Help An Audio Hardware Newb

I found this article this morning while surfing:
http://www.stereophile.com/content/12-years-“recommended-components”

 

Good luck. I guess it depends what you realistically want to do

A/ Spend $1000 & that's it , allowing for repairs & change of cartridge when worn or

B/ Upgrade each component with the best thing you can afford at the time & slowly build a mega system around it

I chose B but there is nothing wrong with choosing A!!!

 

I'm going to suggest a Yamaha RN500 as the amp for he OP.

It does the lot - network streaming, internet radio, a very good phono stage, ample wattage (85W @ 8 Ohm), 4 x s/pdif in, 3 line in (w/ 2 tape loops), 2 (possibly 3) usb in (including ipod), sub pre out, AM/FM tuner, airplay, iOS/Android control app...Bonus is that it sounds really good.

Plus it has well implemented tone controls and a great loudness contour control if the positioning/living arrangements dictate it.

They're circa $500 new, so pair that with a decent pair of $500 speakers and you're laughing.

 

So OP, what amp/receiver did you buy in the end?

 

Yamaha RS-300 receiver and Klipsch bookshelf speakers :

http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-R-S300BL-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0044779H2/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1428328939&sr=1-1&keywords=yamaha rs 300



http://www.amazon.com/Klipsch-Synergy-B-20-5-25-Inch-Bookshelf/dp/B003XRD9UA/ref=sr_1_8?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1428328983&sr=1-8&keywords=klipsch bookshelf



And you got U$ 550 left for records. And no sub in flat; you'll risk eviction.

 

I'd say go with a rehabbed Fisher tube receiver.There's a bunch of threads here about them.That would be a good start.

 

The speakers make by far the biggest difference to the sound. So while I agree a "real" amp/receiver is needed, I would concentrate the bulk of your money on new speakers. I'd probably go get some used Denon/Yamaha/Onkyo off of Craigslist or eBay-even an old one would be fine for a while. For speakers, NHT makes some very nice stuff as do Polk, Energy, many others. Speakers don't wear out for a loooooong time, so buying used models from the last few years is also a fine option. You'll have to decide if you want bookshelf speakers still, or can fit towers, or want bookshelves plus a true subwoofer (your Bose is designed to work with Bose, not other stuff). A true subwoofer however begins around $600, maybe somewhat less used. If you decide to do that, your sub needs a crossover with output and your receiver needs pre-out/main-in jacks, which you can post here for clarification if you go that route.

Oh, and move the left speaker! It is pointing right along a wall of cubicles, lots of bad reflections. Actually I think you should move it out of the right shelves entirely and into that left wall of shelves, so the speakers would each kind of point out from the corner. That should improve the sound quite a bit.

 

I have no idea why you guys are still posting to this thread ; the OP was done with this totally random impulse question more than 2 months ago; back on January 25th with post #14.....................the same day he asked it (pretty sure he's moved on now)

 

Guilty as charged !!

 

I just hope he took @beowulf 's advice!

 

I think you are reading more into it than what is there
Everyone of us has "whims" (do I want/really need a new car or not etc)
I was merely pointing out that the OP had moved on
It was not a "criticism"; I was in the process of preparing my own answer (go Vintage) when I checked his profile and was about to ask if he lived in New York City or land side (to suggest a store)...............that was when I realized the inquiry was over 2 months old

 

Gary, BTW, LOVE your avatar !!! Oops, or is that not from 'Phantom of the Paradise' ??? Aha! yes it is!

 

Haha, sorry - never saw these "new" posts. Frustratingly I didn't buy anything and now a year has passed and I'm trying again. What held me up is that my very generous cousin offered to give me his refurbished Marantz 2252b for free, but I've been unable to visit him to pick it up. Still planning on spending the same budget ($1000) on speakers and shopping around again. Last year around this time I previewed some Totem Dreamcatchers and Dynaudios - and much preferred the Dynaudios. Going out this weekend to preview some stuff again... can anyone recommend some good spots in NYC?

 

Alright, so nearly a year later I've finally upgraded my speakers. Decided to go for a pair Totem Rainmakers. My new receiver and stands haven't arrived yet, but these sound pretty good even running through the Bose subwoofer. I know, I'm a heathen. Cheers - and thanks so much for all the advice!

 

Very nice!