Need recommendations on a small system to go with a pair of MMGs

[Joseph Oberlander]

Yes, I actually need advice. My sister got married and wants
one of those Bose ipod dock monstrosities. So, I figured
a pair of MMG-W at $300 would fit the bill - I just would
need a very small 4ohm capable amplifier, though with
a radio would be better.

I'm talking peanut butter sandwich sized here - like
a tiny tube amp in size - something that is small
and good looking but definately kitchen counter
sized(ie - clock radio or simmilar).

I doubt if they need more than 30-40wpc. They have
the FM transmitter for the IPod already, so a small
amp/brick in the corner to run the Magnepans would
be slick.

Unfortunately I'm drawing a big blank on micro-sized
components. Oh - $300 tops, preferably $200. A
small Joilda hybrid came to mind, but I was wondering
if there was something smaller and/or with a radio in it.

[[email protected]]

Joseph Oberlander wrote:
> Yes, I actually need advice. My sister got married and wants
> one of those Bose ipod dock monstrosities. So, I figured
> a pair of MMG-W at $300 would fit the bill - I just would
> need a very small 4ohm capable amplifier, though with
> a radio would be better.
>
> I'm talking peanut butter sandwich sized here - like
> a tiny tube amp in size - something that is small
> and good looking but definately kitchen counter
> sized(ie - clock radio or simmilar).
>
> I doubt if they need more than 30-40wpc. They have
> the FM transmitter for the IPod already, so a small
> amp/brick in the corner to run the Magnepans would
> be slick.
>
> Unfortunately I'm drawing a big blank on micro-sized
> components. Oh - $300 tops, preferably $200. A
> small Joilda hybrid came to mind, but I was wondering
> if there was something smaller and/or with a radio in it.

http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1116391702
http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1115827769

Scott Wheeler

[Bruce C. Miller]

Joseph Oberlander wrote:
> Yes, I actually need advice. My sister got married and wants
> one of those Bose ipod dock monstrosities. So, I figured
> a pair of MMG-W at $300 would fit the bill - I just would
> need a very small 4ohm capable amplifier, though with
> a radio would be better.
>
> I'm talking peanut butter sandwich sized here - like
> a tiny tube amp in size - something that is small
> and good looking but definately kitchen counter
> sized(ie - clock radio or simmilar).

You might want to consider Parasound's Z-series components.

[Margaret von B.]

I really don't like you but I'm gonna help you anyway. The Job.

It'll cost more than $300 but you cannot have it all, can you?

Cheers,

Margaret

"Joseph Oberlander" > wrote in message
ink.net...
> Yes, I actually need advice. My sister got married and wants
> one of those Bose ipod dock monstrosities. So, I figured
> a pair of MMG-W at $300 would fit the bill - I just would
> need a very small 4ohm capable amplifier, though with
> a radio would be better.
>
> I'm talking peanut butter sandwich sized here - like
> a tiny tube amp in size - something that is small
> and good looking but definately kitchen counter
> sized(ie - clock radio or simmilar).
>
> I doubt if they need more than 30-40wpc. They have
> the FM transmitter for the IPod already, so a small
> amp/brick in the corner to run the Magnepans would
> be slick.
>
> Unfortunately I'm drawing a big blank on micro-sized
> components. Oh - $300 tops, preferably $200. A
> small Joilda hybrid came to mind, but I was wondering
> if there was something smaller and/or with a radio in it.
>

[Joseph Oberlander]

wrote:

> Joseph Oberlander wrote:
>
>>Yes, I actually need advice. My sister got married and wants
>>one of those Bose ipod dock monstrosities. So, I figured
>>a pair of MMG-W at $300 would fit the bill - I just would
>>need a very small 4ohm capable amplifier, though with
>>a radio would be better.
>>
>>I'm talking peanut butter sandwich sized here - like
>>a tiny tube amp in size - something that is small
>>and good looking but definately kitchen counter
>>sized(ie - clock radio or simmilar).
>>
>>I doubt if they need more than 30-40wpc. They have
>>the FM transmitter for the IPod already, so a small
>>amp/brick in the corner to run the Magnepans would
>>be slick.
>>
>>Unfortunately I'm drawing a big blank on micro-sized
>>components. Oh - $300 tops, preferably $200. A
>>small Joilda hybrid came to mind, but I was wondering
>>if there was something smaller and/or with a radio in it.
>
>
> http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1116391702
> http://cls.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?intatran&1115827769
>
> Scott Wheeler

I also looked at the Parasound - it was nice, but pricey
by the time you added in the preamp and tuner. A half-width
mini receiver would be ideal, but I don't know of any that
can drive a pair of 4 ohm speakers.

