Your Most Expensive Audio System

Early B.
Early B. Posts: 7,900
edited February 2008 in 2 Channel Audio
What was your most expensive system? How much more is it worth (used prices) than your current system and does it sound better than your current system?

Just wondering the extent to which price plays a role in your listening enjoyment.
HT/2-channel Rig: Sony 50” LCD TV; Toshiba HD-A2 DVD player; Emotiva LMC-1 pre/pro; Rogue Audio M-120 monoblocks (modded); Placette RVC; Emotiva LPA-1 amp; Bada HD-22 tube CDP (modded); VMPS Tower II SE (fronts); DIY Clearwave Dynamic 4CC (center); Wharfedale Opus Tri-Surrounds (rear); and VMPS 215 sub

"God grooves with tubes."
Post edited by Early B. on
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited February 2008
    The current system I am working on. Far too much as far as some people are concerned but it is the one thing I really love, other than my family.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Willow
    Willow Posts: 11,017
    edited February 2008
    janmike wrote: »
    The current system I am working on. Far too much as far as some people are concerned but it is the one thing I really love, other than my family.


    Same here except mine is mostly HT.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,775
    edited February 2008
    I have no idea of the used value of my equipment.

    Price plays no role in my listening enjoyment, only the sound.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • BaggedLancer
    BaggedLancer Posts: 6,371
    edited February 2008
    I spent all my money on magic pebbles.....what a difference they made!
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • phipiper10
    phipiper10 Posts: 955
    edited February 2008
    I'm going with my current system. I'm finding improvement with almost every upgrade ($$). Granted I started with basics. I'd say I'm still at the end of the beginning of my audio journey.
    Analog Source: Rega P3-24 Exact 2 w/GT delrin platter & Neo TT-PSU Digital Source: Lumin T2 w/Roon (NUC) DAC: Denafrips Pontus II Phono Preamp: Rega Aria MK3 Preamp: Rogue RP-7 Amp: Pass X150.8 Speakers: Joseph Audio Perspective 2, Audio Physic Tempo Plus Cables: Morrow M4 ICs & Audio Art SC-5 ePlus, Shunyata PCs Misc: Shunyata Hydra Delta D6, VTI rack, GIK acoustic panels
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mulveling
    mulveling Posts: 505
    edited February 2008
    I've had a few more g's in my system than currently (assuming I sell my VAC tube amps soon). Best to break it up by component type:
    Speakers:
    I've got more money than I've ever had in the speakers, and they were worth every penny. I've determined my favorites at various lower price points (and there's always more expensive gear I don't like), but really glad I splurged here.
    Power Amps:
    I'm in the process of downgrading from expensive modern hifi amps to sub-1K restored vintage amps, and I feel like I've gotten a much better match for my tastes and speakers. A revelation, of sorts.
    Digital source:
    I had a revelation a while ago where I realized I wasn't too picky here. I can appreciate there's probably some difference between a Denon DVD and a Meridian, but it's not nearly worth the money to me. I could probably find something slightly preferable to my Denon 3910 for only a little more, but it's not currently a priority.
    Analog Source:
    Hmm, can't say what my "sweet-spot" price is here since I started with an excellent vintage rig (vintage table & arm, new cart) - costing nearly as much as my speakers - and have stuck with that. I do know that it's more enjoyable than any digital source I've heard, so in that sense it's been well worth the money.
    Preamp:
    I always have a reference-level headphone amp on hand, so I just use that. I'm confident I could find a pure line stage to suit my needs for less, but I'm already set so it's not worth the hassle of a search. I haven't seen much value in the more expensive line-stage only preamps, yet.
    Cables:
    I've had some more expensive cables. Haven't found much lasting sonic value there. Now I'm content with whatever is on hand - nothing too expensive, or it would be too tempting to sell.
    Tannoy Dimension TD10, SOTA Star Sapphire, Heathkit W4A's, McIntosh MC2100, Eddie-Current Zana Deux, Singlepower SDS, Sennheiser HD650, Audio-Technica L3000, Sony Qualia 010
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SolidSqual
    SolidSqual Posts: 5,218
    edited February 2008
    I've been increasing in expense pretty much since I joined this forum. Every new component has cost more than the previous and has offered greater enjoyment.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited February 2008
    Mine continues to grow in cost. But, some parts have been upgraded more than others. My speakers are one of the cheapest pieces in my 2-channel system, which is somewhat out of whack. Once I get a house, I'll probably get new speakers and firm up my system.

