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July 12, 2008 - 10:05pm
#1
I'm a super newbie..
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Howdy, and welcome.
Depending on where you live, there may be a good used equipment store nearby, which could greatly expand your buying power.
We could help discuss what things you saw after a visit there.
Also, let us know what kind of music you like and sources you will use - LP, CD, MP3, computer, etc...
Listing you budget would help with the advices, too.
Give us more info and I bet you'll have lots of answer!
Howdy! Thanks a lot for the welcome and the reply.
Honestly, I'm kinda embarrassed to mention my budget here, coz I don't know how low is low for something decent. Anyway, I don't think I will be helped if I won't mention it so... is 300 reasonable for a receiver and a pair of bookshelf speakers?
I'm from McAllen, TX btw, which is probably the biggest city in the southern-most tip of Texas.
I listen to any genre, really, although I tend to listen to rock music more so than the others. I like big bands, swing, classical music, jazz, and some of the newer pop songs. My zune would be the main source of music, followed by a cd player. It's gonna be for my room, since I only have a pair of $5-cheap-tincanlike-refurbished-sony portable speakers, the type that are smaller than your hand.
And oh, I just read stereophile's review of the Audioengine A2, which I think, based on what I read, is quite a good replacement for computer/ipod speakers.
The Audio Engines may be just the ticket!
They have built in amplification, so your Zune would hook up with them directly.
To play CD, you have to unplug your Zune and plug the CD player into the input. Five seconds.
Right now, Costco has a surprisingly good Phillips CD/DVD player for about 45 bucks.
Bada bing, bada boom!
The Audio Engines are really really good for the money.
What if I can stretch my budget and would want a separate speaker and receiver/integrated amp? What do you think would be the affordable options that, in your opinion, would be a decent sounding system?
Sorry if I sound really stupid talking about all these stuff. I figured out that since I'm gonna spend on audio system I might as well get something good that could be a stepping stone for my learning.
I would look to EBay under consumer electronics and research integrated amps or receivers for your short term needs. I have been finding some very good older receivers for under $50 that have been in very good to excellent condition. This will give you more watts for your intital dollar.
Your computer can be your CD/DVD source for a while, unless one of the cheap $40-$50 DVD players on the market will suit your needs. You can even run your portable player in to play your tunes back.
Be careful as on EBay many try and make their money on pumped up shipping charges, so make sure the shipping is reasonable. You may even find something close by you can pick up and save the freight. Just check "nearest first" on your initial search.
My last find was a vintage Technics 50 watt/channel reciever in very good condition for $35. Every button and light worked and the case is easily 8 out of 10. It even has a passable phono stage. I will probably use it at school in my classroom.
You can even check on www.audiogon.com for some good used buys, but the prices are higher as is the quality of the gear.
Good luck.
Given your limited budget, I think a headphone based system would be your best bet. For $300 you can get a set of headphones and headphone amplifiers that would rival $3000 speaker system. If this is the route you wish to take, you may consider the following:
Headphones
Sennheiser HD 580 approx $150 used (I don't think they're available new anymore)
Sennheiser HD 590 approx $130 used
Sennheiser HD 595 approx $150 used or $200 new
Grado SR 60 - $70 new
Audio Technica ATH-D700 approx $100 new
Headphone amplifiers
Creek OBH-11 - approx $100 used (NA new)
Musical Fidelity XCan v2 - approx $150 used
There are other worthy contenders as well. I strongly recommend that you investigate going the headphone route. Your budget will put you well above entry level in the headphone realm, whereas you'll be scraping bottom with the speaker set up.
Thank you so much Jim and Alex! I appreciate the help.
I've been going though ebay for the past few weeks but honestly I don't know what I should be looking for. Can you guys recommend a good article for a read? Any advice ya'll might give me on what to look for in receivers?
Alex, thanks for suggesting the headphones route, but I find using headphones quite a hassle. I'm not comfortable with the wires and the restriction in movement around the room.
Again, thanks.
Is there a reason that the Audio Engines do not appeal to you?
Great sound for the money and ideal match for what you already have.
The Audio Engines really do appeal to me, but I'm looking for a system where I can start learning and growing to become one of you guys. The really neat thing about the Audio Engines is that you can audition them at home within 30 days. I might take advantage of that if I don't get something from the different route.
I understand.
Becoming one of us? I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
Check out used integrated amps (CD players from these companies are also recommended) from:
NAD
Rotel
Arcam
Musical Fidelity
Creek
Music Hall
Cambridge
Check out used speakers from
Paradigm
PSB
Energy
B&W
Epos
Canton
Acoustic Energy
Audiogon.com is a great place for used gear.
lol.. I get you loud and clear mrlowry! I fully understand the risks involved with getting attached to a hobby, how much more for an obsession? I'm a photographer and addiction in acquiring gear isn't any different from the audiophile thing, although photography is a far more cheaper obsession I must say.
Thanks for the recommended brands. I will start going through the bay and audiogon when I'm off of work later on today.
It sounds like you are on a severely restricted budget. Here is what I'd get if I were in your shoes:
Infinity P162 bookshelf speakers - $205/pair delivered
http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1007inf/
Sherwood RX-4109 100 wpc stereo receiver $100 delivered
Some RX-4109 user reviews
The receiver is not audiophile gear but has decent sound and is servicable enough to get you through until you can upgrade.
Thanks jackfish! your recommendation for the Infinity P162 has reinforced my first choice in affordable speakers purely based on the stereophile review. I will probably go with a used NAD C325BEE. What do you think? If worse comes to worse I might just get the sherwoods you mentioned.
With the Infinity P162 and the possible NAD C325BEE, what do you guys think of this setup? I will upgrade my cheap cd player later on and probably get a turntable, since I feel nostalgic sometimes and I'm sure my parents will love the vinyl sound.
Again, thanks for all the help.
The NAD C325BEE ($380) is heads above the Sherwood. Even the NAD C315BEE ($290) at 40 wpc has enough power to do a good job with the Infinity P162s. I'm glad you found some extra scratch to go with a good amp.
\
I'll have to wait for next month though.
but yeah, I think I'm gonna go used with the NAD C325BEE, and get some refurbished P162s. Since I will already be spending, I might as well get something good.
Thanks everybody!
If any of you have suggestions for me, or you have some extra entry-level components lying around please let me know.
Oh no, you have made me hesitate again
I WAS going to buy a Squeezebox (this is certain) with Audioengine A5's to start.
Later, after moving, I would add a DAC, an AMP and other speakers.
Off to Ebay again...