My under 2k system(s) I build a year ago: Cambridge Audio AXR 100 499€, KEF LS50 Meta 790€ (was used 2 months), Q Acoustics B12 sub 487€, and Zen Dac V2 179€. I do use the same amp for my PC setup and found 3030i for 299€. Somehow all the Q Acoustic speakers and subs were -30% so I ended up with a full home theater set. Plus all the room acoustics and custom stands but those were cheap since I love building a lot of custom DIY stuff. The whole setup with custom-designed acoustic panels with artwork does look sick. I might buy a better amp for my main system + another DAC at some point but I have been enjoying this so much. Thanks for all the RU-vid channels that have helped me to get a good bang for the buck. Those 3030i are insane for the price point and work really well even for nearfield. Also, great for other content since the sound signature is smooth and warm and super easy to listen to. For the price, I do enjoy the Zen DAC V2, since I play/work with a PC and use HIFIMAN HE400se headphones all the time. Might be my most used hardware and can't go wrong with under 200€. But for my main music style, I just love listening to LS50M with added sub(s). Those might be something I'll keep for a long time since they sound great, are built like a tank, and fits the visual style so well.
Love the look and functionality of Cambridge Audio stuff - it would match my older Carver gear nicely I think. I hope that their stuff breaking is not too common. Been thinking of buying a Cambridge Audio CD player or transport if Denon never makes the DCD-800ne again or Yamaha never steps it up and makes their S303 play gaplessly - Gapless playback is a requirement for me due to the kinds of music I listen to mostly. Good luck
The second system "amp system" floats my boat. A piece of gear you really need to try is the Outlaw Audio rr2160 mk2 receiver for $999. It has 110WPC into 8ohms. 150WPC into 4ohms. It has FM, internet radio, built in DAC that's pretty nice and built in phonostage. It has enough current to drive stubborn speakers and very neutral sound. Even has tone controls 😉. IMO a fantastic piece of gear for the price.
Question for you Outlaw receiver owners...is it a neutral sound or a warm sound like some of the older vintage receivers? I have a warm sounding vintage receiver now that may soon need replacing so I am looking for a piece of new gear with that sound.
@@waynebarto3540 IMO I would call it neutral. Just clean and balanced. It's not not forward by any means but I don't get any vintage vibes from it either.
Randy, suggestion... I would love to see some videos where you go over subscribers systems. I really enjoy seeing the almost endless combinations of components people put together to build their systems. Please start with yours! I know Steve G already does this on his channel, but he isn't showing systems that are in this price range;-) Thanks! Really enjoy the channel!!
I own older Polk speakers and I never thought they were that bad for the money. Sounds like they have hit a home run with the R200's. I haven't read or seen a bad review on them. I think they have up thier game with the R series. Great review, keep up the fight for affordable gear!
They definitely have. Glad of that. They were slipping with those older T series that simply weren't very good. I still have the T-15 but now use them in an outbuilding. Replaced them with some ELACs in my PC room. Sure wish I had jumped on the Polk R700 when they were on special for just $849 each around Thanksgiving. I'm afraid with all the politically driven inflation and crazy shipping prices we are seeing increase now, that kind of a stupid deal on those won't come again. BUMMER!
@@gordthor5351 I've got the RTIA9'S and I'm using a Parasound A21 to power them. My system is a 5 channel home theater, and they do awesome for movies. They are ok for music, but I feel they are better suited for home theater. I use my RTIA3's for my rears powered by a Parasound A23. I dont use a sub because in my room, which is in my basement, I sit about 6-7 feet from the A9's and they cover bass quite well at that distance. I've never heard any of the KEF speakers. From what I've read about them ,I'm guessing on a musical level,they sound better than Polks. But the Reserve was series might be a game changer on that subject.
Thanks Randy, so many great products listed in this a person could mix and match for a great system. This sounds like a lot of money for what I want for me, but I know in the audiophile world this is really high value for the money spent.