    Until then, I will continue to swap out gear as I find good deals on stuff, and, hopefully continue to upgrade. Every upgrade in cost has either brought me increased sound quality, functionality, or both. While sound can be subjective with each "upgrade," build quality typically increases with MSRP while is more objective.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gaara
    Gaara Posts: 2,415
    edited February 2008
    In the beginning of 2006. $1000 cdp, $2500 pre, bi-amped speakers with 2ch of a $4.5k amp and a $900 amp, $3k in power conditioning...etc. Downgraded the pre, made a slight improvement on the source, upgraded amps for less $, upgraded power conditioning for less $. Recently I've been downgrading my systems, large expenses keep popping up forcing me to go in reverse. Oh well.
    The Basement HT
    PC Rig
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Face
    Face Posts: 14,340
    edited February 2008
    SolidSqual wrote: »
    I've been increasing in expense pretty much since I joined this forum. Every new component has cost more than the previous and has offered greater enjoyment.
    +1...
    "He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited February 2008
    I never knew how much audio could cost until I joined this forum. Thanks everyone.
    BTW - My wife thanks you as well.
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • phipiper10
    phipiper10 Posts: 955
    edited February 2008
    We had a "discussion" about my recent amp purchase! ;)
    Analog Source: Rega P3-24 Exact 2 w/GT delrin platter & Neo TT-PSU Digital Source: Lumin T2 w/Roon (NUC) DAC: Denafrips Pontus II Phono Preamp: Rega Aria MK3 Preamp: Rogue RP-7 Amp: Pass X150.8 Speakers: Joseph Audio Perspective 2, Audio Physic Tempo Plus Cables: Morrow M4 ICs & Audio Art SC-5 ePlus, Shunyata PCs Misc: Shunyata Hydra Delta D6, VTI rack, GIK acoustic panels
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • janmike
    janmike Posts: 6,146
    edited February 2008
    phipiper10 wrote: »
    We had a "discussion" about my recent amp purchase! ;)

    And do we have a verdict Your Honor?
    Michael ;)
    In the beginning, all knowledge was new!
    NORTH of 60°
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • wingnut4772
    wingnut4772 Posts: 7,519
    edited February 2008
    Mine was the most expensive when I had the Anthem D2 and the Cinenova. That was good times.
    Sharp Elite 70
    Anthem D2V 3D
    Parasound 5250
    Parasound HCA 1000 A
    Parasound HCA 1000
    Oppo BDP 95
    Von Schweikert VR4 Jr R/L Fronts
    Von Schweikert LCR 4 Center
    Totem Mask Surrounds X4
    Hsu ULS-15 Quad Drive Subwoofers
    Sony PS3
    Squeezebox Touch

    Polk Atrium 7s on the patio just to keep my foot in the door.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • unc2701
    unc2701 Posts: 3,587
    edited February 2008
    wingnut4772 wrote: »
    Mine was the most expensive when I had the Anthem D2 and the Cinenova. That was good times.

    Mine was along the same lines- I topped out with a full 7.1 LSi w/ Brystons pushing everything. I've hung on the the brystons, but split up the system & ditched the 25's to put 9's in front. The HT is down to 5.0, and I'm not adding anything there anytime soon.

    The 2 channel is slowly creeping up in price, but I don't anticipate any big changes there anytime soon. Gotta improve the room before anything else.
    Gallo Ref 3.1 : Bryston 4b SST : Musical fidelity CD Pre : VPI HW-19
    Gallo Ref AV, Frankengallo Ref 3, LC60i : Bryston 9b SST : Meridian 565
    Jordan JX92s : MF X-T100 : Xray v8
    Backburner:Krell KAV-300i
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NotaSuv
    NotaSuv Posts: 3,851
    edited February 2008
    BaggedLancer wrote: »
    I spent all my money on magic pebbles.....what a difference they made!


    so you got all the magic pebbles...all that was left for me were the magic beans.....trade ya a few magic beans for a few of dem special pebbles...
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • NotaSuv
    NotaSuv Posts: 3,851
    edited February 2008
    Actually I started with high buck new stuff and the more I read and learn and read some more ,I have slowly been selling off the expensive new stuff and buying in my opinion higher quality better sounding vintage stuff for pennies on the dollar.......all equipt was 2005 or newer when I began and now only my op DVD in new everything else at least 10-20 years old...and I'm lovin it
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited February 2008
    janmike wrote: »
    I never knew how much audio could cost until I joined this forum. Thanks everyone.
    BTW - My wife thanks you as well.


