Best system for cheap

Discussion in 'Audio Hardware' started by Aquateen, May 19, 2002.

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  1. Aquateen

    Aquateen Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    Austin, TX
    Hey, Im looking to get rid of my self-system and get a full system. I have a turntable so I need a reciever, speakers, and a cd changer. I only want to spend a few hundred.If anyone can recomend some things and maybe link me to an online store that would be great.:)
     
    Aquateen, May 19, 2002
    #1
  2. petzi

    petzi Forum Resident

    Location:
    Germany
    If you want to save money, why buy crappy new stuff ? You might get better used equipment for the same money.
     
    petzi, May 19, 2002
    #2
  3. Aquateen

    Aquateen Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    Austin, TX
    Is their any good online stores that sell used things?
     
    Aquateen, May 19, 2002
    #3
  4. Dave

    Dave Esoteric Audio Research Specialist™

    Location:
    B.C.
    Dave, May 19, 2002
    #4
  5. Holy Zoo

    Holy Zoo Gort (Retired) :-)

    Location:
    Santa Cruz
    Yep, audiogon is great.

    You might also try audioadvisor.com - they sometimes have used and demo equipment.

    ... and then there's ebay...

    :)
     
    Holy Zoo, May 19, 2002
    #5
  6. Aquateen

    Aquateen Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    Austin, TX
    Thanks for all the links guys. Im not exactly sure what I all need. Do I need an amp or preamp? Or do I just plug everything into the reciever? Sorry if these are dumb questions.....i've only delt with shelf systems.
     
    Aquateen, May 19, 2002
    #6
  7. Richard Feirstein

    Richard Feirstein New Member

    Location:
    Albany, NY
    If you want a decent 5.1 system when all is said and done perhaps start with a decent set of 5.1 speakers including a powered sub. You can get good systems for under $1,500.00. Then budget for a decent lower end CD/SACD player like the 500V from Sony (about $200). Then all you need is a receiver. You can pickup something like the Denon 3802 for about $800.00 but new models from other venders with Dolby Pro Logic II and SACD/DVD-A analog inputs should be available for around $500.00. The most important sonic decision you will make is the spakers which is why it is better to save a bit on the electronics if you have budget constraints; IMO. There are way too many choices out there for any sane person to deal with so try to have fun, there is little junk out there any longer so have fun.
     
    Richard Feirstein, May 19, 2002
    #7
  8. Gary

    Gary Nauga Gort! Staff

    Location:
    Toronto
    Why don't you try going on "The Hunt" locally? Check local auctions, local stores that sell used equipment, trader magazines like my local "buy and sell", find a place that can do a "tune up" on your stuff, talk to owners of used CD stores......

    Used could be risky though. Make sure you try it out, get the seller to guarantee the item (take it back?) if it does not work after a week.... try to be careful!

    There are tons of used equipment out there.

    The basic 'low end' system is a receiver (a receiver is a preamp, amp & tuner all in one - economical!), speaker cable (you can use cheap 16 gage lamp cord!), a CD player and two speakers. Do not buy monster cable. There is little improvement (IMO - In My Opinion) between 16 gage lamp cord and low end monster cable. You'd be wasting your money.

    You can buy a preamp and amp and tuner with 2 sets of interconnects OR a receiver that is all three. A good set of interconnects by themselves can run you a few hundred. :eek:

    A receiver may not be "audiophile-ish" but it could be a good stepping stone to the future. Plan on 2 systems: Audiophile listening system and Normal listening system. It'll take you longer to get an "audiophile" system, to get the right components... etc. The most basic mistake a "Junior Audiophile" makes is going too cheap on the speakers! Audition them! How low is the bass? How high is the trebble? Audition speakers waaaay out of your price range to see what a favorite CD "should" sound like! Take a DCC CD! Do lots of auditioning if you can!

    So basically my idea is this: Get a used receiver, cheap CD player (never buy used CD palyers unless you are SURE it works!), lamp cord for speaker wire and decent speakers. Cheap interconnects for the CD player. This will get you 'in the game'!

    Keep hunting and one day you'll find a GREAT pair of speakers. Plug 'em in, save the other speakers for the casual listening system and look for better components as in pre-amp and amp. When you come across decent cable (speaker cable), the lamp cord goes to the casual system.... get it?

    Richard has a good idea! Get a receiver with 5.1 capability! Perhaps get two decent speakers and buy the other speakers when you have the cash.

    Good luck!
     
    Gary, May 19, 2002
    #8
  9. Richard Feirstein

    Richard Feirstein New Member

    Location:
    Albany, NY
    In fact go to hifi.com (Creative's web site). They have excellent speakers and other hardware and often have returned or discontinued goods and good discounts running all the time. Among the best speakers for the price anywhere.
     
    Richard Feirstein, May 19, 2002
    #9
  10. Henry Love

    Henry Love Senior Member

    Location:
    Chicagoland
    I think a Denon receiver is a good place to start.They have a reputation for sound quality over gimmickry at each price point.Speakers are subjective,it's how they sound to you.Audioreview.com has a lot of user reviews.Good luck.
     
    Henry Love, May 19, 2002
    #10
  11. Aquateen

    Aquateen Forum Resident Thread Starter

    Location:
    Austin, TX
    Thanks for all the help guys!
     
    Aquateen, May 19, 2002
    #11
  12. Gary

    Gary Nauga Gort! Staff

    Location:
    Toronto
    Great suggestion, Henry! I've always liked Harmon Kardon myself.... :)

    Remember Aquateen, this is supposed to be 'fun' ;) ! And it is! :) Have fun!
     
    Gary, May 19, 2002
    #12
  13. Sckott

    Sckott Hand Tighten Only.

    Location:
    South Plymouth, Ma
    Try used consignment shops that sell used hig-end equipment. You may get a great deal on a McIntosh SS amp! Who knows!


    Go shopping, shopping, shopping and then look at www.audioreview.com or related sites for opinions if you THINK you've found a great 'deal' and get lost along the way.
     
    Sckott, May 20, 2002
    #13
  14. Togo

    Togo Same as it ever was

    Location:
    London UK
    I'd really (really!) recommend auditioning the separates you are thinking of buying...don't buy blind if you can help it. You may regret it!

    With the right advice and your own judgement (i.e. your ears) you'll make a great choice you can live with for many years...

    Happy listening!


    ;)
     
    Togo, May 20, 2002
    #14
  15. rodney sherman

    rodney sherman Forum Resident

    Location:
    de soto, kansas
    try onkyo!

    I'd give onkyo the first try.there is an audio store near me celled kiefs.the do a study on fifty of the top brands of recievers.thay gave onkyo a number 3 rating.thay look at price,build quality and ease of use.if you want some thing a little better try integra by onkyo.you can get an onkyo tx-sv 474 for around $199 and it has multi channel input for a sacd or dvd-a player.Im only giving you some ideas.denon is a good brand along with harmon Kardon.I also see that sony has come out with some av recievers that barrow some fetures from there es line and may be just as good for the money.:D
     
    rodney sherman, May 21, 2002
    #15
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