Silnote, BJC
    Velodyne CHT 8 sub

  21. #21
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    198

    Great setups

    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.
    Current System :

    Xindak XA8800MNE Mono Block Power Amplifier
    Cambridge Audio 840E Pre Amplifier
    Cambridge Audio 840C CD Player and DAC
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 MK-II
    Pioneer DVR-640H (250 GB HDD)
    Foxtel Digital
    Samsung LCD 40in LA40M81BDX
    Sony PS 3 (source - CD/SACD/DVD/Blu-Ray)
    XLO Interconnects & speaker cables
    Sonos Wireless Music System

    Upgrade Path :

    1. Power regulation system

  22. #22
    Forum Regular aevans's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Posts
    144
    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

  23. #23
    Forum Regular
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    198

    Sounds like a nice system

    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.
    Current System :

    Xindak XA8800MNE Mono Block Power Amplifier
    Cambridge Audio 840E Pre Amplifier
    Cambridge Audio 840C CD Player and DAC
    Dynaudio Contour 1.8 MK-II
    Pioneer DVR-640H (250 GB HDD)
    Foxtel Digital
    Samsung LCD 40in LA40M81BDX
    Sony PS 3 (source - CD/SACD/DVD/Blu-Ray)
    XLO Interconnects & speaker cables
    Sonos Wireless Music System

    Upgrade Path :

    1. Power regulation system

  24. #24
    Suspended
    Join Date
    Mar 2002
    Location
    St. Louis, MO, USA
    Posts
    10,176
    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.

  25. #25
    old & quite mad
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Posts
    64
    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.

Page 1 of 4 1 2 3 ... LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •