This modest mid-fi system can be assembled for around $2000 new. It warms my heart and pleases my ears on bad days, and never fails to lift me up. Music is for times when we cannot create our own inner music as the saying goes, and even this modest system does that for me.
I would be happy if it helps someone to do the same for others...
Has a toroidal transformer giving it that smooth upscale sound that warms my heart. Don't get the amp 100 - known to catch fire!
Adcom Pre-amp GTP-500
Almost class-A electornics? Sounds smooth to me despite modest price point.
Sony ES CD player CS70ES
Some Sony CD players can sound bright and analytical, but mated with my speakers, it does the job with fat hearty sound that is the hall mark of a quality player.
Denon DP45F TT
Old economical but good sounding with Shure Type 15 cartridge.
Monitor Audio Bronze 5
Modest British Hifi magazine 5 star rated speakers - non-fatiguing rather dark to neutral sounding unlike brighter Silver line of theirs. Mates well with the Sony CD player that can be too bright in some systems.
IXOS Gamma RCA
The gamma technology with the braided wire gives a little clearer sound.
That I don't know, I've never owned HRT. I do know that both punch above their price so either way you should be good to go. I've been very impressed with my Schiit gear so perhaps I'm a bit biased haha
If you want a DAC to hook your computer up, having a "matching sound card" isn't necessary. Using USB is virtually a direct path out of a laptop. For an inexpensive USB DAC check out Schiit Audio Modi 3. For $100 it does a great job and sounds pretty decent.
