Stephen Mejias

I'd keep the Arcam Solo in consideration. One piece of gear covers everything but the speakers...As far as receivers/integrateds go, also look into NAD's C320BEE. Should be a good unit, and it's in the same price range. The Cambridge is also a good unit, I think. CD player? Put that on the back burner. Grab the speakers and the amp first. You've got a DVD player, right? Or at least an old Discman? Start with that, and your iPod. Or grab something like a Slim Squeezebox and just pull the audio files you have off your computer. I can't remember the last time I put a CD in the player. And then, you can always buy the CD player later. But you could start listening to music *now*. The DVD player and Squeezebox options are particularly compelling if your receiver has digital inputs (in which case the player doesn't have to sound good, the amp will take care of that for you).

Oh, and remember. We all want components that look nice, but don't dismiss something on the basis of looks without having heard it. Or maybe you don't want to do a whole lot of auditioning, which is understandable. In which case, the guidance you're getting here will make sure that whatever you end up with, it sounds good.

The Gallo Nucleus Micro? Say, aren't those the ones that look like eyeballs? Are you SURE you want detached eyeballs in your room with the lights out? You may not see them, but they'll be looking at you...Music Hall makes some nice silver amps (and CD players) that are unblack -- did you try those? And they don't have eyeballs, although one of them has a Polyphemus-like centercirculargizmo. I don't think it can see, though. I'm sure your new system will sound terrific and wish you the best of luck (don't let the house parties infect you with senioritis...you hit those books, young lady!). Cheers, Clifton

I own the previous model to the Azur line. I absolutely love my Cambridge A500. Silver, and the blue led looks good too! Sounds like you are well on your way. You may be able to find a good deal if you can find a shop that can put a package together for you, but that might mean a compromise on the speakers or the amp.

Here's another vote for Cambridge! Although I suggested you consider the B&W LM1 speakers in response to your previous post, the Tannoys would give you a more complete sound because they are bigger. That is the speaker I would go with," but the B&Ws are heavy on the ""cute"" and ""fashionable."" They do sound good and have been blessed by Stereophile in an older review. I'll tell ya what", if you commit to getting the speakers, I'll donate an old NAD receiver and CD player that I have in the audio cavern to tide you over until you get the other gear. You can pass them along to someone else when you get the Azur stuff. The NAD stuff is in nice shape for their age, but the CD player isn't a remote control model. Have Stephen PM me with a shipping address and he can see that they get to you...if you are up to the challenge;)

Hey, you can't beat that deal.

First thing's first. You guys seriously kick ass. Ward: I think you have a good suggestion with putting the CD player on the back burner. I wrote a blog at the beginning of the summer admitting I don't buy a whole lot of CDs. My iPod where most of my music goes. But I'm tired of listening to it from head phones and my tiny computer speakers (I actually own a pair of Harman Kardon computer speakers and they're surprisingly loud for their size...but not loud enough obviously). I need bigger, brighter sound in my life! So thanks...I really do like the Arcam and the less boxes I have to take back to school, the better.Gerald: Good point about the eyeballs. The Gallo's are really different than anything I've seen, but the eyeballs creeping aboud my room is questionable. And I will hit those books Sunday through Thursday morning.Monty: I am thinking about taking you up on your offer! I will write a blog about the speakers I intend on getting and will get back to you soon. Thank you so much for your generosit

I assembled a system while in college facing the same considerations as you are. I spent more on beer than pizza, but hey," to each their own. Although ""cute"" is not their strong suit", the smaller paradigms can rock a small room, and you can get them in a few finishes. As for the gear to drive them, the entry level parasound gear is a fantastic bargain, and you can easily upgrade a piece at a time, as either need, or itch, hits home. The paradigm / parasound combo is not a popular one with audiophiles because it isn't very esoteric, and the audiophile brag level is low. They are, however, bulletproof, good sounding, durable, and flexible pieces to use through a bunch of moves, and will probably survive the idiots at parties who think your amp is a coaster. Also, keep in mind that some gear is better than others at presenting a variety of musical tastes without specializing. Happy hunting, and remember, in stereo, as in most things, the joy is not in getting what you want, but wanting what you have.

Kristina! I am a girl. I know, seriously. A year and a half ago when I started my first job and moved into my first studio apartment I went shopping for my first hi-fi with the same requirements as yours. I ended up with the Cambridge Audio Azur 540 amp and CD player and Mission M71 speakers. The Cambridge Audio stuff I love to this day. The Mission speakers I loved too, but they didn't quite fill the studio with that warm, enveloping sound I'd wanted, so I switched to the bigger Monitor Audio Bronze B2s, and I've loved those ever since. The Missions are in the back of my closet just in case I ever move into a place with a bedroom. The Tannoys you're considering seem to be similar to my Monitor Audios. I like when the speakers have the front firing port cause then I can place them closer to the wall. I love my system, but if I were shopping present day, I would also consider the Arcam Solo (just for the shelving it frees up) and the Usher S520 (so sexy!).

Cindy," ""warm"," enveloping sound"" is exactly what I'm going for. I will definately keep the Usher's in mind. Thanks!!