I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers). I typically
listen to jazz, some classical music and some pop.

Any recommendations on what I should start looking at? Since I also
have a nice collection of MP3s, if the CD player can play MP3s, that
would be nice but not required.

Thanks in advance!

"Battousai" wrote in message
...

I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers). I
typically
listen to jazz, some classical music and some pop.

Any recommendations on what I should start looking at? Since I also
have a nice collection of MP3s, if the CD player can play MP3s, that
would be nice but not required.

Let's just look at the basics:

It's better and cheaper to buy a receiver than an IA, since the
quality is the same and the price is lower. You can buy an excellent
receiver for $300.

I've seen tons of DVD players that play CDs, as well as CDs encoded
with mp3 or wma, for $100. (Actually, I just bought one for $35 that
does all this.)

Then there's the speakers. A quick survey of speakers tested by
Consumer Reports shows that it's possible to get excellent performance
for as little as $100/pr; certainly no reason to go above $300/pr for
excellent floorstanders.

What does all this mean? It means that you should be able to set up a
fine system for not over $700. So what are you going to do with the
remaining $1800?

Here's a description of a system my brother just set up; it sounds
superb:

Panasonic HE100 receiver: $230
Apex AD-1225 DVD player: $35
KLH 10" subwoofer: $80
6 KLH satellite speakers: $120

Total: $465

What can he do with this system? He can listen to the radio or play
CD, CDR, CDRW, DVD, DVDR and CDR encoded with mp3, wma, jpeg, Kodak
photoCD.

Happy New Year,

Norm Strong

"Battousai" wrote in message
...

I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers). I typically
listen to jazz, some classical music and some pop.

A pair of used but reconditioned Qual ESL 63's can be had for
$1800.

http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.p...lan&1076217716

A used midfi amp like a Yamaha or and Adcom. Lots of
options on Audiogon for $200 - $300 till you have
the money to upgrade.

CD players that do MP3's are very common.
You probably can easily find a DVD-A player with
the 4 to 500 left.

Any recommendations on what I should start looking at? Since I also
have a nice collection of MP3s, if the CD player can play MP3s, that
would be nice but not required.

I'm not saying you're set for life, but I think you will like enjoy
this if you have the space to set the speakers up (not against the
wall), can tolerate a rather small sweetspot, don't want to
absolutely knock the walls down, and dont need earth shattering
bass.

Anyway, this is what I would do. Damn I need a system for
my workout room and this is tempting........

ScottW

I wouldn't buy any of that. Especially not a receiver. Radio: ewww.

I'd go to my local NAD dealer, try the amp and CD player in the BEE line, then
whatever Paradigm or PSB speakers are in your price range. You might find some
B&Ws you like, though I don't care for them personally.


Date: 12/27/2003 1:54 PM Eastern Standard Time
Message-id: BzkHb.151575$8y1.443880@attbi_s52


"Battousai" wrote in message
.. .

I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers). I
typically
listen to jazz, some classical music and some pop.

Any recommendations on what I should start looking at? Since I also
have a nice collection of MP3s, if the CD player can play MP3s, that
would be nice but not required.

Let's just look at the basics:

It's better and cheaper to buy a receiver than an IA, since the
quality is the same and the price is lower. You can buy an excellent
receiver for $300.

I've seen tons of DVD players that play CDs, as well as CDs encoded
with mp3 or wma, for $100. (Actually, I just bought one for $35 that
does all this.)

Then there's the speakers. A quick survey of speakers tested by
Consumer Reports shows that it's possible to get excellent performance
for as little as $100/pr; certainly no reason to go above $300/pr for
excellent floorstanders.

What does all this mean? It means that you should be able to set up a
fine system for not over $700. So what are you going to do with the
remaining $1800?

Here's a description of a system my brother just set up; it sounds
superb:

Panasonic HE100 receiver: $230
Apex AD-1225 DVD player: $35
KLH 10" subwoofer: $80
6 KLH satellite speakers: $120

Total: $465

What can he do with this system? He can listen to the radio or play
CD, CDR, CDRW, DVD, DVDR and CDR encoded with mp3, wma, jpeg, Kodak
photoCD.

Happy New Year,

Norm Strong

I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers). I typically
listen to jazz, some classical music and some pop.

Any recommendations on what I should start looking at? Since I also
have a nice collection of MP3s, if the CD player can play MP3s, that
would be nice but not required.

Thanks in advance!







Listen to the Vandersteen 2Ces and go form there.

Battousai a écrit :
I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers). I typically
listen to jazz, some classical music and some pop.

Any recommendations on what I should start looking at? Since I also
have a nice collection of MP3s, if the CD player can play MP3s, that
would be nice but not required.

Thanks in advance!


Amp + CD = $600 - $700
Speakers = all the rest.

"Lionel" wrote in message
...
Battousai a écrit :
I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers). I typically
listen to jazz, some classical music and some pop.