I have built for my son a beginner's system with Dali Zensor 3 (used) - 250 $ IFi Zen Dac V2 - new at 200$ 2 X Audiolab 8200M monobloc amps 125Watts each - used at 500 $ IFi Zen does the DAC and preamp job
I was just thinking this the other day. 2k is truly a sweet spot in this hobby to start out. You can do a really decent system at that amount. (I was trying to get a buddy hooked and factored that amount as the starting point)
@@cheapaudioman I was thinking you would have thrown something like the JBL stage a130 or studio 530 in the list at around $200 a pair on sale right now. I just got both and they're really freaking good for the money. I would factor in the cost of a sub with both though, so your total speaker budget would still be around $500 minimum in the proposed system. For someone just starting out, going from Bluetooth speakers or soundbars and whatnot, these would be a substantial upgrade.
Good choices Randy, it amazing how good systems can get for reasonable money. I have a Bluesound Node and while i haven't heard it, for a grand, the Powernode is supposed to be excellent. Just hook the Powernode up to the Pioneer R200s and add a turntable and you have vinyl playback, streaming and excellent speakers for $2000. An easy system for people who don't have my need to tinker and mix and match. The Power node even has a sub out so you can add for example an Emotive sub for another $300.
I love my node. I haven't heard the power node either but it gets plenty of praise. I had forgotten about that but that would be a killer setup if the amp is good. True minimalist system or awesome bedroom setup with power node and a pair of bookshelves. Sub would just ice it!
@@michaelknibbs are those the floorstanders version of Randy's magic soundstage ub52? I have a pair of those as an official member of the sith audio fan club. I've always wondered how the floorstander versions faired as the bookies have decent bass against a wall as they were designed for
@@erics.4113 No they are different to the UB52. There are 3 series, the UB, the UniFi and the UniFi Reference. These UniFi is the mid priced series has a poorer quality finish than the reference and is rear ported. Randy likes the UniFi better than the other two and thinks it’s the speaker to beat in this price range. If you want a review then Ron on New Record Day has an extensive one entitled “Perfection at their Price”. They are not perfect but they are sweet sounding. You mention wall placement, I would give these at least 18” and are better at about 30” if you have the room. They are much better than the bookies in a big room.
@@michaelknibbs thanks for the info. I'm in a smaller room and floorstanders are tough for me unless they have smaller drivers. I would like to hear unifi and reference as I'm more a fan of that sweeter buttery warmer sound as randy puts it. Then again I like bright sometimes too so I 'roll' through speakers and keep a couple pairs on hand to play around. I've been most curious about the ELAC floorstanders though. I'll have to keep an eye on them if they ever go on sale. Seems unlikely until they replace them with newer models
It’s really interesting that the USA loves edifier, Polk, receivers and subwoofers. None of these even feature in European reviews. Musical tastes must vary so much
@@AndyBHome Europe tends to use integrated amplifiers with no dsp. The brands include marantz, NAD, B&W, KEF, etc. No Hifi magazines have ever talked about or reviewed subwoofers as far as a I recall ( they are used for home cinema) Receivers are technically an amp with a tuner built in so we haven’t used those for 20 years. I’ve never seen Polk or Klipsch in a review or hifi shop. Not a negative.... just noticed this
Randy! Love your reviews and you. Great choices, thru all videos. Thou I get flashbacks to Miami Vice series video editing, when watching you.😀😳 jumping forward and forward….. keep up your schitt.
The KEF Q150 is on sale for half price, at $299, at Amazon, Crutchfield, Best Buy, and KEF's own website, and I imagine most other dealers. The Q350 is also on sale for $499
2k is a great price point. I bought a used pair of Wharfdale lintons with stands for $1000, Denon DRA-800h refurbished for $475.00 which can stream music, and Fluance RT 85 with accessories for $560 and I already had a Technics CD changer. Sounds great and right at 2K.
Nice brother. You went the smart route and really stretched that budget with the used gear. If you find something that wasn't abused, you can do serious upgrades that way. I'm so hesitant of used gear because I don't know what it went through, but I did level up on some speakers I couldn't afford by finding a used set and they are amazing value for what I got them for.
