How many different really exotic (high-end / $50k+) home stereo systems have you heard?
(pictured: Wilson Audio speakers that can be yours for $300k+)
Considering how long I read and compare products whenever I spend a few hundreds, I can’t imagine how hard it would be for me to pick a piece of equipment that price.
I used to work in the music industry and had the luxury of visiting many music studios and mastering studios, so I’m not sure if my vote is cheating.
Nope totally legit experiences. Playback reference systems are VERY similar to high-end home audio. Many brands like Shunyata and Wilson are popular in both circles.
If you’ve been to any hi-fi audio shows, you are in the one of highest 2 categories.
A place I used to work manufactures PA systems. The system they had in the aerobics room sounded like a Rock Concert. I expect that one qualifies.
This is a tough one for me, I used to work next to an amazing audiophile level stereo shop that catered to the wealthy of SoCal. If I remember correctly I think they had 6 or 7 listening rooms and an theatre room with an amazing projector/SS setup. I don’t know if I could say I listened to 125 different systems but definitely that many variations and most were worth far more than 50k. I think I was lucky enough to be well thought of by their employees and due to my respectfulness, reading and taste in music I got to listen to stuff I will likely never be able to afford. I think I was also lucky in that they knew where I worked and that I couldn’t even afford their least expensive rig so I would get left in the room with some records and 200k worth of gear to simply listen my lunch breaks away. It taught me a lot and even though I cannot afford that grade of gear it very much cemented that it’s worth it if you can afford it. Those were good times.
Most expensive I’ve heard was Focal Sopra 2’s, Naim Solstice turntable, and a stack of Naim pre and power amps.
When I want to upgrade a component and want to find out more information, I visit audio shops and shows. Was at AXPONA 2 times besides certain high end shops.
Here is the reason I do this:
I visited a dealership when I was new to the hobby and there was this older gentleman there. I told him by budget for the speakers. He asked me to come in and listen to a system that consisted of Sonus Faber Stradivari with Nagra Amps and sources. I am guessing the entire setup was $75k. Seeing the surprise on my face he said that he is NOT expecting me to buy anything in that room. But when you listen to this setup and then go and listen to the speakers in your budget, it will (kind of) give you and idea of which of the speakers you feel compromises the least from what I heard in that $$$$ system.
“The world is full of compromise and infinite red tape. But the music’s got the magic, it’s your one chance for escape.”
The teacher for the audio engineering class in my highschool had an expensive system. He also owns a full stage speakers setup.
i’ve listened to grande utopias and thought the diablos sounded better lol
Oddly enough, it was the electronics that pushed the system over that limit, not the speakers. I had the chance to hear an entire top-end Levinson backend playing through a set of Aerial 10Ts. Probably $75k worth of electronics, driving $7k worth of speaker.
That being said, I’d love to hear a set of Wilsons someday.
I answered no, I didn’t figure concerts/public systems like IMAX counted. Also, don’t know the cost of those systems.
Same. Have heard countless live shows. But unfortunately have not sat in front of anything north of about $40k.
The question says “home stereo” because Pro Audio is primarily made to be rugged, portable, and able to blare at jet engine sound pressure levels. Most audiophiles find it to be fatiguing and harsh sounding, lacking detail.
I’ve heard several systems in this price range but only two that really stood out.
The first was focal utopias power by some crazy high powered tube Monoblocks. It was the first time I heard speakers that didn’t sound like the singer was in the room with me but rather I had been transported to the very room where the track was recorded.
The second was a Sonus Fabre system that just floored me. Crazy bass without a subwoofer in site. I do think part of the reason this system impressed me so much was how dynamic it was. My main system consists of magnepan 1.7is and while I absolutely love my systems, those Sonus fabers showed my just how much more dynamic traditional speakers can be.
Honorable mention goes to a system with Klipsch lascalas I heard awhile back. Probably came in around 25k. It may not have gone down as low as many other speaker’s can go but their sound was down right hypnotic. I didn’t get to spend nearly as much time with them as I would have liked and the memory has faded but I suspect given another chance, I might like them best of all.
Mine, er, if adjusted to todays dollars, would have cost $50k, when it was released, thirty years ago. Does that count?
I deliberately don’t listen to anything more expensive that $20k because that means I can say that my system is the best I’ve ever heard.
I’ve never experienced a $50k+ stereo “REDDIT AUDIOPHILE” aka total noob. Probably downvotes more experienced audiophiles who actually know what they are talking about and lectures people.
I’ve heard one that was over $50k+ “POPPED CHERRY - WFT DID I JUST EXPERIENCE?” aka you have taken your first real step towards learning about high-quality playback. You’ve risen over the 99% of audio nerds and you have now “heard the light” and you know what is possible. You are more open-minded to talk about audio things you do not understand. Far less ego. Teachable.
I’ve heard between 1 - 5 $50k+ stereos. “SERIOUSLY EXPOSED TO HIGH END- NO GOING BACK!” aka you are probably in trouble, and are going to end up losing a lost of money buying gear you don’t need now.
I’ve heard between 5 - 25 stereos in the $50k+ range. “DISCERNING AUDIOPHILE” aka its too late for you. You have a hard time fitting in socially with other Reddit Audiophiles (see above).
I’ve heard between 25 - 125 stereos in the $50k+ range. “SERIOUS CRITICAL LISTENER AUDIOPHILE” aka you have drank the Kool-Aid and you chuckle at all of the people lecturing about how cables don’t matter, etc. (who are incidentally mostly in the "I’ve never experienced a $50k+ stereo crowd). You also can’t get along socially with other Reddit Audiophiles… you probably have a lot of odd and peculiar components and are highly opinionated but you know what you are talking about and don’t care what others say anyways.
I’ve listened to more than 125 exotic stereos that were $50k+. “PRO LEVEL” aka, What do you do for a living? Dang brother. I’d love to learn from you what is your favorite sounding 5 systems of all time. Would love to get some tips from you.My brother has a $50K + set up. His audiophile club members have some too. I’ve been along with him to some of the listening parties.