I am a graduate student will a picky ear and a thin wallet. I sought out to build a system for around $1000. With functioning used and repaired components I did it. Just wanted to share and see what people thought. The turntable is okay. I was thinking of replacing the cartridge and/or the interconnect (Any suggestions for either). Opinions? Suggestions?
Got this one off of eBay for $90 shipped. The sound is open and clean. Had to do a little cleaning when I first got it since some of the switches were dirty. Great little midrange integrated amp.
NAD 521i
Bought new. Base model, but an excellent sound. Plays CD-Rs.
Kimber Tonki
0.5 meter interconnect for CD and Amp. Amazing, I hear absolutly no static from this interconnect (headphones, CD on pause, with volume to max). The rest of the interconnects aren't anything special.
Kimber 4-PR
20 ft and 35 ft run bought new. End have soldered lures and banana adapters to the amp. I don't hear any change of the sound even with different lengths of runs. Solid over full range by my ear.
NAD 533
Bought used for $270. No modification yet, still has original cartridge
NAD 4130
Bought used for $90
Kenwood W4080
This is the base consumer model, but I don't care since I found it sitting in the entry way of my apartment building with a
JBL L-26
Got these off of a professor in my department for free (his old college speakers). The wolfers were blown out. With in-shop and some of my own repair, final cost was $180. Not perfect, but the sound is full and wonderful.
I agree, you are in dire need of some speakers. You could probably pick up a pair of PSB bookshelf speakers for less than $200. They would be a great improvement. BTW, they go great with NAD gear!
