I hope this doesn't turn into a fire fight.

I like your list a lot and wouldn't have any trouble suggesting it to anyone as a very viable system. The most personal thing on the list is the speakers, so I'd suggest that potential buyers audition several speakers in a range.

It'd be interesting to see several other lists using the same criteria. I'm not really in touch with that end of the market, although I own a couple of the pieces listed. It'd be interesting to see the lists of others that working with tight budgets and high standards.

Dave

Source:

-Digital:
Rega Appollo $1000

Winamp music software $Free

Grace m902 digital-analog converter $1600

Interconnect:

DIY from Mogami 2930 cable 7-40 depending on plug

Intergrated Amplifier:

Rega Mira -$1,000

Speaker Cable:

Speakers:

Magnepan 3.6R - $5,000
Legacy Focus HD -$6400
Legacy Whisper - $17,500
Avantgarde Trio - $80,000

Quote:
...
Grace m902 digital-analog converter $1600
....
Legacy Whisper - $17,500
Avantgarde Trio - $80,000

What bargains! Good thing this economy is still doing so well. I'll pick up a pair of Avantgardes on my way home from the food bank - thanks!

foobar===renders all other audio programs brokeassed.

Quote:

Quote:
...
Grace m902 digital-analog converter $1600
....
Legacy Whisper - $17,500
Avantgarde Trio - $80,000

What bargains! Good thing this economy is still doing so well. I'll pick up a pair of Avantgardes on my way home from the food bank - thanks!

I thought we were supposed to list overachievers regardless of price category. If I didn't misunderstand the original thread and this is indeed the case, then I think that both of these belong in the category. I haven't heard a speaker in the $20k category that sounded even remotely as good as Legacy Whisper and I haven't heard a speaker in ANY price range that sounds as good as the Trios.

Quote:
I thought we were supposed to list overachievers regardless of price category.

If that is the case I nominate the Parasound P3 Preamplifier. Punches way above its weight even though it's not a bargain component.
Another punching above it's weight award should also go to the Jamo C 803 two way standmounts. They may not be cheap but they sure sound amazing for the price and leave every other two way I've heard for dead.
Avante Garde Trio's? Let's just say they must be an acquired taste. A taste at least I've never acquired.

Ok, in that case, I will revise my list as follows:

Source:

-Digital:
Rega Appollo $1000

Winamp music software $Free

Grace m902 digital-analog converter $1600

Benchmark DAC1 $1000

Interconnect:

DIY from Mogami 2930 cable 7-40 depending on plug

Intergrated Amplifier:

Rega Mira -$1,000
Creek 5250 - $1500

Amplifier:

Bryston 3B $3500

Speakers:

Magnepan 3.6R - $5,000
Legacy Focus HD -$6400
Paradigm Studio 100 v4 - $2500

Mytek Stereo 96 DAC.. 900 bucks.

Sold my Lavry Gold for a pair of these...nothing lost either.

Some speakers to add to the list:

Infinity Primus 150
Infinity Primus 160
Infinity Primus 360

(all reviewed in Stereophile)

Dirt bottom:
Radio Shack Accurian Amp, modified $15 (no longer available)
Sony Playstation 1 SCPH-1001 $20 or so
Sony Playstation 2 remote control $5
Insignia