As for "spend more", the budget is $500 tops including
the speakers(before tax, of course) as otherwise it's going
to make her feel guilty that I spent $1000 or so on her.
She's expecting maybe a $200-$300 gift from me, and said
she liked the IPod dock. It just - it's BOSE and sounds
dreadful for the price.

I saw the Altec Lansing IPod set, but it... it's a toy.

Apple's Ipod FM transmitter is only $40 and docks in
seamlessly, so the receiver idea seemed to be the best
way to go. I suppose I could get a NAD minisystem,
but I love the little MMGs and even wall mounted, they
would be great for background music. For $300, they
certainly would kick the Bose or any flat panel system
out the door and 100 ft down the street. Even a pair
of nice NoRh or simmilar speakers and a tiny receiver
would be infinately better.

[Arny Krueger]

"Joseph Oberlander" > wrote in message
ink.net

> Yes, I actually need advice. My sister got married and wants
> one of those Bose ipod dock monstrosities. So, I figured
> a pair of MMG-W at $300 would fit the bill - I just would
> need a very small 4ohm capable amplifier, though with
> a radio would be better.

> I'm talking peanut butter sandwich sized here - like
> a tiny tube amp in size - something that is small
> and good looking but definately kitchen counter
> sized(ie - clock radio or simmilar).
>
> I doubt if they need more than 30-40wpc. They have
> the FM transmitter for the IPod already, so a small
> amp/brick in the corner to run the Magnepans would
> be slick.

> Unfortunately I'm drawing a big blank on micro-sized
> components. Oh - $300 tops, preferably $200. A
> small Joilda hybrid came to mind, but I was wondering
> if there was something smaller and/or with a radio in it.

If I wanted a pair of small ca. $300 powered speakers to connect a
portable digital player to, my first shot would probably be a pair of
the following: http://www.behringer.com/B2031A/index.cfm?lang=ENG

Compared to just about anything else at anywhere the price, these are
totally speakers on steroids. Sound good, too.

[Margaret von B.]

"Arny Krueger" > wrote in message
...
> "Joseph Oberlander" > wrote in message
> ink.net
>
>> Yes, I actually need advice. My sister got married and wants
>> one of those Bose ipod dock monstrosities. So, I figured
>> a pair of MMG-W at $300 would fit the bill - I just would
>> need a very small 4ohm capable amplifier, though with
>> a radio would be better.
>
>> I'm talking peanut butter sandwich sized here - like
>> a tiny tube amp in size - something that is small
>> and good looking but definately kitchen counter
>> sized(ie - clock radio or simmilar).
>>
>> I doubt if they need more than 30-40wpc. They have
>> the FM transmitter for the IPod already, so a small
>> amp/brick in the corner to run the Magnepans would
>> be slick.
>
>> Unfortunately I'm drawing a big blank on micro-sized
>> components. Oh - $300 tops, preferably $200. A
>> small Joilda hybrid came to mind, but I was wondering
>> if there was something smaller and/or with a radio in it.
>
> If I wanted a pair of small ca. $300 powered speakers to connect a
> portable digital player to, my first shot would probably be a pair of
> the following: http://www.behringer.com/B2031A/index.cfm?lang=ENG
>
> Compared to just about anything else at anywhere the price, these are
> totally speakers on steroids. Sound good, too.
>
>

Looks like a direct Genelec 1031A ripoff all the way to the model number.
But then again Behringer is the Howard of pro audio. :-)
Undoubtedly a great deal for consumers but I would not hesitate for a second
to copy and freely distribute music that comes from studios using Behringer
gear. What goes around....

Having just visited the factory I know that many in Iisalmi wish that
Behringer and its employees would be the next tsunami victims. Cannot blame
them either.