Any recommendations on what I should start looking at? Since I also
have a nice collection of MP3s, if the CD player can play MP3s, that
would be nice but not required.

Thanks in advance!


Amp + CD = $600 - $700
Speakers = all the rest.

CD=$200
Amp=$800
Speakers all the rest.
Buy used.

Robert Morein a écrit :
"Lionel" wrote in message
...

Battousai a écrit :

I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers). I typically
listen to jazz, some classical music and some pop.

Any recommendations on what I should start looking at? Since I also
have a nice collection of MP3s, if the CD player can play MP3s, that
would be nice but not required.

Thanks in advance!


Amp + CD = $600 - $700
Speakers = all the rest.


CD=$200
Amp=$800
Speakers all the rest.
Buy used.


Bob is right ! ;-)

Chinese DVD for your MP3 costs about $50
Amp + CD = $500 - $600 (Buy used)
Speakers = all the rest (buy new)

Farrell wrote:


I wouldn't buy any of that. Especially not a receiver. Radio: ewww.

I'd go to my local NAD dealer, try the amp and CD player in the BEE line,
then
whatever Paradigm or PSB speakers are in your price range. You might find
some
B&Ws you like, though I don't care for them personally.


Date: 12/27/2003 1:54 PM Eastern Standard Time
Message-id: BzkHb.151575$8y1.443880@attbi_s52


"Battousai" wrote in message
. ..

I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers). I
typically
listen to jazz, some classical music and some pop.

Any recommendations on what I should start looking at? Since I also
have a nice collection of MP3s, if the CD player can play MP3s, that
would be nice but not required.

Let's just look at the basics:

It's better and cheaper to buy a receiver than an IA, since the
quality is the same and the price is lower. You can buy an excellent
receiver for $300.

I've seen tons of DVD players that play CDs, as well as CDs encoded
with mp3 or wma, for $100. (Actually, I just bought one for $35 that
does all this.)

Then there's the speakers. A quick survey of speakers tested by
Consumer Reports shows that it's possible to get excellent performance
for as little as $100/pr; certainly no reason to go above $300/pr for
excellent floorstanders.

What does all this mean? It means that you should be able to set up a
fine system for not over $700. So what are you going to do with the
remaining $1800?

Here's a description of a system my brother just set up; it sounds
superb:

Panasonic HE100 receiver: $230
Apex AD-1225 DVD player: $35
KLH 10" subwoofer: $80
6 KLH satellite speakers: $120

Total: $465

What can he do with this system? He can listen to the radio or play
CD, CDR, CDRW, DVD, DVDR and CDR encoded with mp3, wma, jpeg, Kodak
photoCD.

Happy New Year,

Norm Strong


















Concerning speakers, you should not make a decision withouth at least
auditioning one of the less expensive Magneplanar models. These planar dipoles
have a type of presentation which for many of us sppears to be much more
realistic and "lifelike" than that found with conventional box speakers. While
most of them would be out of your price range perhaps, you can get a pair of
MMG Magnepan speakers for $ 550/pair, direct from the factory, with a moneyback
guiarantee if you don;t like their sound. (Also, they can be traded in within
a year for a better model if you want to upgrade).

You can learn about Magnepan speakers at:

www.magnepan.com

As most here would tell you, the larger part of your budget should be devoted
to the speakers, not the CD player or amplifier.


Good luck.

Good luck.
Bruce J. Richman

Battousai wrote:

I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers). I typically
listen to jazz, some classical music and some pop.

Any recommendations on what I should start looking at? Since I also
have a nice collection of MP3s, if the CD player can play MP3s, that
would be nice but not required.

Speakers:
Magnepan. Nothing else will give you the clarity for the budget.
Add a sub if you feel the need. These will require a 4 ohm amp,
but that's simple for most models today.

CD: Any good DVD player will do 24/96 decoding, surround sound,
and of course movies. $300 should get you an excellent
one. Oh - get a single player - the multi-DVD players are
prone to more mechanical problems.

Figure $1500 for speakers, $300 for a DVD player, and the
rest for the receiver.

Bruce J. Richman wrote:

Concerning speakers, you should not make a decision withouth at least
auditioning one of the less expensive Magneplanar models. These planar dipoles
have a type of presentation which for many of us sppears to be much more
realistic and "lifelike" than that found with conventional box speakers. While
most of them would be out of your price range perhaps, you can get a pair of
MMG Magnepan speakers for $ 550/pair, direct from the factory, with a moneyback
guiarantee if you don;t like their sound. (Also, they can be traded in within
a year for a better model if you want to upgrade).

You can learn about Magnepan speakers at:

www.magnepan.com

As most here would tell you, the larger part of your budget should be devoted
to the speakers, not the CD player or amplifier.

The 1.6s are great, but the 1.2s - you get 95% of the sound. My recommendation
- $900-$1000 for the 1.2s and a good $500 subwoofer.

Oh - these are amazing ambience speakers. Even the little MMGs monted on a
wall, which is the least optimal position, are amazing - the whole house
will fill with music without the typical echoing you get from small speakers.

