want great sound, but don't have a lot of $

[kashawn]

Hi all. I'm a recent grad that just moved into his first tiny brooklyn apt and I would like to purchase the best possible stereo system for a room that's 10 ft by 17ft. For the most past I enjoyed the Bose acoustic wave, but found its bass lacking and did not like it's performance with rock. Oh I should mention that I would like to spend less than $1000. All I can afford right now.

 

[wire]

Hi all. I'm a recent grad that just moved into his first tiny brooklyn apt and I would like to purchase the best possible stereo system for a room that's 10 ft by 17ft. For the most past I enjoyed the Bose acoustic wave, but found its bass lacking and did not like it's performance with rock. Oh I should mention that I would like to spend less than $1000. All I can afford right now.

I would recommend the Onix SP3 Int - Tube . Then speakers , im not sure , there is to much out there .

 

[Seth=L]

I would not recommend a tube amplifier for a beginner, to much maintenance.

Are you wanting just a stereo or surround sound?

 

[Brian_the_King]

If had actually used my head and not overdone the cables [*cough* *cough*, me] my system would be under $1000 by,, idk I think it would have come out to like $950. So check the link in my sig, and kind of base your system off that. My core components were;
receiver: $350
speakers:$400
sub: $120
CD player:$200
= ...
hmmm, thats $1070. Ok, I was wrong. But still, assuming you're after a stereo setup, I can't think of a better way I could have spent the money.

I guess what I'm saying is, look at my [~$1000] system, take what you like, leave what you don't.

 

[Haoleb]

I would not recommend a tube amplifier for a beginner, to much maintenance.

Are you wanting just a stereo or surround sound?

Not really. Have you ever actually owned a tube amp?


Im quite sure the SP3 is a fine amp but when it costs all but one dollar of your budget perhaps its not the best reccomendation.

For 1k, I would be looking at any respectable bookshelf speaker in the $500 range. Add in an integrated amplifier such as the NAD C350 or C320BEE, which can be found used for around $300, Take the rest and get yourself a DVD player or CD player if you do not plan on watching movies on this system.

You can always get a little bit less expensive bookshelf speakers and get a subwoofer to go along with them. Or substitute the integrated amplifier for a reciever if you feel you want a tuner, and a ton of features you probably wont use anyway.


Just keep in mind that you can get a better system used than you can new. If you play your cards right you can get a really killer stereo for a grand.

 

[emorphien]

If you have plans to spend more money down the road, I'd opt for better bookshelf speakers now and add a sub later. Rather than spending $300-400 on speakers plus $200-300 on a sub, just go ahead and get the $500-600 bookshelf speakers and start from there. 10x17 isn't going to completely drown an OK bookshelf speaker and you'll have better speakers in the end when you save up that $200 to 300 for a sub. A lot of music (depending on what you listen to of course) hasn't got much low frequency material so losing a bit on the bottom end for an overall better reproduction might be a tradeoff you're willing to make. That's a subjective thing, and of course some of the larger bookshelves will help to lessen the disadvantages of not having a sub.

You should definitely consider used (I myself am a "new" stuff guy, but I do occaisionally purchase used gear). As far as amplification goes, the integrated amps from NAD, Cambridge, etc are great but limited in features. An Onkyo, H/K, Denon or other stereo receiver might give you more bang for your budget buck if you are ok with going that route.

Don't forget stands for the speakers (they need not be pricy, check places like partsexpress for good deals there) and of course cables. Cables don't need to be expensive either, but I do personally like a nice banana plug. As far as a player, DVD or CD players are fine, I really like the Marantz CD5001 player but it's on the pricier side. It depends on what you're after and how you will be expanding this system down the road.

