Music listeners can build a killer audio system for close to $1000 and still get excellent performance. In the age of sound bars and smart speakers, it has been easy to dismiss listening to stereo music the way it was meant to be heard. Listening to music should draw you into the performance and a good stereo system is the best way to do that.
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The idea behind a system for around $1000 is to go beyond listening to music on a surround sound receiver. Buying separate pieces of components can provide better quality audio. With only $1000 to spend, it is better to focus on an integrated amplifier that can handle various analog audio inputs such as a turntable, a CD player and digital-to-analog convertor (DAC) for digital audio files from a computer. This is also a setup for two speakers and not surround sound with multiple speakers. With money left over from the $1000 budget, some accessories can complete the stereo system.
Rock & Roll And Rap Can Sound So Good
The heart of the $1000 audio system is an integrated amplifier. This is where separate audio equipment is plugged in and where the speakers are driven. The Music Hall Audio A15.3 is a highly regarded integrated amplifier that plays music like it means business. The 50-watt (8 ohms) amplifier has more than enough power to drive a set of speakers within this budget. The A15.3 features five analog inputs, a phono input for a turntable and a pre-out jack to plug into a more powerful amplifier if desired. Weighing in at 19-pounds, the A15.3 is built sturdy and will look slick in an audio equipment rack. The Music Hall Audio A15.3 can be purchased for only $549.
The speaker choice within this budget are the Hsu Research HB-1 MK2 bookshelf speakers. Hsu Research has been making very high quality subwoofers for years and has been making the excellent sounding HB-1 line for a while now. This latest incarnation can be purchased for only $179 for each speaker. These are designed to be preferably placed on speaker stands which can be purchased for less than $60. Used speaker stands can be bought as an alternative for less money. The sound of the HB-1 MK2 speakers is surprisingly deep and detailed for such small and inexpensive speakers. The soundstage is wide and vocals and instruments sound alive.
To complete the stereo audio system with accessories, consider the Schiit Audio (real name) Modi DAC for only $99. This well-built device converts audio from a computer into analog sound that can be plugged into the Music Hall Audio A15.3. The Modi provides excellent sound that Schiit Audio is known for. For just a few more dollars, complete the accessory list for this killer audio set up with $20 RCA analog PYST cables, also from Schiit Audio. These six inch cables are quality built and plug easily into all of the equipment listed here. Indeed, the additional accessories might push the budget slightly over $1000 (including sales tax and shipping, if applicable), but the Music Hall Audio A15.3 integrated amplifier paired with Hsu Research HB-1 MK2 bookshelf speakers are good stepping stones to build a killer audio system for around $1000.