From: Joseph Oberlander

Battousai wrote:
I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers).


Speakers:
Magnepan.

They will not fit in your bookcase. They need a lot of room. You will spend
your entire listening life putting them in "just-the-right" listening position.

I would listen to a pair Sttaf's by Totem Acoustic
very nice speaker for the music you listen to.
A very good inexpensive cd player would have to be the NAD 541. This would
still leave enough for a good
integrated amp.
http://www.totemacoustic.com

"Battousai" wrote in message
...

I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers). I typically
listen to jazz, some classical music and some pop.

Any recommendations on what I should start looking at? Since I also
have a nice collection of MP3s, if the CD player can play MP3s, that
would be nice but not required.

Thanks in advance!

What does all this mean? It means that you should be able to set up a
fine system for not over $700. So what are you going to do with the
remaining $1800

you could put together a *killer* start to a dvd & cd collection for $1800
if you spent wisely. If you bought them all used*, you wouldn't lose as much
money if you ever needed to sell them, and you could maximize your
collection.

If you aren't trying to go audiophile, you may as well enjoy your new stuff
and buy plenty of cool stuff to play in it and impress your friends.

l8,
2mb

*At least until the RIAA and MPAA outlaws selling used discs.

Farrell8882 wrote:

From: Joseph Oberlander


Battousai wrote:

I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers).



Speakers:
Magnepan.


They will not fit in your bookcase. They need a lot of room. You will spend
your entire listening life putting them in "just-the-right" listening position.

He said can be bookshelf. He's obviously preferring a typical 2-channel
floorstanding setup. The MMGs are perfect for this, and as far as position
goes, there are many options. One of the best I've seen was a piano hinge
on each and a dowel to lock it in place - on either side of the stereo/TV
cabinet. Offset a little bit, of course, to better deal with waves cancelling
each other out. When not in use, fold flat against the cabinet.

"Lionel" wrote in message
...
Robert Morein a écrit :
"Lionel" wrote in message
...

Battousai a écrit :

I'm looking to spend no more than $2500 for an integrated amp, CD
player, and a pair of speakers (can be bookcase speakers). I typically
listen to jazz, some classical music and some pop.

Any recommendations on what I should start looking at? Since I also
have a nice collection of MP3s, if the CD player can play MP3s, that
would be nice but not required.

Thanks in advance!


Amp + CD = $600 - $700
Speakers = all the rest.


CD=$200
Amp=$800
Speakers all the rest.
Buy used.


Bob is right ! ;-)

Chinese DVD for your MP3 costs about $50
Amp + CD = $500 - $600 (Buy used)
Speakers = all the rest (buy new)

I just wanted to open the debate on amplifier vs. speakers.
I think the speakers are more important, but I have heard enough bad
amplifiers I do not believe this should be neglected.

Robert Morein said:

I just wanted to open the debate on amplifier vs. speakers.
I think the speakers are more important, but I have heard enough bad
amplifiers I do not believe this should be neglected.

Arnii Krooger has 167 amplifiers in his hovel. So there!

"George M. Middius" wrote in message
...


Robert Morein said:

I just wanted to open the debate on amplifier vs. speakers.
I think the speakers are more important, but I have heard enough bad
amplifiers I do not believe this should be neglected.

Arnii Krooger has 167 amplifiers in his hovel. So there!

If visiting Arny's dank, dark, Stygian basement is necessary to this
discussion, I would prefer to change the subject.

Robert Morein said:

I just wanted to open the debate on amplifier vs. speakers.
I think the speakers are more important, but I have heard enough bad
amplifiers I do not believe this should be neglected.

Arnii Krooger has 167 amplifiers in his hovel. So there!

If visiting Arny's dank, dark, Stygian basement is necessary to this
discussion, I would prefer to change the subject.

No, you can take my word for it. The amplifiers (most of them "tested"
to death) keep company with his 95 equalizers and 2,731 soundcards.

Robert Morein wrote:

I just wanted to open the debate on amplifier vs. speakers.
I think the speakers are more important, but I have heard enough bad
amplifiers I do not believe this should be neglected.

$800 will easily get you a 4 ohm capable stereo receiver that's
not junk.

Joseph Oberlander said:

$800 will easily get you a 4 ohm capable stereo receiver that's
not junk.

Did Krooger say you could tell us that?

"George M. Middius" wrote in message
...


Joseph Oberlander said:

$800 will easily get you a 4 ohm capable stereo receiver that's
not junk.

Did Krooger say you could tell us that?

I think they periodically exchange dom-sub roles.

George M. Middius wrote:


Joseph Oberlander said:


$800 will easily get you a 4 ohm capable stereo receiver that's
not junk.


Did Krooger say you could tell us that?

COnsidering that a Denon 3800 series receiver goes for about that,
and will run 2-channels at 4 ohms, a non-A/V version of something
simmilar should run a bit less.