Some great choices Randy! Very fun video! Your mix and match approach is very much to my tastes! It might not be “cheap” for some but your value for the $’s is beyond reproach! Congratulations on the quality and amount of great value options you’ve managed to propose
Very nice video, good choices, some left out, Rotel, Cambridge, Klipsch.. for instance, but the message is informative and full of refreshing good common sense. You don't have to spend your kids college tuition to enjoy music, as I see on other channels, and you have money left in your pockets to buy records or planning future upgrades. Those $2,000.00 are affordable by most people as opposed to systems where the tonearm alone is well north of $10-15,000.000. Well done, Mr. cheapaudioman!
I'd love to see a sub-$1500 video, because I completely agree that $2K is a great cut-off. Unfortunately, as an Australian, AU$2K is closer to US$1300-1500 (depending on retail pricing differences, as some products are 25% more, while others are over 50% more). Personally (once I've got the cash), I'm planning to build a system around a NAD C338 amp, pairing it with Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2 speakers and Pro-ject Primary E turntable. This all adds up to AU$1700-2000 (depending on sales), but is only about US$1300.
Love the concept. Great examples. Me: Emotiva T1 (on sale before the T1+) $500 Parasound 275 NewClassic V2 $550 (going out of business sale) Parasound Zpre3 $275 (going out of business sale) Harmon Kardon DVD/CD player $15.15 (Goodwill Industries) Schiit Modi 3 $99 Roku 65" TV Free (Crazy son in law) I admit the Vidar/Saga/Loki combo has me meditating. Maybe with LRS Maggies? Hmm.
@@orwhat24 I'm sure some great deals can be found, but I found myself having reservations since most of the gear is untested beyond simply making sure it powers on. I was looking at some Denon CD players, but ultimately decided I might as well buy brand new and be done with it. Just have to figure out my comfort level of buying new...between $350 and $899. Seems crazy, but those are the current prices for "decent" CD players, although some people might think anything less than a $5000 Hegel Mohican is "cheap" - LOL.... I just want to make sure whatever I buy doesn't sound too thin and plays CDs gaplessly. Too many of them don't these days. And that is ridiculous. I keep hoping Denon will make more of their DCD-800ne for $600...Fingers crossed on that, otherwise I might be looking at a Rotel CD 11 Tribute or a Cambridge Audio Transport...Crazy days...
@@rosswarren436 At 15 bucks each I tried a couple different CD players. All worked good using optical connection and Modi3. You saw my system list which I think is midrange quality, so the players fit well.
Marvelous suggestions…and so cool that you categorized according to component! I very much enjoy what I’ve managed to put together on a shoestring (carefully picked/bargained used)…but wish I’d started my journey with suggestions like yours 🙏🏼
I think this is a really great, well organized, comprehensive guide to the committed HiFi enthusiast's options these days. Fantastic. I know it's mostly just opinion, but it's the opinion of someone who's spent years looking at this stuff. I love it. I'd like to see a video about "the sweet spot," or at least A sweet spot for various components. I know sweet spots are a huge point of contention, but I find that subject endlessly intriguing.
Very informative man! Thank you. Good idea for the under 2k budget, as it's what most people who wanna get deeper in the hifi world and are in the working age but don't wanna break the bank. For now, my best option was not buying anything but using what my dad had bought in the 80s! Which is 2 Wharfedale 507.2, a Scott a426 and a Philips cd380. Probably not the best, but even though it's older then me i loved this setup from the first time i listened to it as a child until now.
