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Offline run_run_run

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< $500 stereo system
« on: July 13, 2005, 06:06:03 PM »
I am thinking of replacing my curent stereo system for a new one. What components would recommend. I am looking to spend <500.
« Last Edit: July 13, 2005, 09:55:57 PM by run_run_run »

Offline JasonSobel

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Re: >$500 stereo system
« Reply #1 on: July 13, 2005, 07:50:21 PM »
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.

Offline Lil Kim Jong-Il

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Re: >$500 stereo system
« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2005, 09:19:55 PM »
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?
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Offline run_run_run

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Re: >$500 stereo system
« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2005, 09:55:36 PM »
I feel dumb. I ment < less then. I will keep my tape deck and mabey my specker depending on the price of new speckers.

Offline BJ

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Re: >$500 stereo system
« Reply #4 on: July 13, 2005, 09:56:35 PM »
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...
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Offline Lil Kim Jong-Il

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #5 on: July 14, 2005, 11:19:46 AM »
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
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Offline run_run_run

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #6 on: July 14, 2005, 05:01:17 PM »
"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.

Offline Tim

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #7 on: July 14, 2005, 05:06:45 PM »
for dvd-a/sacd go grab the toshiba 4960 for $50 that is in a thread below
I’ve had a few weird experiences and a few close brushes with total weirdness of one sort or another, but nothing that’s really freaked me out or made me feel too awful about it. - Jerry Garcia

Offline run_run_run

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #8 on: July 14, 2005, 05:31:32 PM »
Ok that sounds good. That just leves an amp.

Offline dnsacks

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #9 on: July 14, 2005, 06:07:08 PM »
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?

Offline run_run_run

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #10 on: July 14, 2005, 06:26:37 PM »
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.

Offline Lil Kim Jong-Il

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #11 on: July 14, 2005, 07:10:53 PM »
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?
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Offline run_run_run

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #12 on: July 14, 2005, 08:19:52 PM »
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?

Offline BC

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #13 on: July 14, 2005, 10:03:26 PM »
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

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Offline Tim

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #14 on: July 14, 2005, 10:23:50 PM »
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.
I’ve had a few weird experiences and a few close brushes with total weirdness of one sort or another, but nothing that’s really freaked me out or made me feel too awful about it. - Jerry Garcia

Offline BC

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #15 on: July 14, 2005, 10:46:18 PM »
I wait for Ben to fluff Paradigm and then I always jump in with B&W

I admit it, I am a mega paradigm fluffer    ;D    :coolguy:
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Offline Tim

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #16 on: July 14, 2005, 11:28:47 PM »
I wait for Ben to fluff Paradigm and then I always jump in with B&W

I admit it, I am a mega paradigm fluffer    ;D    :coolguy:

I'm the same way with my speakers, I mean if you don't like the way your gear sounds why own it?

+T, there's 150 for ya
I’ve had a few weird experiences and a few close brushes with total weirdness of one sort or another, but nothing that’s really freaked me out or made me feel too awful about it. - Jerry Garcia

Ray76

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #17 on: July 15, 2005, 06:21:15 AM »
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.

interesting you mention B+W the villa i rented is outfitted with nothing but b+ws all over the place.

they sound damn sweet. must be 50 speakers in the lodge.now ima try to find the ~stereo setup.


Offline Nick's Picks

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #18 on: July 15, 2005, 07:12:46 AM »
another speaker worth checking out is the Epos line.
the EL3 and the M5
both are in your price range..and have recieved excellent reviews all around.
I think the el3 goes for around $250 used.

Offline Tim

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #19 on: July 15, 2005, 01:01:17 PM »
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.

interesting you mention B+W the villa i rented is outfitted with nothing but b+ws all over the place.

they sound damn sweet. must be 50 speakers in the lodge.now ima try to find the ~stereo setup.



they are nice speakers. there are a TON of nice speaker companies... one reason why I think the paradigm and B&W recommendations are good is that they can be somewhat easily found in any decent sized city. being able to go and listen to a speaker yourself is a big plus to me..
I’ve had a few weird experiences and a few close brushes with total weirdness of one sort or another, but nothing that’s really freaked me out or made me feel too awful about it. - Jerry Garcia

Offline BC

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #20 on: July 15, 2005, 02:47:52 PM »
IMHO since you already have an amp I would put as much $$ as you can into the speakers, I think good speakers will make the largest improvement to your system. Then later on if you run into more $$ upgrade the receiver/amp.