There are a lot of choices for speakers, I'd really suggest going out and auditioning whatever your local shops have to offer and be ready to try to haggle with them a bit. I like the Focal 706V for around $600, but that will leave the rest of your budget thin. My recommendation for you might be the PSB Image B25 which I believe you should be able to find for around $430-450 (I think). There are tons of other options like B&W, Paradigm (particularly the monitor series in your price range), Klipsch, Axiom, AV123 and others I can't think of but are surely in your price range. Trust your ears, if you have local shops go listen! Auditioning is the best thing for you, we all have different taste in speakers.

 

[Rob Babcock]

I have purchased lots of gear new and a fair bit used. The longer I'm in this hobby the more I tend to try to buy most stuff used, though. Many (if not most) audiophiles are inveterate tinkerers who just can't leave well enough alone. So you often see components up for sale that still smell new! I myself have occasionally been guilty of this...I sold my Onix SP3 tubed integrated after a couple months and have kicked myself for the entire last year! Let someone else "take the hit" so to speak and buy their gently used stuff for 1/2 price! Audiogon is a great place to shop, and the For Sale forums here and at AudioCircle are also excellent.

If you're willing to consider used I'd highly recommend that NAD C320-BEE. Now that the '325-BEE is out you can get the '320 for around $250. I use one in my PC rig and really like it a lot. It drives a pair of modded Monitor Audio Bronze B2's and sounds wonderful for the price (about $6oo for the amp & speakers combined). The SP3 is wonderful, too, but if you only want to spend $1,ooo I think you'd be better served putting the money into speakers.

I'll also say for the record that while some will take issue with this, I consider the speakers to the most important link in the chain. You're better off budgeting 60% or so for speakers, then the rest on an amp or reciever and a DVD or CD player. Some will tell you that a dedicated CD player sounds better than a DVD, but even if that's true I don't think it matters which you buy if you're on a budget. DVD players work very well for CDs and give you more playback options (eg concerts on DVD, and some will play SACDs or DVD-A which is nice).

As for speakers, I've long beat the drum for Monitor Audio. You should be able to find the top Bronze B models or low to mid Silver RS models new and used in your price range. However, speakers can be very subjective- what I love you may hate. It's best to try to listen to the prospective models before you buy. That said, some very good ones (IMOHO) that you may wish to investigate, new or used:

Monitor Audio: Bronze B4, Silver RS6, Silver 5i (Note: SaturdayAudio has the B4 for $399 right now).
PSB: Image 4t, T45
Onix: XS series

Since you're posting on a forum let me assume you have a computer. You might want to forego a CD player in favor of using your computer. If you're computer-savvy you can wring excellent sound out of music off your HD. If you decide you want a CD or DVD, I don't think it matters much what you buy. I'm not saying they're all alike, but you probably won't hear any difference between a $150 Denon and $150 Toshiba. I will say, however, that the very inexpensive DVD players from Oppo are very highly regarded, both for sound and video. If I was buying a new machine under $2oo that's definately what I'd get.

A couple last points- the room will have nearly as much influence on the sound as your speaker choice, and that's not an exageration! I'd highly recommend you look into some acoustic treatments as soon as is practical. And I personally suggest you not waste a bunch of money on expensive cable, either. Salesmen will try to convince you Monster Cable will give you better sound but that's pure BS. Even if 'boutique cables' do sound better, at the entry level that you're shopping for you won't hear any difference between Nordost and AR. Buy something decently made but affordable, like BlueJeans or Acoustic Research. Down the road if you feel like tweaking, then try the exotic stuff.

You're already off to a good start by doing your research at a place like this! You'll find it a lot easier getting up to speed by availing yourself of the knowledge you'll find here. Good luck with your first system and have fun!

 

[Rob Babcock]

BTW, as emorphien said, a good receiver is an option, too. I don't want to sound like an "amp snob" or purist. $300 for an NAD vs $300 for a receiver will definately give you less "features" with the NAD- all it will do is play music. It won't switch video, serve as a DAC, or do bass management. And it doesn't have a tuner, so if radio is important to you bear in mind you'll need to purchase a tuner or consider a receiver instead. And if you go with bookshelf speakers with the idea of adding a sub later, it's nice to have the bass management features of a good HT receiver. I have a Denon AVR-3805 in my HT rig as a preamp/processor and find it to be pretty musical.

