This modest mid-fi system can be assembled for around $2000 new. It warms my heart and pleases my ears on bad days, and never fails to lift me up. Music is for times when we cannot create our own inner music as the saying goes, and even this modest system does that for me.
I would be happy if it helps someone to do the same for others...
Has a toroidal transformer giving it that smooth upscale sound that warms my heart. Don't get the amp 100 - known to catch fire!
Adcom Pre-amp GTP-500
Almost class-A electornics? Sounds smooth to me despite modest price point.
Sony ES CD player CS70ES
Some Sony CD players can sound bright and analytical, but mated with my speakers, it does the job with fat hearty sound that is the hall mark of a quality player.
Denon DP45F TT
Old economical but good sounding with Shure Type 15 cartridge.
Monitor Audio Bronze 5
Modest British Hifi magazine 5 star rated speakers - non-fatiguing rather dark to neutral sounding unlike brighter Silver line of theirs. Mates well with the Sony CD player that can be too bright in some systems.
IXOS Gamma RCA
The gamma technology with the braided wire gives a little clearer sound.
Sincere thanks to all those posted - I will check modi 3 out...I find HRT compressed compared to a CD player - hopefully modi 3 would solve that problem.
Nice mid-fi system. Enjoy your listening sessions.
I had that Adcom and Denon tt many years. The Denon is excellent when working properly, but mine had issues with auto features.. That particular Adcom pre is not their best product, with others in their line up being much better. Still all-in-all it was a good step up from run of the mill receivers.
I don't find the MA Silver 6 speakers bright at all. When I think of bright I think of the highs being tilted up. I find the Silver series clear and articulate though the entire frequency range, very nice detailed w/ tight tuneful bass and expansive soundstage.
That I don't know, I've never owned HRT. I do know that both punch above their price so either way you should be good to go. I've been very impressed with my Schiit gear so perhaps I'm a bit biased haha
If you want a DAC to hook your computer up, having a "matching sound card" isn't necessary. Using USB is virtually a direct path out of a laptop. For an inexpensive USB DAC check out Schiit Audio Modi 3. For $100 it does a great job and sounds pretty decent.
Comments welcome to improve it for not too much money...I am trying to add a DAC but don't know what sound card to mate it with a DAC - someone please enlighten.
