Stereo Budget Distribution

[Josh784]

I am planning on spending around $1500 on a bedroom stereo. I'm looking at Energy RC-10 speakers, which will run around $500, leaving $1000 for a CD player and integrated. Is this the best way to distribute the money, or would I be better off spending more on the speakers and less on the other components? I have to think I'd be hard pressed to find something that sounded better than the RC-10s without spending a significant amount more money.

 

[j_garcia]

Sounds like a good plan overall, though I probably would drop a little more into the speakers, maybe another $100-200, however there are a LOT of great speakers right around $500. Definitely pick speakers first, then power, then source with that budget, because speakers will make the biggest difference.

 

[Josh784]

Can you make any other speaker suggestions? I'm coming from Axiom M2is.

 

[j_garcia]

Right off the top of my head the Ascend CMT-340SEs are $570/pr and they are solid speakers, and if you like Energy, you will probably like the sound of them as well - they are going to give you more for your money (IMO) than the Energys. Then you could also consider looking at Onix (www.av123.com) in the next few weeks when they release their new models - there will be some great choices right around your budget (upgraded versions of the venerable X-LS).

Is there a reason why you didn't step up to M22Tis?

 

[Josh784]

I had a limited budget when I put together my last stereo. It was stolen, so I am now in the market for something new. Another reason I didn't go for the m22s is that my room is 12' x 12' so I don't really need anything bigger.

 

[j_garcia]

So do you have a size constraint then? Are the 340s too big? My bedroom is about 12x12 and I had the X-LSs in there and thought they were just right, and darn if those cabinets and finishes aren't some of the best I've seen - the one ones are even nicer.

One of the new finishes mascarey.

The Ascend CBM170SE is small and also sounds great, as are the SVS SBS-01s.

 

[billy p]

Hey Josh

I see you joined the energy speaker thread at AVS. I have read the entire thread and there was mention of the Ascend cbm170's and Energy c200 sounded very similar. I haven't heard the Ascend speakers but the RC's are much better then the Energy C series. I can't really comment on the ID brands, these forums at times aren't the gospel but they allow you a decent perspective. Anyhow, the above given advice is very sound and budget more for the speakers, then the amp & cd player.

Good Luck, Billy p

 

[j_garcia]

I was never a fan of the C series from Energy, and haven't heard the RCs, but the Ascends do sound similar to the Energys I've heard (heard most of them, only liked the Veritas).

 

[billy p]

I'm a HUGE FAN(check my avatar )!! The RC's are closer to the Veritas then the C's are to the RC's. Since the Veritas are way to expensive I've audition the RC's and I'll use them as my gauge when the time comes.

 

[Josh784]

For some reason I just have a great feeling about the Energy RC line. I contacted them and they are going to have a pair of RC-10 ready to demo when I am back in Seattle after spring break.

Would the RC-30s be a good fit for my size room? I am hesitant to use floor standing speakers, especially smaller ones such as the RC-30s, as I currently have 80cm stands for bookshelf speakers as my listening position is fairly elevated - usually sitting or lying on my bed.

 

[j_garcia]

I like bookshelf speakers on stands for a smaller room, and since you already have the stands, it would seem to be the way to go. You don't want more bass in a square room as it can actually create issues with bass response.

 

[jaxvon]

I'd recommend that you opt for $1000 for your speakers and acoustic treatments and $500 for electronics. Don't forget about used gear or speakers! You can find Vandersteen 2CE signatures on Audiogon for under a grand.

 

[Nick250]

I'd recommend that you opt for $1000 for your speakers and acoustic treatments and $500 for electronics. Don't forget about used gear or speakers! You can find Vandersteen 2CE signatures on Audiogon for under a grand.

I was about to post something similar, but I think Jaxvon nailed it.

Nick

 

[Josh784]

What would an extra few hundred dollars buy me in a bookshelf speaker?

 

[Nick250]

You have to audition and compare speakers to determine this for yourself. One thing I can say is a few hundred dollars more spent on electronics will buy you no improvement in sound quality.

 

[Josh784]

The Soundstage review of the RC-10s mentioned that it would be very hard to find a better sounding pair of speakers for under $1000. I have already budgeted a few hundred dollars to build some acoustic treatments for my room, so I'm left with about a $1500 budget for the stereo itself. Say I spent $1000 on the speakers...would I really be able to pick up a decent amp and player for $500?

I'd also be interested to hear your opinion as to how the RC-10s will compare to my previous Axiom M2is?

Energy will have a pair of RC-10s for me to audition when I am back in Seattle, but I have been so focused on researching integrateds and CD players I honestly have no idea what other speakers I should demo.

Thanks
Josh

 

[j_garcia]

I would tend to say that is overkill - $1K out of a $1500 budget is a bit top heavy toward the speakers, unless you are picking up quality used gear, which is never a bad idea when it comes to amps/integrateds. The best bang for the buck IMO, is models that are 1-2yrs old for integrated amps because they are less popular and tend to lose value relatively quick.

If you are looking for all new stuff, I would say $750 tops will get you excellent speakers and leave enough for a good source and integrated or stereo amp.

For quality integrated on a budget, take a look at Cambridge Audio.

 

[Nick250]

Any DVD/CD player in the $100 price range will sound pretty much the same as the next and will also sound the same as a $300 product. I happen to like Denon because I have owned them and never had a problem. If it were me I would shop around get the best price I could on the Denon. There are many to pick from though:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-CQG8ONA0cNF/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=54400&I=033DV1730B&search=dvd+player

These are AV receivers. Set them as "pure direct" and presto! you have a very nice stereo receiver. The economies of scale make AV receivers much more price friendly than stereo receivers.

This Onkyo is on sale for $369
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-CQG8ONA0cNF/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&I=580TXS604B

This Yamaha is $399
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-CQG8ONA0cNF/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=10420&I=022RXV659

 

[j_garcia]

Economies of scale also mean that you get a lower quality of amplification and a bunch of unused/unnecessary circuitry/amps for a stereo application = pointless unless you plan on expanding the system to m/c in the near future. I also don't see what you mean, because all of the stereo receivers from the same manufacturers on Crutchfield are under $300, with the Onkyo 8222 (50w) going for $179.

Yes, probably all $100 CD players are going to sound pretty much the same, but with what you are recommending on a $1500 budget - $1000 speakers, why would anyone want a $100 player?

 

[jaxvon]

Economies of scale also mean that you get a lower quality of amplification and a bunch of unused/unnecessary circuitry/amps for a stereo application = pointless unless you plan on expanding the system to m/c in the near future. I also don't see what you mean, because all of the stereo receivers from the same manufacturers on Crutchfield are under $300, with the Onkyo 8222 (50w) going for $179.

Yes, probably all $100 CD players are going to sound pretty much the same, but with what you are recommending on a $1500 budget - $1000 speakers, why would anyone want a $100 player?

The best system I've ever heard used an old, cheap Pioneer player picked up at goodwill. I'd venture to say that any quality-built CD player will be just fine and dandy, and I know you can find something good for $100.