 

[skizzerflake]

Hi all. I'm a recent grad that just moved into his first tiny brooklyn apt and I would like to purchase the best possible stereo system for a room that's 10 ft by 17ft. For the most past I enjoyed the Bose acoustic wave, but found its bass lacking and did not like it's performance with rock. Oh I should mention that I would like to spend less than $1000. All I can afford right now.

I have heard nothing but good (for its size) about the HSU Ventriloquist system, a 5.0 system that goes for about $300. Add in a $300 subwoofer (for the extra point-one) and a $400 Yamaha receiver and you have a good, small system for a grand that can do music and movies. It's worth considering.

 

[mazersteven]

Take a look at these systems. They would make a great 2-channel stereo system.

These can be had for under $500 a pair. Pre/owned, store specials.

Polk Audio LSi9's

http://www.polkaudio.com/homeaudio/products/lsi9/

This also leaves you enough cash to purchase an amp. They are a 4ohm speaker and really perform better with a dedicated amp.

Here are a few amps to look at.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHA500

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/2200.html

http://www.emotiva.com/bpa1.html

Receiver

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/category/StereoReceivers

http://www.ubid.com/Yamaha_RX-V659_700_Watts_7.1_Ch._A/V_Home_Theater_Receiver/a10994581-c1014-s2.html

http://www.amazon.com/Harman-Kardon-HK3380-Component-Receiver/dp/B0001LXQEU/ref=sr_1_9/103-4514664-9497465?ie=UTF8&s=audio-video&qid=1179112039&sr=1-9

 

[Seth=L]

Not really. Have you ever actually owned a tube amp?


Im quite sure the SP3 is a fine amp but when it costs all but one dollar of your budget perhaps its not the best reccomendation.

No I haven't, but I know people that do. Don't they need Biasing regularly and every once in while get the tubes changed?

I agree, not a good budget option.

 

[mazersteven]

Or look at this system.

These speakers have their own amp. All you would need is a receiver.

Mackie HR824's.

http://www.mackie.com/products/hr824/

And a great sale.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--MACHR824

Add one of those receivers listed above.

A little over budget. Worth every penny.

 

[Haoleb]

No I haven't, but I know people that do. Don't they need Biasing regularly and every once in while get the tubes changed?

I agree, not a good budget option.

Some modern tube amps are autobiasing, The SP3 is manually biased. Which as recomended in the manual is done once per year, or when you roll tubes. This is a 5 minute procedure requiring only a DMM and small screwdriver. For even a state of the art solid state amplifier, readjusting the bias at some point is not a bad idea. Again, there are auto biasing solid state designs but there are alot that arent too.

Tubes dont need to be changed very regularly. Depends on the usage and type of tube. The ability to change an amplifiers sonic character by simply trying different tubes is part of their appeal.

I'll admit that a tube design is not for everyone. For example, someone with children who cant keep their hands off of your stuff, or friends that regularly come over and get plastered and obnoxious. But beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike would have no problem owning one.

 

[wire]

Not really. Have you ever actually owned a tube amp?


Im quite sure the SP3 is a fine amp but when it costs all but one dollar of your budget perhaps its not the best reccomendation.



Just keep in mind that you can get a better system used than you can new. If you play your cards right you can get a really killer stereo for a grand.

I forget to mention , buy it used ( the sp3 ) . You can get them for around $500.00 ..
I can tell you it is much better sound than a cheap reciever , no matter what model or how many features .
Dont let ppl. scare you away from the tubes . They never owned one .

