[Harry Lavo]

"Ron" wrote in message
...
All I am concerned about is performance for the money. Where does one
start? Obviously I am in the wrong circles when my local audio dealer
tries to sell me a $20K tube pre-amp, the press I am reading raves
about how great it is despite the price, then I find out the item is
made from $400 worth of parts. I am a fairly technical person
(computers) but don't think I have the time or inclination to get down
to DIY kits. Does an audiophile community exist out there that
stresses performance and value over bling and vanity items? Are these
local communities and is this philosophy championed any specific
companies (Outlaw Audio perhaps???). You would think there is a lot
of money to be made in this niche.

It may be too late for me to benefit from this info (Wisdom Audio,
ML32, Krell, etc..) but I have many friends which I have converted to
high end that are currently assembling their systems.

Thanks

Ron, I'd be just a bit cautious. While the overall level of mid-level and
upper mass-level components has improved to a level inconceivable 30 years
ago, they often sound a bit "grey" and "mechanical". Real high-end
components often do sound just a bit better (livlier, more
transparent)....enough to make the difference between "fine sound" and "you
are there". But prices have gotten largely out of whack.

My first choice to tell your friends is "used quality", particularly with
regard to preamps and tuners. With the market having swung to home theatre,
there are dozens of excellent ARC, ML, Krell, C-J etc. preamps, Onkyo and
Carver tuners, etc. on the market at affordable prices. Team these with,
let us say, Outlaw Monoblock amplifiers (200 true wpc) and you have all the
electronics you need short of a CD player. There are several good CD
players (Arcam, Cambridge, NAD) and SACD players (SONY), even blu-ray
all-in-one-combos (OPPO) that can form satisfying front ends. Many good
turntables, arms, and cartridge combos available from Project, Music Hall,
and even Thorens for less than $1000, if vinyl is desired. For speakers, I
find used Thiels hard to beat. They are unfailingly musical, and for less
than $1200 a pair, used 3.5's and 2 2's offer wonderful sound. There are
also fine NHT's, Snells, and PSB's out there at quite reasonable prices.

If vintage is appealing, don't overlook older Dual Turntables (the 700
series in particular) which are available reasonably cheap and can be
reconditioned if need be...and when in top shape rival the new stuff up to
the $4000 level. In speakers, stacked Large Advents can hold their own
against most modern speakers....at $150 each used, four will set you back
only $600.

I'd say redirect your friends interest in this direction, and at least some
of them will thank you later. Others may well decided to pay current prices
and get good sound.....just at a much higher price.