| Author |
Message |
Jeremys4runner
Guest
|
 Posted:
Wed May 18, 2005 4:43 am Post subject:
Best home audio for the money.... |
|
|
Lets say you have $1000 and you are trying to put together a decent home
audio system. You can purchase the entire set up in a box, mix and match
speakers and receiver, or build the cabinets and use individual speakers
and do your own wiring. You have the ability to shop online or through
retail establishments. What would you do???? What's the best sound for
the money????? Sure the more money.. the better sound, but how do you
create an audiophile home audio system, 6.1 or better, and still stay
within a budget? I want to hear your opinions on the matter, so SPEAK
UP!!!!
--
Jeremys4runner
|
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Guest
|
| Posted:
Thu May 19, 2005 4:43 am Post subject:
Re: Best home audio for the money.... |
|
|
Jeremys4runner wrote:
| Quote: | Lets say you have $1000 and you are trying to put together a decent
home
audio system. You can purchase the entire set up in a box, mix and
match
speakers and receiver, or build the cabinets and use individual
speakers
and do your own wiring. You have the ability to shop online or
through
retail establishments. What would you do???? What's the best sound
for
the money????? Sure the more money.. the better sound, but how do you
create an audiophile home audio system, 6.1 or better, and still stay
within a budget?
|
You don't. What you do is to start with something less ambitious, and
then expand/upgrade as finances permit. So think in terms of a 2.1
system, with more channels added later. The idea is to buy a good basic
receiver and player that'll let you concentrate future spending on more
and better speakers. Some guidelines:
RECEIVER: Lots to choose from in the $300-400 range. Find one with
enough features to keep you happy for a good long while, so that the
next few rounds of spending can go into speakers.
DVD PLAYER: Cheap out. They may not all sound the same, but they're
damned close. Panasonic wins the CU reliability sweepstakes, so that's
the brand I'd go with. A basic one is $80. You could spring for a
universal, which plays SACD and DVD-A, but there's so little software
you may not feel the need.
SPEAKERS: With $500-600 to spend here, you're looking at something on
the order of a pair of Paradigm Atoms or Titans and one of their
smaller subs. When you can afford more speakers, you can get better
ones and move the little guys to the rear. At some point, you'll want
to replace the sub with something bigger. But other than that, you're
buying keepers. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Guest
|
| Posted:
Thu May 19, 2005 4:43 am Post subject:
Re: Best home audio for the money.... |
|
|
"Jeremys4runner" <Jeremys4runner.1p5mpn@audiobanter.com> wrote in message
news:d6e3t502i09@news2.newsguy.com...
| Quote: | Lets say you have $1000 and you are trying to put together a decent home
audio system. You can purchase the entire set up in a box, mix and match
speakers and receiver, or build the cabinets and use individual speakers
and do your own wiring. You have the ability to shop online or through
retail establishments. What would you do???? What's the best sound for
the money????? Sure the more money.. the better sound, but how do you
create an audiophile home audio system, 6.1 or better, and still stay
within a budget? I want to hear your opinions on the matter, so SPEAK
UP!!!!
|
I had to do something very similar, except it was many years ago, it was a
stereo system, and the price limit was $800. But for that $800 the system
had to be able to play AM/FM radio and anything in my collection of
software, including LP's, CD's and cassette tapes that used any of several
noise reduction schemes. I could also add $300 every year thereafter. It
was possible to do this--and do it very well--by careful shopping and a bit
of luck finding used equipment.
In your case you need 6.1 channels, so your solution will be entirely
different and more nearly like a home theater system. If you would list for
us what your system has to do and what software it has to play, I'm sure we
can give you excellent sound and stay within your budget.
Norm Strong |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Rui Pedro Mendes Salgueir
Guest
|
| Posted:
Thu May 19, 2005 4:43 am Post subject:
Re: Best home audio for the money.... |
|
|
Jeremys4runner <Jeremys4runner.1p5mpn@audiobanter.com> wrote:
| Quote: | Lets say you have $1000 and you are trying to put together a decent home
audio system. You can purchase the entire set up in a box,
|
Those usually have somewhat weak speakers.
| Quote: | mix and match speakers and receiver,
|
Receiver: something like a Pioneer VSX-515-K
$175.00 at http://www.aadeals.com/detail.asp?itemid=5935
There are, of course, many receivers with similar characteristics.
I am mentioning the Pioneer because it is quite cheap
Subwoofer: Yamaha SW-315
$183.94 at http://www.simplycheap.com/yamasw-315.html
There are also a lot of subwoofers. I mention this one, because it
is the one I have, and it also inexpensive.