My under $2k system: $350 - Wharfedale Diamond 225. I landed on these for my desktop speakers because they are easy to listen to, causing no ear fatigue in a near-field environment. $350 - HiFiMan Sundara headphones. I tried at least 10 pairs of headphones and decided that Sundara was by far the most natural and balanced sounding one under $500 $229 - Emotiva Basx A100. No bells and whistles. Just plenty of clean power for speakers and headphones. $110 - Topping D10 DAC. I skimped here. Yeah this due for an upgrade. It's not bad, but I know I can do better. $500 - Fluance RT85. Wonderful turntable. The Ortofon 2m Blue is easily on par with the Nagaoka MP110 I had been using on my previous table. $150 - Schiit Mani. Nice little phono pre-amp. Another spot that maybe could use an upgrade but I'm in no rush. $150 - Schiit Loki Mini. Tone controls. $75 Maker Hart Loop Mixer. This is a 5 input mixer, and to some, a bit of a sin. I play video games and listen to music, multiple different sources. Also nice to have quick, tactile volume controls. Total $1914 before tax (and cables)
If you start from scratch, intend this to become your hobby and you have the money, the $2000,- price point for a set up is probably the sweet spot. Spend less and you will be annoyed soon enough that you did not spend a bit more. Spend more and you will loose a lot of money if you find out you don't like a component later on.
I totally agree with the points here. I spent slightly over 2000 on my complete system minus the turntable and I am happy. I believe that if one purchases in integrated amplifier that has the option to add an external amplifier will take one along way in the hobby.
@cheapaudioman I really like the review and got another option for you to look into if you can get a sample in.... That's the PSB alpha p5 speakers with the basx a2 and basx PT 1.... Gives room to later add an external DAC and upgrade speakers later down the road!
Randy, just a suggestion. You might branch out into home theater in order to expand your reach and keep your information fresh. For start - receivers ????
A cursory web search quickly found a pair of refurbished KEF LSX powered wireless network attached variant of the KEF LS50 for slightly under $1k. That includes a subwoofer output. The LSX is Roon tested and can stream directly to it without a local server. That leaves half of the budget for a subwoofer.
It does. I've heard mixed reviews on that though. But with proper sub integration I bet it can be an awesome performer. Personally, I like to add external dacs to most things. I've never loved an all in one or powered speaker for myself personally.
Randy, love your content, but plz don’t forsake your first sponsor, Sith Audio. I need plugs for $120 audiophile tshirt dust mops in the beginning after the jingle… I can’t overstate that enough (Happy for the real spots by the way)
My audio system cost less than two grand. Pioneer SX-780, $500 Focal Chorus V speakers, $380 Orbit U-Turn Audio turntable, $189 Pioneer DV-563a DVD player used to play my CDs, $45 Sounds great to my ears.
Can't argue with any of that . However in that list I would swap the Emotive for Audiolab 6000a for the money is the best integrated amp out there, and I would argue you don't need the expense of an external Dac . Personally I think this amp would be right up Randy's street and many more avid audio listeners .
Randy, you’re the best with all the matchups. I’ve been eyeballin the Klipsch Fives. How would they fit into these packages? Better than the Polks, Elacs?
Man Randy, I was just about to pull the trigger on a MSB Select DAC II, Pivetta Opera amplifier, Aries G2.1 streamer, AV Design Haus Dereneville VPM turntable and a pair Transmission Audio Ultimate speakers but now you having me second guessing myself with these great options. Thanks
@cheapaudioman Randy it's all real and nothing special, you know just your average $5 million dollar audio setup. MSB Select DAC II $90,000 (Darko Review) Pivetta Opera $2,200,000 Aries G2.1 $5,699 (Darko Review) AV Design Haus Dereneville VPM $650,000 Transmission Audio Ultimate $2,000,000 (Guttenberg Review)
One thing I haven't seen and would love is a comparison of the Polk R200 and the CSS Critons (upgraded bookshelves). Does the Polk actually compete/best the CSS? The Geshelli j2 (w usb) is an absolute 💎 for the money. I have the elac uni fi 2.0 and prefer the JBL 570s with the right components. ($399 a pair on sale). I know its subjective but most of the people who have compared the 2 in my house also liked the JBLs better. The Geshelli j2 really enhances the Soundstage perfectly with the JBls. I am tempted to try the Emotiva integrated you reviewed here. $2k is an absolute sweet spot As always, stay awesome Randy!
