Looking for an entry-level 2.0 setup for music.

[vineswingman]

Hey everyone.

I've always appreciated good sound, but could never afford a decent setup until recently. I've had Klipsch promedia 2.1 speakers on my computer for about five years, and have a 5.1 Klipsch setup (home theatre in a box) for my movies, however the time has come for a good 2.0 setup for music.

I will be listening to mostly my collection of vinyl, but also CD's and and iPod (when i'm not too concerned about quality). I love the way Klipsch speakers sound, they reproduce rock music very well which is 90% what I will be listening to; however, I haven't had much exposure to a lot of high-end audio equipment so I'm sure there are many other brands that I would enjoy.

My budget is in the $400 range for a stereo receiver and two speakers. I know it's not a whole lot, but I figure I can get something decent to fill the 180 square foot room it's intended for.

I've pretty much already decided on a Harmon Kardon 2.0ch amp, however I'm not sure if the HK 13480B (120w/ch--$210) would make a noticeable difference over the HK 3380B (80w/ch--$170) with the kinds of speakers I'm looking at.

For speakers, I would really love to get the Klipsch Synergy SB-2 ($250, amazon.com) however they may be a little too expensive, and I also noticed the JBL 6" venue series 2-way speakers ($127, amazon.com) and they seemed like they may be good as well. Could anyone recommend a setup comparable to the SB-2's at a lower price point? Or is that asking too much? Are the JBLs any good?

 

[avaserfi]

Although a 400 dollar budget is tight it is doable. First I wuold suggest looking into these speakers, I doubt you will find better for the money and you can demo them for free.

After shipping those will probably run you about 250 which leave 150 for a receiver. For this I recommend getting a refurbished model to save money and get something a little nicer. Don't get caught up on what receiver to buy, speakers are the most important item after that you just need to make sure you have a receiver that can push them. Also, look into monoprice or bluejeanscables for your wiring needs to save money.

 

[j_garcia]

I will second avaserfi's recommendations. The X-LS is a great bookshelf for the price. The H/Ks are good choices for receiver, and you should be able to find refurbs that will put them below $150, or look for last year's models, since not a lot changes on stereo receivers from year to year.

Another speaker to consider since you seem to like Klipsch, would be the HSU HB-1. It got a pretty good review here on AH.

 

[Seth=L]

Although a 400 dollar budget is tight it is doable. First I wuold suggest looking into these speakers, I doubt you will find better for the money and you can demo them for free.

You beat me to it.

The HSU HB-1 is another good option, the X-LS are much prettier though.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

I have just found a buyer for my B&W 705s. Why? Because, to my ears, a $200 pair of studio monitors outperforms them. Go to a musician's store and audition some monitors before buying something else. You may be glad you did.

 

[Gimpy Ric]

I will agree with both avaserfi and J_garcia. I own a pair of the HSU Research HB-1's and love them. After you get your reciever and speakers, you might save up for a powered sub. HSU Reasearch makes excellent subs with factory direct pricing. Have fun!

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I would like to throw in one more vote for the X-LS .

 

[Tomorrow]

Well, I'll agree that the Onix speakers are nice...but you can do a lot better if you can abide by buying used speakers.

Ahem, there seems to be a pair available currently in the Classified section of AH. These will smoke the Onix's for much less mullah. They're less than new, but oh so quality!

(Shameful link referral to....)

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33365

 

[ParadigmDawg]

But those are the ugliest, 1980 looking speakers I have ever seen...

Well, I'll agree that the Onix speakers are nice...but you can do a lot better if you can abide by buying used speakers.

Ahem, there seems to be a pair available currently in the Classified section of AH. These will smoke the Onix's for much less mullah. They're less than new, but oh so quality!

(Shameful link referral to....)

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33365

 

[j_garcia]

The ear doesn't see ugly I agree though...they ain't pretty like the X-LSs.

 

[kicknsupra]

so ugly they are allmost cute
if i where you i would look at some used stuff never know what you will find at a pawn shop i have got some real good deals on stuff from pawn shops cause they didint know what they had 400 buck will go a long way at a pawn shop just make sure you can bring it back if it stops working after a week most will

shop around and have fun

 

[jcPanny]

2 channel music

The Klipsch synergy line might be OK for HT but not for music. If you are sold on Klipsch, look for a used pair from the reference line on audiogon.

For new speakers in your price range, the AV123 X-ls speakers are a great option. They show up in the classified section of the site pretty frequently for <$200.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

The ears may not see ugly but the wife does...

The ear doesn't see ugly I agree though...they ain't pretty like the X-LSs.

 

[j_garcia]

What wife?

 

[Joe Schmoe]

The ear doesn't see ugly

LOL. Very true. Those monitors that I love listening to are butt-ugly.

 

[ParadigmDawg]

You lucky dog!

What wife?

 

[Joe Schmoe]

You lucky dog!

Hey, I am single, and luck had nothing to do with it!

 

[Tomorrow]

HA! You think those are ugly, eh? You should see me, my wife, and friends. Now THERE'S ugly!

Well I agree! These JBL's are butt ugly. Fugly even. Giant, super heavy, non-resonant, goofy looking caskets.

But the sweetness coming from them is heavenly. You're s'posed to close your eyes when you listen to well delivered music, anyway.

LOL.

 

[Davemcc]

Hey, I am single, and luck had nothing to do with it!

The implication being that it's you thats fugly.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

The implication being that it's you thats fugly.

The implication being that if I see somebody looking at my ankle while holding a ball and chain, I turn tail and run while I have the chance!