Topic: < $500 stereo system

[run_run_run]

I am thinking of replacing my curent stereo system for a new one. What components would recommend. I am looking to spend <500.

[JasonSobel]

ok, more than $500, so like $700, or $10,000?  try to be more specific with your budget, and you'll get some better suggestions.

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

I wasn't sure if that was really "more than" or intended to be "less than".  Spending more than $500 is easy.

Also, is there any part of your current system that can be saved for use in the new system or are you starting from scratch?

[run_run_run]

I feel dumb. I ment < less then. I will keep my tape deck and mabey my specker depending on the price of new speckers.

[BJ]

I feel dumb. I ment < less then. I will keep my tape deck and mabey my specker depending on the price of new speckers.

its all good...im sure they knew what you meant..just wanted to clarify before offering suggestions...

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

Some people post a lower range for their budget.   I'm the king of typos so I asked to be sure.

For less than $500, there is alot you can do.  If you can keep the speakers and deck for now, then you might get an integrated unit.  Jolida makes an integrated hybrid unit (tubes in the pre and a solid state amplifier stage) the sells for about that price.  There is a 1501RC on audiogon right now for $550.  Those occassionally come up for $500-$450.  I forget which which model but there is one with lower power output that usually sells used for around $400.  You can get something for less from Rotel or NAD.  If you prefer seperates, you can get a decent amp and preamp combo for that price.  The B&K ST1400 or ST202 will run you about half your budget leaving the rest for a preamp. 

Are you interested in something with tubes?  What kind of speakers do you have?  To what kind of music do you listen?  Do you plan to eventually build out an audiophile 2 channel system or are you more interested in multi channel?  All these things will affect the list of good options.  If you plan to build a high end system down the road, you should be selecting components today based on an upgrade strategy that allows you the most options.  For example, either of those B&K amps will be good enough to last you through at least a couple of preamp upgrades and they have enough power to drive some planars if you decide to go that route with speakers.

Look through the posts in this section and you'll find a lot of equipment reviews - not all of them are for multi-thousand dollar components.  There are some really good systems people have put together for a reasonable budget.  Also you should look on audiogon and see what amps, preamps, or integrateds you can afford.  Then search the agon discussion forums to learn about the individual pieces.  Sites like audiocircles and audioasylum can yield a lot of information.  Take a look though the audiogon and audioasylum user system descriptions and see what budget and second system components people have paired - read their reviews.   
http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/frv.pl

[run_run_run]

"Are you interested in something with tubes?  "
Can you explain tubes are show me something that would explain it, I am sort of a audio newb.

I have Technics SB-L300 speckers.

I am also interested in being able to play dvd-a's, with this budget could it be done?

I plan on haveing 2-4 speckers when I am done.

[Tim]

for dvd-a/sacd go grab the toshiba 4960 for $50 that is in a thread below

[run_run_run]

Ok that sounds good. That just leves an amp.

[dnsacks]

what are you running as an amp right now.  I remember the technics speakers you're running and have a feeling that a speaker upgrade (even to some really inexpensive speakers) could bring a LOT to your listening enjoyment. 

Another question -- what do you find "wrong" with your setup as-is?

[run_run_run]

I want to update so I can play dvd-a and have better sounding tunes.

Don't Laugh but I have a Curtis Mathes Intergrated Stereo Amp HA320. I payed like 5 bucks for it.

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

I want to update so I can play dvd-a and have better sounding tunes.

Don't Laugh but I have a Curtis Mathes Intergrated Stereo Amp HA320. I payed like 5 bucks for it.

How old is that unit?  If it's old and has wood side panels, does it have lots of vents on top and can you see glowing filaments inside glass tubes inside?

If it's a vintage unit, you may already have something nice.  I couldn't find info on that unit but apparently some of the vintage curtis mathes gear was pretty solid.  If it functions well it might be a cool vintage unit and you might be better off upgrading speakers first.  Some of those old units people toss in garage sales can be cleaned up - clean the pots and replace the vacuum tubes - and you have a unit that is better than lots of the lower end consumer gear sold at best buy and circuit city.   Put that toshiba in front and get soem decent speakers and you're set.

If it is one of the old units, can you post a picture?

[run_run_run]

after reading up and looking at it, its a post tubes era rig. I think I will use it for alittle while longer and look at speckers. What brands would you recommend?

[BC]

after reading up and looking at it, its a post tubes era rig. I think I will use it for alittle while longer and look at speckers. What brands would you recommend?

Infinity Primus 150 got a great review in Stereophile recently, along with equally impressive measurements for a speaker in that price range, amazingly flat response. I think it was listed as ~$180 MSRP. Should be at circuit city and the like.

http://stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/404infinity/

http://stereophile.com/loudspeakerreviews/404infinity/index4.html

Also, I like Paradigm's speakers, their lower end stuff sounds great for the $$.

Happy shopping,
Ben

[Tim]

I wait for Ben to fluff Paradigm and then I always jump in with B&W

both companies make fine products, I think you would be happy with either... try and go listen and local shops if you can.