I think the critons would be a different league type set with their components costing nearly what the assembled Polk retails for. I'm not saying cost is always everything, but in this case I imagine you are getting what you pay for. Remember randy saying he wanted the critons out of his house? I don't think that was just hyperbole. I think they really were another level completely and comparing anything in the sub $1k price point to them would almost always be a big L for the competition. (There likely is none at that price range)
@@erics.4113 I have a pair of Lsim 705s with aperion super tweeters. They are truly fantastic so I know Polk is capable. Hopefully we get a comparison at some point
@@ufarkingicehole ahh I've heard much ado about the lsim unfortunately new to the hobby so I missed those. Toward the end Polk was clearing them out at garage sale prices and I wish I picked up a pair. I don't possess any of the audiophile prejudices against brands that also sell in big box stores and make mass-produced basic stuff like Polk, Klipsch, even JBL. They have the engineering talent and capital, no doubt. If they WANT to produce something that really moves the high end it's just a matter of someone in executive cladding saying .. yes. Do it Johnson. (I don't know why the engineer is Johnson but in this case it is)
I'm still at the £400 stage but it's good to know what the options are as my budget increases. Current set up. Speakers: Q acoustics 3020. Receiver: Yamaha RX-V365. Esinkin Wireless Audio Adapter. Any thoughts on what I should upgrade first and to what?
Or if you're a basshead like me you buy the Kanto Tuk's for $800 (regular price) and the Audioengine S8 subwoofer for $350 (regular price) and since both are active/powered (the Tuk's are 130 watts RMS and the Sub is 125 watts RMS) that leaves you $850 for a source (in my case a 17" laptop) and you've got a frequency response of 27hz-20khz and magnificent sound
No way that sub is playing meaningful bass at 27hz. Sorry to tell ya. Probably is viable at 40hz. Why...8inch cone, not much power, size of box. Needs to be a larger surface area cone much more power and a much larger box. Physics just won't allow that type of frequency range with usable output. Just because they listed as that doesn't mean that that's the truth for usable output
@@ryanschipp8513 I own 10 subs that I listen to regularly and many of them are rated down to ~35hz and my Audioengine sub produces noticeably deeper bass than any of them so you're welcome to believe whatever you want but i've spent hours listening to it and I believe it. It really sounds like a 12" sub, I don't know how they do it either because most 8" subs only go down to ~40hz mind you most of those subs are $150-$200 and this sub was $350
Thank you for another great video. They are always informative and fun! I was wondering if you had the bluesound powernode on your list of integrated amps to review? It seems to have two big plus points: apparently great streaming experience and bass management. I would be really interested in your take on it.
I have reviewed just the streamers. I don’t see myself reviewing the power node. It doesn’t have preamp outs so you can’t change things at all. The sound is the sound. I like the versatility of the regular bluesound better.
Couple years ago I got a $2000. system >. Cambridge AX100 receiver ( 80 old school w /ch ) with several Digital and RCA ins, DAC & PHONO. $500., now 600. KEF Q350 spks, now $700. Sony 700 bluray - plays SACD's. $250. I prefer CD's - actually concert video DVD's, if that's grateful Dead /Oregon or A.Netrebko / LaTraviatta..... ps just for kicks, a couple times a month - LP's on a mid '70's Pioneer T'table. Quality. ( I'm 72, have accumulated a pile of LP,s but prefer CD's )
It's pretty revealing to me that the DAC is becoming the most important component. And to think that two years ago I couldn't imagine it would make much difference. Then dozens of hobbyists said otherwise. I guess we better believe them. I figure in a couple of years we can all have the equivalent of a Tambaqui for a couple of hundred bucks.
What do I do next? I have a Fluance RT85W turntable, the Denon PMA 600 NE paired to Polk S50 floor standing and a Polk sub The sound is not as detailed as I’d like especially when listening to female vocalist such as Dido or Sade. Do I buy the Polk R200 speakers or upgrade my integrated amp
Well...the best bang for the buck is undoubtedly a good ol pair of dcm timeframes for oh maybe $150-250, and a class d nobsound chi-fi amp (with tone controls), and a nobsound bluetooth preamp (with subouts if that's your thing), totalling maybe 4-500 for the whole setup depending on the deal, and yes when setup is right in the room, it will sound very very good, bass quality, imaging, it's all there. Great video and recommendations there randy.