Cheers,

MvB

[Arny Krueger]

"Margaret von B." > wrote in
message

> "Arny Krueger" > wrote in message
> ...
>> "Joseph Oberlander" > wrote in
message
>> ink.net
>>
>>> Yes, I actually need advice. My sister got married and wants
>>> one of those Bose ipod dock monstrosities. So, I figured
>>> a pair of MMG-W at $300 would fit the bill - I just would
>>> need a very small 4ohm capable amplifier, though with
>>> a radio would be better.
>>
>>> I'm talking peanut butter sandwich sized here - like
>>> a tiny tube amp in size - something that is small
>>> and good looking but definately kitchen counter
>>> sized(ie - clock radio or simmilar).
>>>
>>> I doubt if they need more than 30-40wpc. They have
>>> the FM transmitter for the IPod already, so a small
>>> amp/brick in the corner to run the Magnepans would
>>> be slick.
>>
>>> Unfortunately I'm drawing a big blank on micro-sized
>>> components. Oh - $300 tops, preferably $200. A
>>> small Joilda hybrid came to mind, but I was wondering
>>> if there was something smaller and/or with a radio in it.
>>
>> If I wanted a pair of small ca. $300 powered speakers to connect a
>> portable digital player to, my first shot would probably be a pair
of
>> the following: http://www.behringer.com/B2031A/index.cfm?lang=ENG
>>
>> Compared to just about anything else at anywhere the price, these
>> are totally speakers on steroids. Sound good, too.

> Looks like a direct Genelec 1031A ripoff all the way to the model
> number.

I think that doing that is Behringer company policy. ;-)

> But then again Behringer is the Howard of pro audio. :-)

Both do have some original product out there...

> Undoubtedly a great deal for consumers but I would not hesitate for
a
> second to copy and freely distribute music that comes from studios
> using Behringer gear. What goes around....

But distributing the cloned music is illegal while Behringer's cloned
audio gear generally (but not always) passes legal tests.

> Having just visited the factory I know that many in Iisalmi wish
that
> Behringer and its employees would be the next tsunami victims.
Cannot
> blame them either.

You mean the Genelec factory? The connection is getting a bit weak
this many paragraphs down.

[Joseph Oberlander]

> If I wanted a pair of small ca. $300 powered speakers to connect a
> portable digital player to, my first shot would probably be a pair of
> the following: http://www.behringer.com/B2031A/index.cfm?lang=ENG
>
> Compared to just about anything else at anywhere the price, these are
> totally speakers on steroids. Sound good, too.

I've heard these and for the price, they are adequate. Unfortunately,
she wants something with literally zero visual impact, so flat
panel plus a woofer in a box or the baby Maggies or simmilar is
a must. She's renting now, or else I'd just get out there and
do a custom install with in-walls.

But few tiny receivers that can handle 4 ohms exist. Many
don't even list *if* they can do it at all. Otherwise, I'd
just get a Denon or simmilar minisystem without the speakers
and be finished.

[Margaret von B.]

"Arny Krueger" > wrote in message
...
> "Margaret von B." > wrote in
> message
>
>> "Arny Krueger" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> "Joseph Oberlander" > wrote in
> message
>>> ink.net
>>>
>>>> Yes, I actually need advice. My sister got married and wants
>>>> one of those Bose ipod dock monstrosities. So, I figured
>>>> a pair of MMG-W at $300 would fit the bill - I just would
>>>> need a very small 4ohm capable amplifier, though with
>>>> a radio would be better.
>>>
>>>> I'm talking peanut butter sandwich sized here - like
>>>> a tiny tube amp in size - something that is small
>>>> and good looking but definately kitchen counter
>>>> sized(ie - clock radio or simmilar).
>>>>
>>>> I doubt if they need more than 30-40wpc. They have
>>>> the FM transmitter for the IPod already, so a small
>>>> amp/brick in the corner to run the Magnepans would
>>>> be slick.
>>>
>>>> Unfortunately I'm drawing a big blank on micro-sized
>>>> components. Oh - $300 tops, preferably $200. A
>>>> small Joilda hybrid came to mind, but I was wondering
>>>> if there was something smaller and/or with a radio in it.
>>>
>>> If I wanted a pair of small ca. $300 powered speakers to connect a
>>> portable digital player to, my first shot would probably be a pair
> of
>>> the following: http://www.behringer.com/B2031A/index.cfm?lang=ENG
>>>
>>> Compared to just about anything else at anywhere the price, these
>>> are totally speakers on steroids. Sound good, too.
>
>> Looks like a direct Genelec 1031A ripoff all the way to the model
>> number.
>
> I think that doing that is Behringer company policy. ;-)
>
>> But then again Behringer is the Howard of pro audio. :-)
>
> Both do have some original product out there...
>
>> Undoubtedly a great deal for consumers but I would not hesitate for
> a
>> second to copy and freely distribute music that comes from studios
>> using Behringer gear. What goes around....
>
> But distributing the cloned music is illegal while Behringer's cloned
> audio gear generally (but not always) passes legal tests.
>
>> Having just visited the factory I know that many in Iisalmi wish
> that
>> Behringer and its employees would be the next tsunami victims.
> Cannot
>> blame them either.
>
> You mean the Genelec factory? The connection is getting a bit weak
> this many paragraphs down.
>

Yes. My bad.