 

[wire]

Some modern tube amps are autobiasing, The SP3 is manually biased. Which as recomended in the manual is done once per year, or when you roll tubes. This is a 5 minute procedure requiring only a DMM and small screwdriver. For even a state of the art solid state amplifier, readjusting the bias at some point is not a bad idea. Again, there are auto biasing solid state designs but there are alot that arent too.

Tubes dont need to be changed very regularly. Depends on the usage and type of tube. The ability to change an amplifiers sonic character by simply trying different tubes is part of their appeal.

I'll admit that a tube design is not for everyone. For example, someone with children who cant keep their hands off of your stuff, or friends that regularly come over and get plastered and obnoxious. But beginners and experienced enthusiasts alike would have no problem owning one.

Agreed
dont let ppl. scare you away from the SP3 , because of the tubes . The Tube cage on the SP3 is very good and it weights about 60ILBs , so its not gonna get knocked around , it fend for itself .

 

[wire]

No I haven't, but I know people that do. Don't they need Biasing regularly and every once in while get the tubes changed?

I agree, not a good budget option.

Seth
for a used SP3 , you cant beat the sound it produces ( it blow away Yammy or any of those in sound , in the same price range ) , you can get them cheap if you look around . I also think you cant buy them new anymore , they mightbe discontiued . If you do find a new one its gonna be price reduced alot , since they brought out a newer model this year .
This amp mightbe over alot ppls. heads here on this forum .
In that case
go for some used SS Amp/ Pre look on audiogone for some Adcom , NAD , Rotel , Carver , B&K or Parasound or something in that class . Do your research on the good and bad and fair pricing . You should find a good Amp/pre for under $500 .

 

[mazersteven]

This amp mightbe over alot ppls. heads here on this forum .

Who does this clown think he is?

 

[wire]

Who does this clown think he is?

I make a suggestion that is reasonalble and get shellact , there not Big money for the SP3 Used , its not hard to maintain , but most here swear that the receivers are the only thing out there , because there mass marketed .
I tell you the Sp3 is affordable and doesnt need alot of maintance and sounds unbelievable compared to a cheap reciever , So thats whom i am . Gonna flame my *** anymore .

 

[emorphien]

If you're willing to consider used I'd highly recommend that NAD C320-BEE.

I would also recommend this. I am using this as the amplification in my dedicated stereo and it's a great piece, killer deal if you can find it for $250! I moved up from an inexpensive stereo receiver for this and while I lost some features there are a lot of things I like about it.

I'll also say for the record that while some will take issue with this, I consider the speakers to the most important link in the chain.

Not going to disagree with this! Different components may have slightly different sounds, but your gain for the dollar exists in the speakers (room treatments can be effective as well).

 

[Rob Babcock]

I have to say selling my SP3 was one of the stupidist audio moves I've ever made. At the time I had just moved into a small house and had no room for a separate 2CH rig, so I figured I might as well get my money out of it. But like a moron I ended up buying an NAD C320BEE when it dawned on my I had nothing to run my PC rig with! Duh, the SP3 wouldn've been awesome for that!

The only real knock on the SP3 is the lack of a remote. And the step of ladder resistor volume are a tad too course if you have very sensitive speakers. On the other hand, it's 38 wpc sounded more ballsy than most 100 watt recievers. And you can't discount one major draw: it's flat, F'ing georgeous! The laquer coat looks like it's ten feet deep, and the beautiful warm glow of the tubes is absolutely mesmerizing! There's no denying the cool factor of that little gem- you'll be the envy of all your friends!

If you can find one for $500 you'd better jump. Sadly, the Mk I has been replaced with the Mk II and has become very hard to find. There're going on Agon for around $600 lately. Someday I'll find another one at a good price, and once I do you can bet I won't be so foolish as to sell it again!

Btw, if one wants a nice tubed integrated a used Jolida is probably the way to go. Not as refined looking as the Onix Melody but still very nice looking, especially the older "a" versions, IMOHO. Some of the newer Jolidas also have remote controls and E-Z Bias features.