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Offline dnsacks

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #21 on: July 15, 2005, 02:57:25 PM »
IMHO since you already have an amp I would put as much $$ as you can into the speakers, I think good speakers will make the largest improvement to your system. Then later on if you run into more $$ upgrade the receiver/amp.



Agreed, with one caveat/concern.  I'd take your amp with you to the stereo store once you've narrowed down speaker choices and compare the sound you get from your amp>speaker you like vs. stereo store's amp>speakers you like.  Why, to be sure your amp isn't near death and pumping distorted sound into the speakers.  This (distorted power) will keep your new speakers from sounding anywhere near as good as they should and could well damage 'em out of the box.

Offline run_run_run

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #22 on: July 15, 2005, 03:03:08 PM »
Would a place like circut city be cool with someone takeing there amp in and hooking it up?

Offline dnsacks

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #23 on: July 15, 2005, 03:15:16 PM »
maybe -- however, Circuit City/Best Buy/etc. are not going to have the quality brands that we are suggesting.  Further, Circuit City is not going to have an environment in which you can listen to the nuiances of the speakers you should be considering.

Where are you located?  I suspect folks on this forum could suggest "good" retailers in your area to check out. 

Offline run_run_run

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #24 on: July 15, 2005, 03:17:39 PM »
Central Maine. Very close to Waterville and Augusta. Making a trip to Portland next week.

Offline Nick's Picks

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #25 on: July 15, 2005, 03:31:32 PM »
ahhh...
:)
for south portland/scarboro
- New England HI-FI (paradigm, vandersteen, and some other stuff)
- Tweeter (martin logan, sonas faber, vienna acoustics, mirage...others.  B&K componants)

and in Fallmouth is another place called the HiFi exchange.  not sure if they have a storefront any more or just do installations by appointment.  they used to carry Magnepan , and had the MMG, MG12 and 1.6 on hand.  Plus REL subs.

Thats about all.
Circuit city and bestbuy are also right next to these stores....fwiw.
their version of high-end will be polk, infinity, bose. etc

Offline Nick's Picks

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #26 on: July 15, 2005, 03:33:19 PM »
being the fluffer i am..
for $500 i'd find a sony str-da2000es and a pair of those epos speakers.
sell everything else you have and buy a toshiba DVD player.
you'll be very ahead in the game by this point.

Offline Nick's Picks

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #27 on: July 15, 2005, 03:33:58 PM »
did you go see the ABB last week?
:)

Offline Lil Kim Jong-Il

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #28 on: July 15, 2005, 05:43:43 PM »
for $500 i'd find a sony str-da2000es

Waht do those run?  That was my first thought but the ones I found online were more expensive.  Maybe I had the wrong model number.
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Offline Nick's Picks

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #29 on: July 15, 2005, 05:46:26 PM »
i'm sure w/a little patience you could find one in the $300 range, new or used.
i'll poke around...

Offline Nick's Picks

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #30 on: July 15, 2005, 05:49:43 PM »
$380odd new is the cheapest I can find one.
but maybe a used one or refurb...

pricegrabber

Offline run_run_run

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #31 on: July 15, 2005, 06:02:48 PM »
did you go see the ABB last week?

Yes and it was great.

I will check out those stores

Offline Nick's Picks

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #32 on: July 15, 2005, 08:37:31 PM »
I was there too.  tall mic stand in the middle of the floor.
it was a good show.

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #33 on: July 15, 2005, 10:29:06 PM »
another speaker worth checking out is the Epos line.
the EL3 and the M5
both are in your price range..and have recieved excellent reviews all around.
I think the el3 goes for around $250 used.

Epos are related to Tannoy somehow, I think.
Very nice sounding speaks !

Offline Nick's Picks

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Re: < $500 stereo system
« Reply #34 on: July 16, 2005, 07:21:44 AM »
they are british speakers.  i dont know of the tannoy conection, but I do know that those little el3's get high praise everywhere.  Stereophile recomended componant. can't go wrong...and they are so cheap ..even new.
the M5 is supposed to really shine.

 

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