Simple setup for apartment?

[jsmestad]

I am looking to pick up a pair of bookshelf speakers and an AV Receiver for some music playback as my ipod dock does not provide enough. Most of the reviews on receivers talk about HDMI inputs & DVD Playback, etc but not much focus on just music. I will hook this up to my HDTV but I am not looking to build a 5 or 7.1 system, just something to have as music while working, cooking, and to improve movie playback when the TV speakers are not enough. I would usually go buy a 'boombox' but figure if I can pickup a good set of bookshelf speakers they would be much more satisfying (and they look alot better as well). Budget is hopefully under $600.

 

[Midcow2]

I am looking to pick up a pair of bookshelf speakers and an AV Receiver for some music playback as my ipod dock does not provide enough. Most of the reviews on receivers talk about HDMI inputs & DVD Playback, etc but not much focus on just music. I will hook this up to my HDTV but I am not looking to build a 5 or 7.1 system, just something to have as music while working, cooking, and to improve movie playback when the TV speakers are not enough. I would usually go buy a 'boombox' but figure if I can pickup a good set of bookshelf speakers they would be much more satisfying (and they look alot better as well). Budget is hopefully under $600.

Cambridge Audio S30 speaker, excellent but small $219/pair
http://spearitsound.amazonwebstore.com/Cambridge-Audio-S30-Speakers-Natural-Oak/M/B00196SJOI.htm?traffic_src=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=froogle

Yamaha 363 receiver $165
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0013ZGOYM/interactiveda8738-20

Dayton 120 Ht subwoofer $155
http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-SUB-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000C9NV78

total cost ( with optional sub !!!) $539

Good luck,

MidCow2

 

[lsiberian]

KEF iQ3s
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/KEFIQ3BLKA/KEF/iQ3-2-Way-6.5-Bookshelf-Speakers-in-Black-Pair-NEW/1.html

280

Onkyo 8522
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTX8522/Onkyo/TX-8522-2-Channel-Stereo-Receiver-100W-x-2ch-BLACK/1.html

150

Dayton 12(equivalent to above.)
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1974/0/dayton-sub-120-12--150-watt-powered-subwoofer

155

585

The Kef deal is ending very soon and honestly I think is the best bang for buck at that price level going IMO.

If you don't want a sub then look at the following
SVS SCS-01 bookshelf pairs are very good.
http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-scs01.cfm Another great bookshelf option. IMO

If you want to go cheaper(it's not a bad idea in this economy) the Infinity Beta 20s are going for cheap on ebay. Very nice speakers go for less than 100 on ebay each. Their bulkiness was their downfall IMO. But great sound. Especially with an Onkyo receiver. I think the sound is slightly improved with grills off, but that's probably because I love seeing the woofers.

 

[jsmestad]

Keep those recommendations coming, and please comment on the above two. I have never heard of KEF but will take your word on the quality of them. I do not mind picking up equipment that isnt brand new (aka doesnt have to be released in 2009). Thanks again and keep em coming!

 

[lsiberian]

Keep those recommendations coming, and please comment on the above two. I have never heard of KEF but will take your word on the quality of them. I do not mind picking up equipment that isnt brand new (aka doesnt have to be released in 2009). Thanks again and keep em coming!

They make great speakers and are widely embraced. They have a very flat response and really good off axis listening because they build the tweeter into the midrange woofer. This makes all the sound radiate from one point in essence and helps distribute the tweeter sound better.

If you are coming from boomboxes anything will probably sound great that is recommended. Never hurts to come from less. makes you learn to appreciate more the finer things. Good luck and have fun. Don't make shopping for speakers to quick.

Oh and welcome to the forum.

 

[john72953]

They make great speakers and are widely embraced. They have a very flat response and really good off axis listening because they build the tweeter into the midrange woofer. This makes all the sound radiate from one point in essence and helps distribute the tweeter sound better.

If you are coming from boomboxes anything will probably sound great that is recommended. Never hurts to come from less. makes you learn to appreciate more the finer things. Good luck and have fun. Don't make shopping for speakers to quick.

Oh and welcome to the forum.

+1.

And as far as the KEF brand is concerned.....well worth it!

John