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I am a private individual, not linked to the industry except as a consumer. Having taken care of that disclaimer, I would like to see major brands do more “$1,500 or less” systems at major shows in the US.
This looks like a nice system. There are a lot of interesting European products which regrettably do not have US distribution. They do, however, get good coverage in the European audio periodical circuit which I refer to as much as to Stereophile.
Some speakers like those made by Q-Acoustics, gain top ratings in Europe. There is also a lot more web-based distribution of products in Europe than in the US. Some top-rated brands, available in the US only through brick-and-mortar retailers and dealers, have breached the internet firewall, and are available through the internet if one lived in Europe. (With the blessings of global logistics, and ever improving air-freight delivery, I’m waiting for the day when some of these European dealers begin to take web or phone orders from the US). The still-obscure market for Chinese products, made by Chinese manufacturers, holds more promise for budget gear in the future.
The good news is that there are many very reputable brands available, with full US warranties, in the US that would allow a budget-constrained enthusiast to build a very worthy system.
Having seen such systems, I know that this can be done with major brands. A budget audio enthusiast could go to very worthy brands and build a very worthy system.
Here’s an idea I would throw out there to make a very good basic system. With luck, others will suggest their own systems. Let’s assume you go with basic stock interconnects, speaker cables, and upgrade (to something like some basic Transparent Audio Links) as the budget permits. And I am guessing that many would build to a system like this over time, allowing the cost to be spread out over time.
1. Marantz SR4023 Stereo Receiver, Still $499.00 new (less refurbished if you know where to look).
2. Marantz CD5004 CD Player, still $349.00 new (again, less refurbished, if you know where to look)
3. A basic DAC can be had for around $300-$400, if one wants to omit the CD player.
4. Speakers a couple of options:
a. Kef Q100 speakers $549.00 (now direct from the manufacturer)
b. Kef Q300 speakers $649.00 (now direct from the manufacturer)
c. B&W 685 S2 speakers $700.00 (the new one).
I am certain that with other reputable brands like Cambridge Audio, Yamaha, Sony, Onkyo, Boston Acoustics, Klipsch, Polk Audio, Wharfdale (and even Rotel or Arcam, if a person is patient and can find a good used piece or dealer demo unit), and others, there are many other ways to build a good system on a budget.
Since budget constrained audiophiles are likely to become the “fastest growing” segment in numbers, though perhaps not in revenue, of the hobbyist base, I hope we see more good articles and ideas like this one in Stereophile and in other publications in the US.