How's this for a beginner system

[soled!]

Am new to the whole world of higher-end stereos, having never had separates or anything like that before. Came across this "budget" system review the other day (the review itself is a couple years old). What do you guys think of this system? Good bang for the buck? Also, I'm thinking about getting into records again. Could anyone recommend a decent entry-level turntable that would match up well with the above-referenced system? Thanks.

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0705/odysseyaudio.htm

 

[avaserfi]

While I don't know anything about the speakers referred to in your link I know Audioholics has a recommendations section that has a system in the same price range that sounds great. Check it out here. You will be hard pressed to find better speakers in the price range in my opinion.

 

[soled!]

Thanks for the reply. I checked out the equipment recommendations and they all were for home theater systems. I'm interested in a stand alone stereo only setup.

 

[avaserfi]

Well if thats the case I still have some recommendations. For 1500 dollars I would probably do something like this:

MTM Tower Speakers
Emotiva Reference Audio Series (scroll down a bit)
Lastly just get your cables at monoprice or bluejeans. You won't need anything special, nobody does.

 

[gmichael]

Well if thats the case I still have some recommendations. For 1500 dollars I would probably do something like this:

MTM Tower Speakers
Emotiva Reference Audio Series (scroll down a bit)
Lastly just get your cables at monoprice or bluejeans. You won't need anything special, nobody does.

I second these choices. I know that these would make me very happy.

 

[soled!]

Thanks for the recommendation. Definitely gives me something to look into. The review of the amp/preamp on this site is certainly reassuring.

But what about Odyssey Audio? Do they have a good reputation? They seem to be very "boutique".

 

[mike c]

1500 bucks?

Monitor Audio RS6 or RS8 = 800 bucks to 1000 bucks
-or-
Monitor Audio RS1 with Velodyne SPL1200R

plus

Rotel RC1070 and Rotel RB1070
-or-
Parasound P3 and A23

 

[TABCON]

Dude...is that a "cozy" on your TV...LOL!

Tabcon

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I'm interested in a stand alone stereo only setup.

What about one AudioSource AMP300 (150 wpc, 2 stereo inputs, channel balance + volume control) stereo integrated amplifier for $300 plus two Definitive Technology StudioMonitor 450 (frequency response 24 Hz-30 kHz because of built-in-subwoofer) for $600 = Total of $900?

The Audio Critic gave the Def Tech SM450 a great review.

Also, the AMP300 can be bridged to give you 470 Watts per channel!
They look great too!

So how about a 470 watts-per-channel stereo system with speakers that can go down to 24 Hz for $1,200?

 

[j_garcia]

Never quote the specs for DefTech, since we all know they are generally "optimistic".

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Never quote the specs for DefTech, since we all know they are generally "optimistic".

TAC said that the Def Tech SM450s were very good down to 40 Hz, which is a lot better than most monitor systems out there.

“The SM450s are smooth sounding speakers. They performed admirably on recordings with high peak content, which profit from high play-back levels—big band material with prominent brass sections and drum rim shots, for example. On high-frequency sibilants they did quite well, reproducing them without harshness, strain, or spittiness.... The 450s did extremely well on classical and a cappella choral music, reproducing the voices and the room’s reverberant sound with great precision...Considering their great sound, I highly recommend the Definitive Technology Studio Monitor 450 speakers for stereo use or for home theater setup. Their high sensitivity and smooth response will be welcome in any music system.”

 

[j_garcia]

40Hz isn't 24Hz though, that is what I was getting at. Whether or not they are good speakers is a different story.

 

[Haoleb]

For 1500 I would definetly consider that system, Odyssey has a very good reputation actually, Although you wont hear much about it here. Odyssey has a forum on the audiocircle website which is here:

http://www.audiocircle.com/circles/index.php?board=10.0

You'll be hard pressed to get something of the quality of those products for 1500. Give Klaus Bunge, The owner of Odyssey a call and he will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I notice a lot of companies are very liberal when it comes their own specs (i.e. wpc, frequency response).
But is there a speaker company that is very accurate with their own specs?

I guess going down to 24 Hz is one thing, it's another when you're talking about the actual forceful impact of the subwoofer. Obviously, a big stand-alone subwoofer going down to 24 Hz will produce a lot more bass than a small bookshelf speaker going down to 24 Hz. There is no substitute for a real subwoofer, unless it's actually built into a lvery arge floor-standing tower speaker.

Alright, let me revise my $1,500 stereo system: 1 AudioSource AMP300 + 2 Def Tech BP7004 (300-watts, 10" powered subwoofer) = $1,500.

 

[j_garcia]

I have always figured they quote something like the -10dB or -6dB as their spec, which is odd considering the -3dB spec is more common. They are real numbers, but they are being a bit deceptive with it.

 

[jcPanny]

2.1 system

Here is another recomendation for a "audiophile" 2 channel system:

Onix Ref 1's: $5-600/pair (used)
AV123 X-sub: $200 (new)
Receiver of Integrated amp: $500+

If you want to expand into a 5.1 or 7.1 HT, also check out the Rocket and X-series speakers from AV123. I am currently running the Onix Ref 1's with an SVS SB12-Plus sub.

 

[soled!]

Thanks for all the recommendations guys. I'll definitely research the systems suggested, but am leaning heavily towards the Odyssey setup, which incidentally is now $1700, but includes the amp, preamp, speakers and cables and speaker wire. reading through the posts over at audiocircle's odyssey board -- especially the participation of Klaus himself - has made me a believer.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

Thanks for all the recommendations guys. I'll definitely research the systems suggested, but am leaning heavily towards the Odyssey setup, which incidentally is now $1700, but includes the amp, preamp, speakers and cables and speaker wire. reading through the posts over at audiocircle's odyssey board -- especially the participation of Klaus himself - has made me a believer.

My first speaker system was an NHT SuperZero (x5) and SW2P Powered Subwoofer (x1). Small speakers are great, but after a while I think most people will wonder if they should have gotten a floor standing tower speaker.

So before you buy any bookshelf/monitor speaker system, think about that.
Everyone knows that the most important components in your audio/HT system are the speakers.

 

[soled!]

I'm not too worried about buying bookshelves for now. Later down the road I can already think of several uses for them if I decide to upgrade to towers for the main system.

 

[mazersteven]

2-Channel audio right here

http://www.ascendacoustics.com/pages/products/speakers/SRM1/srm1.html

http://www.outlawaudio.com/products/rr2150.html