Hey randy, have you tried the polk reserve towers yet? I've got the r200's because of your recommendations and love it, but I've got the upgrade itch and wondering if the r600 or r700 are worth the extra cash for the upgrade.
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I'm not just haven't had a ton of experience beyond my marantz nr1711. I just got in a Pioneer that looks really awesome. Receivers have just been very hard to come by lately and with the endless dsp modes on most receivers they can be challenging to review. Integrated amps and two channel products in general are much easier to review because they have a lot fewer options.
Cheapest way to build a cheap whole system? Ask your old uncle if he still wants that old stereo he has sitting on the corner that he doesn't use anymore. You should get a free LP collection with it too. I just bought a pair of Grado SR 80 headphones and a pair of Audio Technica ATH 50 headphones. They no longer make the AT model. Some say it is better than the ATH 50mx which replaced it. I haven't evaluated them yet. Anyone out there with really good ears that can predict what I'll hear between them, (except that the one is open backed and will probably sound more open)? They should beat my old Koss headphones from the 1980's hopefully. The Audiophiliac once mentioned that the ATH 150 was a really good one. That figured into my choosing. Got them for under $120 total for both of them. I'll give my impressions in a few weeks, since they are both considered vintage classics. It would be interesting for someone to compare vintage with current headphones. The Koss actually sounded great with what I was playing through them, which makes everything sound great. Those of you who use only headphones, a complete system for you can be a solitary CD player. ANSWER: to what rock star puts ice cubes into his glass of milk and cereal, and who came out with a cereal named for his rock band? The answers is...a guy you don't see as much on TV anymore: Gene Simmons of Kiss. He used to be all over the tube, on everything from The Apprentice to game shows, Insider Shows etc. Boxes of the cereal is being sold on ebay as I write this, at above usual non cereal prices. There is a maze on back, and inside the box you may get a little cartoony Kiss figurine. You had to have a long tongue to get in the group. Gene Simmons claims to have had intimate relations with 5,000 women. Genius. It still doesn't come close to the late Wilt Chamberlain's record of over 10,000 women though. Wilt Chamberlain's had long...legs. At around 7 feet,as a star with The Lakers, he scored over 100 points in a game once. I would like to see a replay of that on RU-vid, (the basketball game). What the hell happened there? Some people are too funny to have girlfriends (for long). A good pickup line is never "Now that's a nice fully loaded piece of pie, or is it "pizza" pie)? Another good pickup line is never "What's your sign baby?" "Red for Stop or Green for Go?" To many; both of those men are true heroes.
Thanks Randy! I would love to get a head-to-head comparison between the Geshelli J2 and the Ares II dacs. I know you consider the Ares to be the ultimate winner to your ear, but for almost 3x the price... How close does the Geshelli come to competing in regard to soundstage/imaging? (over speakers)
Good lord, you hit all the right buttons. Elac, Schiit, Emotiva. I own stuff from all of them. geshelli labs may sound great but eastetics sucks. No mention of topping or smsl or ifi is interesting.
Ya never mention (slight exaggeration) more conventional components for amplification like Yamaha's R-N803 (streaming included), Cambridge Audio's AXR100, or something like NAD's 316BEE integrated amp. There are probably quite a few integrated amps to audition in this price range.
Would you recommend the SMSL AO200 over something like the Emotiva TA1? I see lots of people raving about it but they never put it in their "must buy" list
I've got a pair of 1TD (base model) I'm not using. (Los Angeles). The have the African mahogany veneer on the front surface and white paint on the rest. They work & sound great. They have a couple of cosmetic dings on the edges. for photos text: six-two-six-two-eight-four-three-eight-seven-six
I have a question about the WiiM streamer. How do I balance the WiiM volume in relation to the volume on my speaker amp? For example, should I have my WiiM volume at 50% and adjust the volume to my preference on my speaker amp, or should I set the volume at 100% on my WiiM streamer instead? Or does it even matter?