In speakers there are many options (B&W, Wharfedale, etc.) but to
fit a $1000 budget, it gets a bit difficult. I searched for Infinity:
One center speaker: Infinity BETA C250 2-Way $139.00 at:
http://www.fotoconnection.com/vi-13685________Infinity-BETA-C250-.html
so far: $175.00 + $183.94 + $139.00 = $497.94
3 pairs of bookshelf speakers: Infinity BETA 20 2-Way
3 * $235.00 = $705 at:
http://www.fotoconnection.com/vi-13683________Infinity-BETA-20-.html
$497.94 + $705 = $1202.94
So, it is a bit above your budget. Replacing the Beta 20s by Beta 10s
http://www.fotoconnection.com/vi-13657________Infinity-BETA-10-.html
3 * $199.00 = $597 . $497.94 + $597 = 1094.94
Still a bit over $1000. You might have to go to Infinity Primus:
Infinity Primus 160 2-Way 6-1/2" Bookshelf Loudspeaker (Pair) $145.99
http://www.fotoconnection.com/vi-13834________Infinity-Primus-160-.html
Infinity Primus C25 2-Way Dual 5-1/4" Center Channel Loudspeaker $99.99
http://www.fotoconnection.com/vi-13837________Infinity-Primus-C25-.html
$175.00 + $183.94 + $99.99 + 3 * $145.99 = $896.9
--
http://www.mat.uc.pt/~rps/
..pt is Portugal| `Whom the gods love die young'-Menander (342-292 BC)
Europe | Villeneuve 50-82, Toivonen 56-86, Senna 60-94 |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Russ Button
Guest
|
| Posted:
Thu May 19, 2005 4:43 am Post subject:
Re: Best home audio for the money.... |
|
|
Jeremys4runner wrote:
| Quote: | Lets say you have $1000 and you are trying to put together a decent home
audio system.
|
Your budget figure is pretty important. With careful spending, you can
do a lot more with even $1400 than $1000, but if $1000 is what you want
to do, then here's my own suggestion.
If you are willing to forego FM (which isn't a bad idea in this day and
age of Internet Radio), you might consider a classic integrated amp.
I saw a Fisher X100 today for $250 on Craigslist at:
http://www.craigslist.org/eby/ele/72733265.html
CD players can be had for very cheap. $100 or less.
With a $1000 limit, I'd recommend staying out of vinyl just because
any turntable you'd really want would cost you a good $300 to start.
Since you say you can build your own loudspeakers, that's precisely
what you should do. Take the balance of your money and go to
Madisound at:
http://www.madisound.com/
Russ |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Chung
Guest
|
| Posted:
Thu May 19, 2005 4:43 am Post subject:
Re: Best home audio for the money.... |
|
|
Jeremys4runner wrote:
| Quote: | Lets say you have $1000 and you are trying to put together a decent home
audio system. You can purchase the entire set up in a box, mix and match
speakers and receiver, or build the cabinets and use individual speakers
and do your own wiring. You have the ability to shop online or through
retail establishments. What would you do???? What's the best sound for
the money????? Sure the more money.. the better sound, but how do you
create an audiophile home audio system, 6.1 or better, and still stay
within a budget? I want to hear your opinions on the matter, so SPEAK
UP!!!!
|
My recommendation is to buy an inexpensive receiver ($250 or less), a
DVD player ($80 or less) and spend $670 on speakers. You are not going
to get very accurate speakers for that little money, but at least you
are spending your money where it made the most difference. Oh, get 14-ga
speaker cables from Home Depot. The interconnect cables that come with
the DVD player will be just fine.
You probably would get best prices for the DVD player and the receiver
online. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Joseph Oberlander
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri May 20, 2005 4:42 am Post subject:
Re: Best home audio for the money.... |
|
|
Chung wrote:
| Quote: | Jeremys4runner wrote:
Lets say you have $1000 and you are trying to put together a decent home
audio system. You can purchase the entire set up in a box, mix and match
speakers and receiver, or build the cabinets and use individual speakers
and do your own wiring.
|
Building your own speakers would probably be the most cost-effective
at this price-range. Several companies well plans and/or kits. Not
DIY kits, but real plans or kits of their existing line(s), just without
the cabinet. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Andrew Haley
Guest
|
| Posted:
Fri May 20, 2005 4:42 am Post subject:
Re: Best home audio for the money.... |
|
|
Jeremys4runner writes:
| Quote: | Lets say you have $1000 and you are trying to put together a decent home
audio system. You can purchase the entire set up in a box, mix and match
speakers and receiver, or build the cabinets and use individual speakers
and do your own wiring. You have the ability to shop online or through
retail establishments. What would you do???? What's the best sound for
the money????? Sure the more money.. the better sound, but how do you
create an audiophile home audio system,
|
OK, this is a tight budget, but I know what I'd do.