    I too thought I had a high $$ setup until I joined this forum...

    I have to say the most exspensive piece was the Cary F1 Intagrated @ almost $4700..(trade in`s included)
    But it taught me what true High Fidelity sounded like, and what I ws missing in my other pieces....truely a work of art, both physically and sonically

    I have upgraded everything on a steady basis, trying to acheive nervana...

    The HT rig is done (for now)...I will get a HD/Blu-Ray DVD one day. and the 50"Plasma is going to be on my short list, but the amp and speaks stay..as well as the SVS Ultra..

    The current 2ch rig is kind of spendy, but not done yet..
    The Cary V12 has been the major player since she arrived, but I will have a pair of JC1 mono`s in the future..

    The Parasound 3500 that Mark turned me on to early in my music journey will never leave the house..
    The Cary Pre amp is a great unit, and she will always be with me also..
    The CDP will eventually be a Cary 306 SACD player, then the source will be finished..
    The MD-102 tuna is infinately upgradable so she has found a solid home in the Adona Rack....

    And let me just say...ADONA is the last word in audio racks...I highly suggest them to everybody...thanks again Mark for turning me on to ADONA


    So, I gotta say...the current system, with all the Brand new MIT cables, and Cary Gear is the Most costly...but definately the most pleasureable system to date....I consider myself very lucky to have what I have, and to have you guy`s to help me along the way.....
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • phipiper10
    phipiper10 Posts: 955
    edited February 2008
    janmike wrote: »
    And do we have a verdict Your Honor?

    Ruling is both the wife and the amp stay. Sounds fair to me! In the future I'm to be more consultative. Piece of cake and well worth the court fees:D
    Analog Source: Rega P3-24 Exact 2 w/GT delrin platter & Neo TT-PSU Digital Source: Lumin T2 w/Roon (NUC) DAC: Denafrips Pontus II Phono Preamp: Rega Aria MK3 Preamp: Rogue RP-7 Amp: Pass X150.8 Speakers: Joseph Audio Perspective 2, Audio Physic Tempo Plus Cables: Morrow M4 ICs & Audio Art SC-5 ePlus, Shunyata PCs Misc: Shunyata Hydra Delta D6, VTI rack, GIK acoustic panels
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • mulveling
    mulveling Posts: 505
    edited February 2008
    NotaSuv wrote: »
    Actually I started with high buck new stuff and the more I read and learn and read some more ,I have slowly been selling off the expensive new stuff and buying in my opinion higher quality better sounding vintage stuff for pennies on the dollar.......all equipt was 2005 or newer when I began and now only my op DVD in new everything else at least 10-20 years old...and I'm lovin it
    That's the way to do it! Modern hifi electronics are so damn expensive! It does require more research and work (and a more flexible sense of aesthetics), and some vintage pieces are over-hyped/overpriced, but there's a lot of hidden vintage gems out there for the taking (though I still love my modern, expensive speakers & headphones). I've gone to a vintage 80's TT and vintage 60's amps, at least.
    Tannoy Dimension TD10, SOTA Star Sapphire, Heathkit W4A's, McIntosh MC2100, Eddie-Current Zana Deux, Singlepower SDS, Sennheiser HD650, Audio-Technica L3000, Sony Qualia 010
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • crd2002
    crd2002 Posts: 174
    edited February 2008
    my most expensive is the cinenova grande 7 channel
    Home Theater sony 52 inch lcd,Cinenova grande 7 channel, polk RTI8,CSI5,FXI5,onkyo 805
    2 Channel rig Sunfire grand cinema 5ch,sunfire TGA III,Rotel 1072,polk RTI12,Monster hts 5100
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • cfrizz
    cfrizz Posts: 13,415
    edited February 2008
    It doesn't matter to me how expensive mine is since I only have one system & it has been evolving over 18 years a piece or 2 at a time over the years.

