Fantastic, life-like sound with life-size power on a budget. All bought at discount, some parts gently used. The whole system cost me less than $4000 and sounds like a million bucks.
Shadorne: thanks for the praise. Re- cable, I didn't pay $400; that's my recollection of retail price, as with all the components. I think I payed about 150, well worth the expense, given bi-wiring and custom 4-into-2 termination plugs. The $2000 disc player was obtained for 300 because audiophiles disdain multi-disc players. Anyway, I'll check out your stuff. Rock on.
I do think you have invested wisely. Obviously you modest title "best sound on the planet" is tongue-in-cheek ...but I do agree, nevertheless, that you have put together an awesome system given the budget. The speaker cable at $400 seems overly self-indulgent, however, if you are seeking "best sound value" ;-)
System edited: move to a home w/ smaller scale rooms motivates changes/upgrades, most significantly bidding goodbye to beloved Snell AIII-i speakers that were big as refrigerators and hello to Von Schweikert VR2s...the only speaker this small that could make me part with my Snells.
Jeff, the driver config. on AIIIi are 12" downward firing woofer, 5" mid, and 1" tweeter, plus a rear-firing 1" that can be turned off. Thanks for the kinds words about the system. You'll be happy to know that I'm getting the leather cushions on a top-line Eames lounge chair + ottoman restored, which will join its little brother.
Very cool system, you should be proud of you achievement for <3K. Question: what is the driver config of the Snell's? I'd be interested in picking up a pair to mess with. BTW, nothing like listening to music on my Eames LCM's. Enjoy!
Thanks for the kind words on the Snells. Yeah, I like 'em a lot. I'll take your advice on biamping when I move and can lay my hands on another cheap Rotel. By the by, what are you listening to?
Yeah, I gotta say, that's alotta stereo for $1200. Much respect for the yard-sale find. That's pretty great. I used to have a pair of Heresys (Heresies?) and they're still going strong in a friend's basement, so I appreciate the muscular horn sound. Here's to future great finds out of other people's attics.
The Snell AIIIi's are among my favorite speakers of all time. Their capability to accurately depict timbre in the midrange is missing from even the cost no object speakers available today. Additionally, the unique design of and the ability of the bass to couple with the room would severely embarass some current contenders for state of the art. At $1000 they would make most people with "modern" speakers sit up and take notice at just how far audio has gone and how much money they unnecessarily squandered. I'd put them against almost any speaker available today, no question.
BTW, you will have wonderful results by biamping them with the same amp as they are current hungry monsters. They will hit a completely new level in imaging, bass control and ease. You like em now you'll love em later.
strassman, I too took the budget route and am overwhelmed with the music it produces. I have never heard Snell's, but I love my Altec 604 studio monitors. They too are pretty big, weighing in at nearly 150# each in 9 cu. ft. cabinets. I think alot of the weight has to do with them having a 40# Alnico magnet for each speaker and they are super efficient at 100db/watt/4ft. Most folks here comment on these speakers as being colored and not accurate, but they bring a big smile to my face every night while listening. What more could I want?
Enjoy what you are blessed to have. I wish we lived closer so I could come over and give your system a listen and vice versa. I still have a couple of things I will hopefully change in my system, but at this point I can wait and be content. I am amazed at what level of music I can get for a little over $1200. I won't claim it the best $1200 system on earth, but it would be one lucky guy that has a better sounding one.
Mike, Can you get a couple of digital pics of your system, or at least your speakers, up on the site? I'd love to see them. BTW, you asked about the Gallos awhile back. They're incredibly cheap now if you get them used from the list. You can take a look at my new stands too, up on my systems page. Cheers, Dave
Audiogon is a great place to learn and meet new friends. I apologise if my first post seemed outta line. This is supposed to be a fun hobby and less smart a** remarks would be an improvement.
Will be looking you up if I get over to your neighborhood sometime. Love to hear the setup.
I recently had a nice visit from an Audiogon Member from Hong Kong and he helped improve my sound with a couple tweeks.
to Jeff: I would be happy to let you hear the snells, but at 110 lb. each and 50 in. tall, I don't think I'll be "dropping by" with them any time soon. Should you find yourself in Brooklyn, you would be welcome to come by and hear them yourself. Regards, Mike.
Its a shame that so many, (and I am not saying it happened here, but it did get my head turning) Anyway, that so many shit on others for not having what they believe is a good system...too many forget it isnt about money spent or the name on the amp..it is about love of music and for all those who are happy with what they have I applaud them, as for those who have great gear and are never happy..I pitty them
Just kidding around but your right, my 805-sigs are my weak link right now. I recently tried Watt Puppies and Cremonas with my amp. I liked the 805s better. Imaging is unreal! I'd like to try the A 111-i. Possible for you to drop by?
I have a $500 Denon mini system in my office that is very satisfying.
to slyle: well, no one ever said this site was for the meek. I stand by the statement...I venture a guess most people would have to spend $3K on spkrs alone to equal the former top-of-the-line Snells, let alone the electronics and source components.
to Jeff Jarvis: I'll put put my Snells up against your 805s any day of the week, and I'm betting you've never seen a pair of AIII-i and that your 805s cost you the budget for my entire system.
to Chadnliz: I couldn't agree more...buy more music, buy less stereo equipment.