I think that as a general rule leave a digital source at full volume and adjust the amp. It probably doesn't make a difference. Which ever is more convenient. That is which remote you use most.
At this point -> ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-EeqK6Mre74w.html you suggest adding another Vidar. This implies switching the amp from two channel to monoblocks. You probably know this already but to use the Vidar as a monoblock you need to switch the inputs from the RCA to XLR which means having to upgrade the pre-amp which drives them. A saga is no longer viable, it needs to go to something like the Freya which can also take a single ended (RCA) input and convert it to balanced XLR. Obviously, it also means the purchasing of XLR cabling.
Hey Randy, great channel but I wonder why you never seem to credit whoever works with you. Camera person, research, editor or whoever might be your partners. Just curious. Thanks again for the content
Do you think the J2 is better than the modi or modi multibit? You seem to recommend schiit's other products, but not their dacs. Thoughts on schiit's higher end dacs?
Schiits dacs are Great. Their higher end dacs cost more but are more than worth it. I really love that schiit doesn't waste time on mqa and useless features, right out of the box their high end dacs sound natural and layered and they bring depth and magic to what you're listening. I highly recommend their bifrost 2 and personally own a gungnir multibit. Personally out of everything I've swapped the gungnir multibit has stayed and passed the test of time.
@@V1ralB1ack I have been eyeing the Bifrost. I do wonder how it compares with the Modi Multibit though. I'm also curious how it compares with the Ares II. I think the Gungnir is a bit out of budget, but I am curious. Makes me wonder how schiit would be about ordering all 3 and returning 2 of them.
I would factor in at least a $400 allocation for cables. Your simply cannot get those special elusive qualities without top notch cables. Average cables hold back your sound and can make too many aspects of your sound "average." We don't want just average. We want sound that is riveting, (and ravishing in its tonal beauty). If you have riveting and ravishing, the only thing left to address is BIG. You don't want a sound where your ears keep telling you, "Those instruments sound miniaturized, instruments sound bigger than that in real life". Your sound won't be convincing unless your ear/brain system accepts it for size as well. That's where good cables come in. Back in the early 1980's everybody thought Monster Cable was good enough. But a few companies like Randall Research and Music Link had a following and some dealers gave you their word, that they were better. Music Link (a company that eventually faded out) in particular, was very expensive, and back then spending hundreds of dollars on a speaker cable sounded opportunistic. One of the audio dealers locally, virtually pleaded with me to try Music Link. I guess it was hard to take him serious. I saw him in a bar once, he was one of those guys who kept the top 3 buttons of his shirt unbuttoned to reveal some chest hair, and he was one of those guys that wore way way too much cologne. Pugh. You know the kind. But in retrospect he was right about cables being important. I've experimented with many cables and break in time is REAL. One interconnect I had, sounded like it had no bass. 20 hours of play later, it sounded like it could use a bass lessening. The other thing that's true about cables is those directional arrows. Connect them in the way the manufacturer intended, with the signal flow going in the direction of how the arrows point. Connect them the opposite way and the sound stage often literally collapses; but still more spacious than those who use cheap cables. There are many audiophile cable companies in Texas for some reason. Maybe it's snake country. There's even a cable company called Snake River Audio; but they're in Idaho. In Texas you have Purist Audio, VS, Aural Thrills etc. I suspect Aural Thrills has their hands full. There's a dirty talk phone line chat service with the very same name that pops up when Aural Thrills is punched in on the computdr. Maybe there is much confusion and they get all kind of calls from guys who put on way too much cologne. My experience is that a cable company's budget cables often have a higher frequency roll off and added warmth, unlike speakers, whose budget model often doesn't have a big enough woofer to have a generous amount of warmth. Cable companies know that those who purchase their budget model cables, most likely have cheaper equipment, which often has grain from audible distortion. They know a boost in the warmth region and a cut in the highs won't make the increased clarity of their cables make them hate your system. Don't believe the naysayers about cables. They are too biased and go by numbers too much. You can measure absolutely everything about a cake; except how good it tastes.