Cheers,

MvB

[Margaret von B.]

"Joseph Oberlander" > wrote in message
ink.net...
>
>> If I wanted a pair of small ca. $300 powered speakers to connect a
>> portable digital player to, my first shot would probably be a pair of
>> the following: http://www.behringer.com/B2031A/index.cfm?lang=ENG
>>
>> Compared to just about anything else at anywhere the price, these are
>> totally speakers on steroids. Sound good, too.
>
> I've heard these and for the price, they are adequate.

This clearly calls for a list of speakers that sound better for the price
including amplification.

RAO is waiting, Mr. Know-It-All...


MvB

[MINe 109]

In article et>,
Joseph Oberlander > wrote:

> > If I wanted a pair of small ca. $300 powered speakers to connect a
> > portable digital player to, my first shot would probably be a pair of
> > the following: http://www.behringer.com/B2031A/index.cfm?lang=ENG
> >
> > Compared to just about anything else at anywhere the price, these are
> > totally speakers on steroids. Sound good, too.
>
> I've heard these and for the price, they are adequate. Unfortunately,
> she wants something with literally zero visual impact, so flat
> panel plus a woofer in a box or the baby Maggies or simmilar is
> a must. She's renting now, or else I'd just get out there and
> do a custom install with in-walls.
>
> But few tiny receivers that can handle 4 ohms exist. Many
> don't even list *if* they can do it at all. Otherwise, I'd
> just get a Denon or simmilar minisystem without the speakers
> and be finished.

For the price, this may be worth a look:

http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/sonicimpact/t.html

Available at target.com. I don't know how far 9 watts will get you with
Maggies!

Stephen

[Joseph Oberlander]

Margaret von B. wrote:

> "Joseph Oberlander" > wrote in message
> ink.net...
>
>>>If I wanted a pair of small ca. $300 powered speakers to connect a
>>>portable digital player to, my first shot would probably be a pair of
>>>the following: http://www.behringer.com/B2031A/index.cfm?lang=ENG
>>>
>>>Compared to just about anything else at anywhere the price, these are
>>>totally speakers on steroids. Sound good, too.
>>
>>I've heard these and for the price, they are adequate.
>
>
> This clearly calls for a list of speakers that sound better for the price
> including amplification.
>
> RAO is waiting, Mr. Know-It-All...

You must have a funny definition of "adequate". They sound fine,
but I'd not pay for such cheap sounding speakers myself when
a bit more money gets you much better sound. But, for budget
powered speakers, they are adequate.

Still, they don't do background music like Maggies will. Bass
isn't a factor in her situation, either.

"Joseph Oberlander" > wrote in message
ink.net...
>
> But few tiny receivers that can handle 4 ohms exist. Many
> don't even list *if* they can do it at all. Otherwise, I'd
> just get a Denon or simmilar minisystem without the speakers
> and be finished.

Have you considered a car radio? One of those plus a 12vDC power supply
will drive 4 ohm speakers nicely (since that's the usual impedance of car
speakers.)

Norm Strong

[Joseph Oberlander]

MINe 109 wrote:

> In article et>,
> Joseph Oberlander > wrote:
>
>
>>>If I wanted a pair of small ca. $300 powered speakers to connect a
>>>portable digital player to, my first shot would probably be a pair of
>>>the following: http://www.behringer.com/B2031A/index.cfm?lang=ENG
>>>
>>>Compared to just about anything else at anywhere the price, these are
>>>totally speakers on steroids. Sound good, too.
>>
>>I've heard these and for the price, they are adequate. Unfortunately,
>>she wants something with literally zero visual impact, so flat
>>panel plus a woofer in a box or the baby Maggies or simmilar is
>>a must. She's renting now, or else I'd just get out there and
>>do a custom install with in-walls.
>>
>>But few tiny receivers that can handle 4 ohms exist. Many
>>don't even list *if* they can do it at all. Otherwise, I'd
>>just get a Denon or simmilar minisystem without the speakers
>>and be finished.
>
>
> For the price, this may be worth a look:
>
> http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/sonicimpact/t.html
>
> Available at target.com. I don't know how far 9 watts will get you with
> Maggies!

