I have a portable DVD player that fits all your criteria, except the RCA
inputs (phono preamp could be connected via RCA-to-1/8"-TRS cable
though). It will play the standard DVDs/CDs, DVD-Rs and CD-Rs with
MP3s, supports DivX, has USB-host (for thumb drives) and SD slots for
playback from flash media, has two headphone outputs, plus switchable
1/8" audio and video line input/outputs (ie. they operate as either in
or out, depending on the switch position), and even S-video and
component output with an optional cable. The 10" widescreen LCD swivels
around backward and can fold flat as well.
Add a set of decent powered computer speakers and you've got everything
covered.
In fact, this is the very unit he
http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...&sku=M222-2022
I got mine second-hand (a never-used gift) for $100, it's been seeing a
lot of duty as a 'tweaking' monitor for my day job as a CCTV tech.
Mad Scientist Jr wrote:
I'm looking for a compact stereo system in the $200-$300 range that
has these features
* is compact (14" deep x 16" wide or smaller)
* sounds good
* can play mp3 files off a USB thumb drive
* can accept input from an MP3 player or PDA (via headphone out)
* has RCA audio inputs to plug in an external device, in my case a
turntable (via phono preamp)
One option I'm looking at is Philips HTS6500/37 DVD Home Theater
System:
http://www.consumer.philips.com/cons...37_US_CONSUMER
I would mainly use this to play music, and the room it would go in
does not have a TV (or room for one). However I think it may need a TV
connected in order to see the on-screen menus.
In that case we would need a small flat panel TV. It doesn't have to
be fancy, just have these features:
* video in (s-video, composite, etc.) to plug the stereo into
* a screen large/sharp enough to display the menu text legibly (is 7"
big enough?)
* be small/thin enough to hide away when not in use
* as inexpensive as possible without buying a total piece of junk (ie
something that won't die in 6 months)
However, there is also this option:
Mvix Multimedia Player - LCD Screen, MV-5000R
http://www.mvixusa.com/product.php?product=mv5000r
which has its own screen. In which case all I would need would be a
compact receiver with enough inputs (though the thumb drive input
above would still be nice to have).
I'm not sure what would be the best way to go - has anyone put
together a system for a similar purpose or have any suggestions?
Much appreciated....