A pair of powered mini-monitors can be had new for about $700, and a
decent CD player with a volume control can be had for say $200. I
would spend the rest of the money on speaker stands.
| Quote: | 6.1 or better, and still stay within a budget? I want to hear your
opinions on the matter, so SPEAK UP!!!!
|
6.1 ? For $1000 ? I have no idea.
Andrew. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Bojack
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Jul 03, 2005 1:57 am Post subject:
Re: Best home audio for the money.... |
|
|
Jeremys4runner Wrote:
| Quote: | Lets say you have $1000 and you are trying to put together a decent
home
audio system. You can purchase the entire set up in a box, mix and
match
speakers and receiver, or build the cabinets and use individual
speakers
and do your own wiring. You have the ability to shop online or
through
retail establishments. What would you do???? What's the best sound for
the money????? Sure the more money.. the better sound, but how do you
create an audiophile home audio system, 6.1 or better, and still stay
within a budget? I want to hear your opinions on the matter, so SPEAK
UP!!!!
--
Jeremys4runner
|
The prevailing wisdom when on a tight budget is to spend the majority
of it on speakers and then look at your electronics. For speakers, I
would look at brands like Paradigm, B&W, KEF, Axiom, PSB, and the
likes. On the electronics end, one word: NAD. And go generic w/cabling:
12 or 16 gauge speaker and generic interconnects.
--
Bojack |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Guest
|
| Posted:
Wed Nov 09, 2005 5:42 am Post subject:
Re: Best home audio for the money.... |
|
|
"Bojack" <Bojack.1rk7dq@audiobanter.com> wrote in message
news:da6v43012v@news1.newsguy.com...
| Quote: | Jeremys4runner Wrote:
Lets say you have $1000 and you are trying to put together a decent
home
audio system. You can purchase the entire set up in a box, mix and
match
speakers and receiver, or build the cabinets and use individual
speakers
and do your own wiring. You have the ability to shop online or
through
retail establishments. What would you do???? What's the best sound for
the money????? Sure the more money.. the better sound, but how do you
create an audiophile home audio system, 6.1 or better, and still stay
within a budget? I want to hear your opinions on the matter, so SPEAK
UP!!!!
--
Jeremys4runner
The prevailing wisdom when on a tight budget is to spend the majority
of it on speakers and then look at your electronics. For speakers, I
would look at brands like Paradigm, B&W, KEF, Axiom, PSB, and the
likes. On the electronics end, one word: NAD. And go generic w/cabling:
12 or 16 gauge speaker and generic interconnects.
--
Bojack
|
May I respectfully disagree on the issue of power amps. While NAD is a fine
product, I thik the steal of the century at present is the Behringer A500
Reference Power Amp.
160wpc @8 ohms, less than $200.00 bridgeable to 500 watts at 8 ohms.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHA500
Whatever preamp you pick to go with this amp will be fine. This is well
built amp with great performance that absolutely deserves consideration for
any system. No fan, just plenty of power at an astoundingly low price. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
west
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sat Nov 12, 2005 5:42 am Post subject:
Re: Best home audio for the money.... |
|
|
<nyob123@peoplepc.com> wrote in message
news:dkrprs01enj@news3.newsguy.com...
| Quote: | "Bojack" <Bojack.1rk7dq@audiobanter.com> wrote in message
news:da6v43012v@news1.newsguy.com...
Jeremys4runner Wrote:
Lets say you have $1000 and you are trying to put together a decent
home
audio system. You can purchase the entire set up in a box, mix and
match
speakers and receiver, or build the cabinets and use individual
speakers
and do your own wiring. You have the ability to shop online or
through
retail establishments. What would you do???? What's the best sound for
the money????? Sure the more money.. the better sound, but how do you
create an audiophile home audio system, 6.1 or better, and still stay
within a budget? I want to hear your opinions on the matter, so SPEAK
UP!!!!
--
Jeremys4runner
The prevailing wisdom when on a tight budget is to spend the majority
of it on speakers and then look at your electronics. For speakers, I
would look at brands like Paradigm, B&W, KEF, Axiom, PSB, and the
likes. On the electronics end, one word: NAD. And go generic w/cabling:
12 or 16 gauge speaker and generic interconnects.
--
Bojack
May I respectfully disagree on the issue of power amps. While NAD is a
fine
product, I thik the steal of the century at present is the Behringer A500
Reference Power Amp.