Heh. Neat little toy. 9 watts*2 plus maggies is exactly 95db.
Perhaps I can just put a stop inside it to make the volume not
turn up past 6 or so so it doesn't clip and fry the speakers.
Lol.

[Joseph Oberlander]

> http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/sonicimpact/t.html
>
> Available at target.com. I don't know how far 9 watts will get you with
> Maggies!

Humm... It just occurred to me that this would be the perfect
preamp/volume control, though. 5wpc is just about right to
feed into a big brick. Taken that way, $39 for a useable
small preamp isn't so bad, actually.

[Joseph Oberlander]

wrote:

> "Joseph Oberlander" > wrote in message
> ink.net...
>
>>But few tiny receivers that can handle 4 ohms exist. Many
>>don't even list *if* they can do it at all. Otherwise, I'd
>>just get a Denon or simmilar minisystem without the speakers
>>and be finished.
>
>
> Have you considered a car radio? One of those plus a 12vDC power supply
> will drive 4 ohm speakers nicely (since that's the usual impedance of car
> speakers.)

I'm getting towards that direction, but it requires a power supply,
a preamp/volume control, and of course, a small tuner. Lots of
clutter.

Perhaps that's a better goal - find me a nice preamp/tuner
combo, as small as possible. I'm sure they exist. The
amp can be almost anything.

[Margaret von B.]

"Joseph Oberlander" > wrote in message
nk.net...
>
>
> Margaret von B. wrote:
>
>> "Joseph Oberlander" > wrote in message
>> ink.net...
>>
>>>>If I wanted a pair of small ca. $300 powered speakers to connect a
>>>>portable digital player to, my first shot would probably be a pair of
>>>>the following: http://www.behringer.com/B2031A/index.cfm?lang=ENG
>>>>
>>>>Compared to just about anything else at anywhere the price, these are
>>>>totally speakers on steroids. Sound good, too.
>>>
>>>I've heard these and for the price, they are adequate.
>>
>>
>> This clearly calls for a list of speakers that sound better for the price
>> including amplification.
>>
>> RAO is waiting, Mr. Know-It-All...
>
> You must have a funny definition of "adequate".

http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?book=Dictionary&va=adequate&x=18&y=20

> They sound fine,

So do they sound "adequate" or do they sound "fine"?

> but I'd not pay for such cheap sounding speakers myself when
> a bit more money gets you much better sound.

Irrelevant. You're the one who had financial restraints. And now you don't?

> But, for budget
> powered speakers, they are adequate.
>

And the list of more than adequate ones with amplification includes?

> Still, they don't do background music like Maggies will.

Not necessarily. The Maggies have to be properly driven to sound good.
Sounds like you're -once again- totally clueless about the subject.

> Bass
> isn't a factor in her situation, either.
>

Apparently neither is logic. You really come across -once again- like a
total phoney who merely admires hi-fi equipment through his IE and pretends
to actually know something about the subject and have experiance with it.

Time to 'fess up Oberlander!


MvB

[Bruce C. Miller]

Joseph Oberlander wrote:
> Yes, I actually need advice. My sister got married and wants
> one of those Bose ipod dock monstrosities. So, I figured
> a pair of MMG-W at $300 would fit the bill - I just would
> need a very small 4ohm capable amplifier, though with
> a radio would be better.
>
> I'm talking peanut butter sandwich sized here - like
> a tiny tube amp in size - something that is small
> and good looking but definately kitchen counter
> sized(ie - clock radio or simmilar).

http://www.amusicdirect.com/products/detail.asp?sku=WSBMFBUNDLE

[Ian S]

"Joseph Oberlander" > wrote in message
ink.net...
> Yes, I actually need advice. My sister got married and wants
> one of those Bose ipod dock monstrosities. So, I figured
> a pair of MMG-W at $300 would fit the bill - I just would
> need a very small 4ohm capable amplifier, though with
> a radio would be better.

You won't want to hear this but you'd be better off getting her the Bose.
After all it's what SHE wants. If you cobble together some clunky if fine
sounding alternative, I doubt she'll appreciate it since in effect, you're
telling her you know what's best for her in this highly technical realm and
she should just let her more knowledgeable brother choose it. After all,
she's actually demonstrated her incompetence by choosing Bose rubbish to
begin with. Yeah she's going to really appreciate your efforts!