Willsenton JBL Studio 530

Here is the result of 18 month lasting project.

2.1 channel system.

All prices including CA Tax.

1. AMP: Willsenton R8 - $1,600 + upgraded preamp Electro-Harmonix 6SN7, and amp tubes Apex JJ EL34 (+ Stock Willsenton KT88 tubes) - $450. Power cord - Pangea Audio AC9SE - $330

1. Speakers: JBL Studio 530 (Horn-loaded tweeter) - $540.                                                Speaker stands: Dynaudio Stand 20 - $650                                                          Speaker cables: Nordost SuperFlatline 3m each - $490                                                  Jumpers: Maze Audio - $60                                                                                  Speaker stands: Dynaudio Stand 20 - $650

1. Streamer: Bluesound Node 2i (first generation) - $650.                                                  Streamer power cord: Wireworld Aurora 1.5m. - $220.                                                         
2. DAC: S.M.S.L D300 (based on digital premium grade chip ROHM BD34301) - $440    Power cord for DAC: Pangea AC14XL (developed special for DACs and Sources) - $220                                                                                                                        Analog RCA Cable: Audioquest Golden Gate $90

1. Subwoofer: REL Acoustics T/5x Subwoofer, 8 inch Down-Firing Driver - $760

1. Anti-vibration feet 4 sets - $380

Total - $7,530

This project took 18 months of listening and compare different gear for picking one that performed better.

Now system is fully complete. This system equally good in music as well as the 2.1 channel Hi-Fi grade Home theater system. You don’t even need center channel speaker, all voices will be focused in the center due to perfect space imaging.

I don't remember exactly how many stereo setups I've done before.
I’ve done them a lot, but this stereo system defiantly will be in my Top 5 setups that I'm really proud off.

I've been doing stereo since I was 13 age  teenager, and now I'm 43 years, so that means that I already have 30 years of experience in stereo. It sounds crazy even for me…

I spent hundred of hours of listening and testing different amps, speakers, DACs and cables to choose best one for this particular system. My goal was to create system that sounds Musical, transparent, detailed and warm at the same time. Jazz, Vocals, even electronic music sound so sweet and soundstage is really huge!

Second goal was to create modern and nice looking system. For me personally this Black and White theme of this setup looks beautiful and gonna fit variety of different interiors.

So, all goals were archived. System sounds excellent, especially for this price range. I may assume this particular system can easily outperform many other systems that cost around $10,000 and more. 

It was really hard decision to let this stereo system go, but looks like it’s time to go farther and start new project from scratch.

All components in excellent cosmetic and technical condition and looks like brand new with no any wear signs. No pets, no kids in apartment. All original packaging and manuals included, except of some cable boxes.

Amplifier was purchased 1 year ago, tubes was replaced 3 months ago and have around 250-300 working hours.

Speakers and stands - 5 months in use

DAC - 4 months in use

Streamer - 1 year in use

Everting will be in LIKE BRAND NEW condition, packed in original boxes.

Total cost of system is $7,530,

Of course I understand that is all equipment technically in “used” condition.

So asking price is $4900 + PayPal fee 3.5%, or you can use Zelle or Venmo with no Fee 
Fedex ground shipping will be around $500 for continental US.

You’re always welcome to copy this setup and order online all listed above components to build same system for yourself.

But if you’re not willing to spent hours for shopping as well as at least 100-150 hours to break in new components, this offer for you.

P.S. Sound performance of this stereo setup can be easily upgraded in the future for relatively low investment. Just switch to new speakers. I can propose that Sonus Faber Lumina 2 ($1200) or Classic KEF LS50 (NOT META!) (Used for around $700) may fit this system perfectly, and gonna give you completely different sound signature.

By adding same REL second subwoofer you can dramatically increase low range resolution, and get much bigger soundstage.

Please check out list of equipment that were tested  but weren't chosen. 

Amplifiers:

1. Vincent SV500 (Hybrid)
2. Audiolab 6000A
3. Parasound 200 Integrated
4. Peachtree Nova300
5. Cambridge Audio CX-81
6. Marantz PM7000N

Speakers:

1. KEF LS50 Meta
2. Martin Logan 35XTI
3. Dali Oberon 3
4. Q Acoustic Concept 30

DAC's:

1. Shiit Bifrost2
2. Gustard X16
3. SMSL SU-9
4. Musical Fidelity MX DAC

Thank you for your attention
Have a great one!