It’s a great time to be into home audio. I feel we’re in a golden age. We can build a totally analogue or digital system, or a mix of the two. Retail pricing is all over the map, and I can see how easy it is to spend or in some cases, overspend. Experience and knowledge is king with today’s technology and world marketplace. Of course the size of your listening space can influence buying decisions, but at the end of the day…Whatever makes you happy!
Late last autumn, just before the pandemic hit, I started building from scratch a new 2-channel system. I hadn’t done that in… well, it seems like forever. I was always trying new gear, buying and selling, enjoying the journey. So, I had new gear mixed in with the old. I’m sure most can relate.
When building the new rig, I kept only two pieces: an Apple iPad Mini to use as a remote, and a headphone amp. I also already had a modem / router, as most of us do (for streaming Tidal, etc.). I had a budget in mind, and kept track of expenses. I sought out promotions where I could, and purchased nothing used except an adaptor.
So, in today’s world, what did I spend for a new system that I’m completely happy with? $7,000 CAD for everything (I’m in Canada). Every cable, component, adaptor and audio platforms. Taxes, shipping, duties and Roon 1-year subscription included. Upcoming purchases: Grado Hemp headphones and possibly Roon lifetime subscription. An additional $1350. Optional streaming service: $20/mos.
What amount have you spent on your current 2-channel system? Include electronic gear, software, audio racks and speaker stands, but not seating. Also don’t include physical room treatments or media (records, downloads, streaming services) in the total as that could greatly skew cost. This isn’t intended to judge or anything of that nature. If anything, maybe it’ll help educate, and newcomers to the hobby can certainly benefit. I’d prefer this thread not include home theatre setups as this would greatly skew costs as well.
I’m happy to post a pic or two of the new system if anyone asks, but I have previously posted a couple pics in another post recently.
Enjoy the music!
2-Channel Audio: Duo Devialet Phantom Reactor 900 • Devialet Legs • miniDSP SHD-Studio • Mistral Audio W-3900 • Apple 2018 MacMini / Roon & Audirvana, iFi-Audio Micro iDSD, Grado Hemp
