Build me a home listening rig from scratch

[9kRPM]

I wasn't really sure where to post this, so if a mod thinks it would get more responses in a different section please feel free to move it.

If you had a price range of around $1500 (could be more or less, I'm pretty felxible... but it depends) to buy a dedicated source, amp, headphones, cables, and whatever else you would want, what would you buy? I've been doing a lot of reading through the forums and researching and there's just too many choices... I don't know what to go for first.

Some of the dedicated sources I've been researching are the Cambridge Audio Azur 640c, Eastsound E5, NAD C521BEE, and the NAD C542. I've had a bit of trouble tracking down shops to demo anything, but I've listened to a a couple sets of Grado's. The only set that really jumped out at me was the 325i, but I still felt like it was missing something. I listen to mostly rock, alt.rock type stuff... but there's a general mix of everything.


Start throwing ideas out there. Any feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

[Jahn]

well you're on a computer so that's a leg up right there. Get an Apgoee MiniDAC with USB option and a used Grado RS-1, pop the Grado into the Apogee headphone out, pop the usb from the Apogee into the computer, and you're done!

 

[chungsoi]

Second the RS-1 suggestion. As far as sources go, if you want a dedicated cd player, I'd go for the Eastsound. Then with whatever money you have left, spend it on a nice tube amp for your rs-1's such as a MAD EAR+ HD, and you'll have one killer setup!

 

[ATAT]

x2 on the mini-dac suggestion.

H'bout the 650s + a great amp ... (I dont know the REALLY high end too well..) but im sure there are appropriate options ..
(non-grado alternative ftw!)

 

[wakeride74]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jahn well you're on a computer so that's a leg up right there. Get an Apgoee MiniDAC with USB option and a used Grado RS-1, pop the Grado into the Apogee headphone out, pop the usb from the Apogee into the computer, and you're done!

Yup, that would be the ticket!

 

[PsychoZX]

Eastsound CD-E5, used RS1, and Millett Hybrid w/ Diamond Buffers.

 

[CRESCENDOPOWER]

How about:
A used Arcam FMJ CD23T for $850.00
A used Audio Valve RKV for $650
A new pair of Senn HD-650 for $400 or so from your favorite Head-Fi sponsor.
Cable recommendations are too personal; just like everything else.

 

[9kRPM]

Thanks for all the input so far..... the wheels are turning.

Keep the suggestions coming.

 

[kramer5150]

Millet hybrid + RS1 and use the rest for the best source you can afford.

Garrett

 

[Squeek]

Eastsound CD E5 - $750 (new from Cattylink)
Grado RS1 - $550 (new on eBay)
Gilmour Lite - $300 (new from Headamp)

Just $100 over budget, but everything is new, and would be an excellent system.

You could even drop the RS1, and get a new Alessandro MS2i. That way you are $150 under budget and your entire system would be a beautiful matte silver finish....and sound fantastic to boot. I personally find the MS2i to be an excellent can and a fantastic value. If you can deal with the heft of it!

 

[pne]

on the other hand, you could get some speakers..

 

[PsychoZX]

Quote:

Originally Posted by pne on the other hand, you could get some speakers..

If the $1500 budget was for the speakers alone then I might agree with that, but IMO he will get better sound from a headphone setup in this price range. Plus he might have reasons for wanting a headphone setup (family, neighbors, apartment, etc.).

 

[Yikes]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squeek Eastsound CD E5 - $750 (new from Cattylink) Grado RS1 - $550 (new on eBay) Gilmour Lite - $300 (new from Headamp) Just $100 over budget, but everything is new, and would be an excellent system. You could even drop the RS1, and get a new Alessandro MS2i. That way you are $150 under budget and your entire system would be a beautiful matte silver finish....and sound fantastic to boot. I personally find the MS2i to be an excellent can and a fantastic value. If you can deal with the heft of it!

Or replace the RS-1 with a set of AKG K701's or 650's depending on your tastes.

 

[Squeek]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Yikes Or replace the RS-1 with a set of AKG K701's or 650's depending on your tastes.

Lol! I know...I'm Grado biased.

I've tried many different house sounds, but Grado Labs keeps pulling me back!

 

[9kRPM]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squeek Eastsound CD E5 - $750 (new from Cattylink) Grado RS1 - $550 (new on eBay) Gilmour Lite - $300 (new from Headamp)

After quite a bit of reading, research, and reccomendations I'm leaning towards that setup... I'm somewhat torn between the RS1, MS2i, HD650, and K701 though.