    Now I'm content and the only time something will be changed out is if something breaks.
    Marantz AV-7705 PrePro, Classé 5 channel 200wpc Amp, Oppo 103 BluRay, Rotel RCD-1072 CDP, Sony XBR-49X800E TV, Polk S60 Main Speakers, Polk ES30 Center Channel, Polk S15 Surround Speakers SVS SB12-NSD x2
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rskarvan
    rskarvan Posts: 2,374
    edited February 2008
    My system would be way too expensive new. All components were purchased used at about 1/4 to 1/3 MSRP. However, all components look/function like new. I even purchased a Monarchy DIP that was BROKEN. Sent it in to Monarchy Repair and have been happy with the fix for a few years now. Saved about 60% off retail on that purchase.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • shadowofnight
    shadowofnight Posts: 2,735
    edited February 2008
    I could have bought a car......
    The first rule of Fight Club is you don't talk about Fight Club
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • madmax
    madmax Posts: 12,434
    edited February 2008
    Cost really doesn't matter. Sure, you usually get what you pay for but the less you pay the happier you are with less. And less is often more. And the more you have the more you want and then you have to buy more and end up with less. And you are happier. :D
    madmax
    Vinyl, the final frontier...

    Avantgarde horns, 300b tubes, thats the kinda crap I want... :D
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • jmwest1970
    jmwest1970 Posts: 846
    edited February 2008
    My current system is the most expensive I've had. It makes me shudder to think that some of you have cables that cost more than my whole system.:rolleyes:
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited February 2008
    I could have bought a car......

    My 2-channel rig is worth more than my car. But, audio typically depreciates much more slowly than a car so that is bound to happen if you keep your car long enough :)

    This hobby can be fairly affordable as long as you exercise some patience and buy only good deals (like rskarvan and myself do). I typically break even or make a few bucks when I buy/sell, so the more transactions the better.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • buton6
    buton6 Posts: 18
    edited February 2008
    My total system is worth more than my car a 8year old Honda Accord with 150,000 miles.

    nevertheless my wife spends more money on useless stuff that only looks good.
    Denon 3803
    Denon CD
    old Sony Receiver 110W/ch
    LSI25 two rights looking to swap for one left (what can I say it was a good deal on two rights)
    CS101 center looking for LSiC
    KEF KIT200 and IQ3
    Cervin Vega AT-12 and LS-12
    JBL TLX181
    white van Dynalab speakers
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AndyGwis
    AndyGwis Posts: 3,655
    edited February 2008
    buton6 wrote: »
    My total system is worth more than my car a 8year old Honda Accord with 150,000 miles.

    Me, too. . . mine is a honda on steroids (acura 3.2cl) with 111K. Audio is a much better "investment" than cars, or motocross, or drugs, or clothes. . . basically, it's expensive but a much better use of money than most other hobbies.
    Stereo Rig: Hales Revelation 3, Musical Fidelity CD-Pre 24, Forte Model 3 amp, Lexicon RT-10 SACD, MMF-5 w/speedbox, Forte Model 2 Phono Pre, Cardas Crosslink, APC H15, URC MX-950, Lovan Stand
    Bedroom: Samsung HPR-4252, Toshiba HD-A2, HK 3480, Signal Cable, AQ speaker cable, Totem Dreamcatchers, SVS PB10-NSD, URC MX-850
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • skipf
    skipf Posts: 694
    edited February 2008
    I've put my money in vintage gear:

    (2) Carver Silver 9t amps
    (2) Carver M-500t amps
    (2) Carver C-1 preamps
    Carver ALS Platinums
    Carver ALIII's
    Carver SDA490t CD
    Carver TX-11a tuner
    AR "The Turntable" w/ Stanton 680EEE cartridge

    Haven't had the urge to change it out for anything else as I doubt I could please MY ears more regardless of price. Would like to get a good cartridge though. And I'd like a good tube pre to feed the Silver 9t's. Also on the wish list is a Sunfire TGP for the HT system so I can use my LSi9's for rear channel paired with the ALIII fronts.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter