In article zBK5b.264403$cF.82971@rwcrnsc53,
Michael Gerbasio wrote:
Hi,
I'm not nearly educated in audio equipment and spent a lot of time reading
on the net only to be even more confused. My interest is in listening to
music, not home theater, but I'd like to try the SACD and DVD-A as more
music is released. Should I stick with stereo or look at multi-channel?

My definition of decent begins encompasing a good proportion of equipment
once speakers with bass extension hit a street price arround $1.5-$2K a pair
(maybe $750-$1K for monitors and $1K for a sub-woofer), stereo amps at
$600-$1000 depending on size, and CD players arround $500. Obviously,
there are a few bad expensive pieces and good inexpensive ones.

If you share the same minimums and don't resort to used equipment (which
usually looses at least half its value), direct sales with lower markups
(there are companies which do all their sales via the Internet like
Norh and SV Subwoofers), or DIY (you can buy the plans to some top-notch
speakers and trade sweat equity for dollars), or DIY you can't fit
multi-channel into your budget without compromising on quality.

IMNSHO, the enjoyment from two decent channels clobber what you get from
six or eight poor ones even on movies. One friend tried to use the analogy
that he'd prefer a six pack over two beers; although given a choice between
six Keystone Lights and 0-2 Sammy Smiths I'd choose the later.

Generally, I purchase what you guys would probably call low end equipment
from an electronics store. I'd like to update my system but don't know if
spending $3k is going to get me any better sound than spending $1.5k at
Circuit City.

Assuming the bulk of the difference is spent on speakers, it should be
substantially better. Excessive allocation of funds to wires, amplification,
and source will greatly reduce the gains you get.

Any suggestions on where to begin, maybe a good site or magazine
recommendation?

Determine what your tastes in speakers are (warm/neutral; more or less
bass extension (this will interact less with a small room); direct radiating/
dipole/bipole), audition those that fit that description, and buy something
that makes the trade-offs you like.

Base your amplifier selection on the speakers - you'll need a beefier
amp to handle lower impedances and efficiencies.

Then find a source that sounds good + images well through that combination,
with variable outputs if you did not opt for an integrated amp.
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