Best virtual systems - up to about 1,000£

[AlmaataKZ]

If you were buying / recommending to frinds, what system would you build at the budget abd why? Nominations and rationale, please.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

If looking for accurate neutral sound with low distortion and good dynamic range:

Squeezebox touch

Adam audio artist 3

 

[CnoEvil]

If looking for accurate neutral sound with low distortion and good dynamic range:

Squeezebox touch

Adam audio artist 3

At this price level, I would certainly be looking at Active speakers, as the VFM would be impressive. I would also be looking at SBT + Rega Brio R + RS1 (or preferably RS3 ex-dem)

Looking for an open musical sound for £1k

 

[chebby]

Denon DM38DAB (or new DM39DAB) with some good £200 compact speakers and £550 left over for an iPod Touch and speaker stands and some CDs or downloads*.

*Or a nice bit of furniture to put the Denon on.

 

[AlmaataKZ]

Ah, but what 200 compact speakers? Any you have in mind?

 

[steve_1979]

Well this one's easy. 🙂

Squeezebox Touch with AVI Neutron 2.1

 

[CnoEvil]

Well this one's easy. 🙂

Squeezebox Touch with AVI Neutron 2.1

I think this could be hard to beat!

 

[Ajani]

Well this one's easy. 🙂

Squeezebox Touch with AVI Neutron 2.1

Actually it's not that easy, since AVI discontinued the Neutron 5.

 

[batonwielder]

Oh, this one's easy:

Boston Acoustics A25

Wadia 151 DAC Integrated

Done.

Entry level perfected.

 

[steve_1979]

Actually it's not that easy, since AVI discontinued the Neutron 5.

Ahh yes good point.

In that case I'll pick the Squeezebox Touch with Dynaudio BM5A speakers.

 

[moon]

Ipod Touch

Marantz MCR 603

Dynaudio2/6 or Q Acoustics 2020i

 

[steve_1979]

Actually I've changed my mind again. 😳

It'd be a toss up between the ADM9's or the Dynaudio BM6A with a TC Electronics DAC/pre. Slightly over budget I know. 🙂

 

[hoopsontoast]

ATC SCM7

Target R1 Stands

Sony TA-F770ES

Whichever CDP takes your fancy, or Streamer/DAC for £300.

An excelent setup for 'normal' rooms, tight and punchy bass, stable midrange and soundstage and accurate treble. Not the last word on bass depth but its the only downfall.

 

[lindsayt]

Beresford DAC, Urei 6290, scruffy pair of EV Sentry III's or Altec 19's would have OK bass with a pleasantly wide open, unfettered midrange and treble. Swap the EV's or Altecs for Quad ESL 57's or 63's for more magical midrange at the expense of some outright grunt. Swap the Beresford DAC for a Sony PS6750 turntable plus Denon 110 cartridge for vinyl. Swap the Quads for Bozak Symphonys or Concert Grands for better bass with a smoother less wide open midrange.