160wpc @8 ohms, less than $200.00 bridgeable to 500 watts at 8 ohms.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHA500
Whatever preamp you pick to go with this amp will be fine. This is well
built amp with great performance that absolutely deserves consideration
for
any system. No fan, just plenty of power at an astoundingly low price.
I checked out the link you provide. The only specs they published were the |
watts/channel. How can someone purchase an amplifier with no track record
and no specs?
Cordially,
west |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
bob
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sat Nov 12, 2005 5:42 am Post subject:
Re: Best home audio for the money.... |
|
|
west wrote:
| Quote: | I checked out the link you provide. The only specs they published were the
watts/channel. How can someone purchase an amplifier with no track record
and no specs?
|
See page 9 of the manual, downloadable here:
http://www.behringer.com/A500/index.cfm?lang=ENG
It took me all of 20 seconds to find this. Make an effort next time. As
for track record, they've been in business for 16 years. Where have you
been?
bob |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
Tom Alaerts
Guest
|
| Posted:
Sun Nov 13, 2005 5:42 am Post subject:
Re: Best home audio for the money.... |
|
|
For speakers, I would urge you to consider 2 very different approaches:
1. spend at least half your $1000 on speakers. In that price range, you
really owe it to yourself to listen to the following two speakers: the
small but very nice Quad 11L and the true bargain Magnepan MMG (
http://www.magnepan.com/_mmg.php )
or
2. Indeed as you suggest, build'em yourself. And if you're going downt
that path, why not opt for the hard-core solution using a good, single,
full-range speakers per channel in a horn enclosure. I was thinking of
the highly regarded Fostex FE206E speaker (approx $95/unit) in the
factory recommended horn enclosure (see
http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs/speaker_comp/pdf/recom_enclose/206e_enclrev.pdf
for the plans). Indeed you would need to spend a bit of time glueing
this together but it wouldn't cost more and it would be very different
from bland standard budget-friendly hifi...
For the amp, that's not a simple question. I would probably search for
end-of-production bargains from decent brands, eg NAD, Harman Kardon.
Or if you know someone who needs to go to hong kong for business, try
to get him to bring back the Melody SP3 (
http://www.ks-hifi.com/artical/artical040/artical040.htm for pictures)
which is a very nice tube amp that costs approx 550 EUR in HK I am told
(and it would probably marry well with a full range horn speaker DIY
project). Regarding the Behringer amp recommendation: well on paper it
does seem impressive but does it sound nice? First check. Deserved or
not, it is a fact that many professional sound engineers look down on
Behringer, they consider most of Behringer's products rather as
entry-level hobbyist home musician gear. Whatever, I would be tempted
as well, and I have been tempted by their DCX 2496 Digital EQ since a
long time.
My last tip will probably get me flamed here: if you're on a budget I
think that Samsung DVD players actually do sound ok. And it is
practical that they can play mp3. I have an old Harman CD player, one
of the early 1-bit models and it is in my Quad&Beyma system not
significantly better than the Samsung DVD player.
I hope this is useful.
Tom
| Quote: | "Bojack" <Bojack.1rk7dq@audiobanter.com> wrote in message
news:da6v43012v@news1.newsguy.com...
Jeremys4runner Wrote:
Lets say you have $1000 and you are trying to put together a decent
home
audio system. You can purchase the entire set up in a box, mix and
match
speakers and receiver, or build the cabinets and use individual
speakers
and do your own wiring. You have the ability to shop online or
through
retail establishments. What would you do???? What's the best sound for
the money????? Sure the more money.. the better sound, but how do you
create an audiophile home audio system, 6.1 or better, and still stay
within a budget? I want to hear your opinions on the matter, so SPEAK
UP!!!!
--
Jeremys4runner
The prevailing wisdom when on a tight budget is to spend the majority
of it on speakers and then look at your electronics. For speakers, I
would look at brands like Paradigm, B&W, KEF, Axiom, PSB, and the
likes. On the electronics end, one word: NAD. And go generic w/cabling:
12 or 16 gauge speaker and generic interconnects.
--
Bojack
May I respectfully disagree on the issue of power amps. While NAD is a
fine product, I thik the steal of the century at present is the
Behringer A500 Reference Power Amp.
160wpc @8 ohms, less than $200.00 bridgeable to 500 watts at 8 ohms.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHA500
Whatever preamp you pick to go with this amp will be fine. This is
well built amp with great performance that absolutely deserves
consideration for any system. No fan, just plenty of power at an
astoundingly low price. |
|
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
Memberlist
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in