Building a used HT system on Craigslist

[daitrong]

I'm starting from scratch and looking for a receiver, speakers, and subwoofer.

Budget: $500-600 (willing to spend a little more). I know I can't get much buying new, so I'm looking into the used market on Craigslist. I live in Orange County, California.

Room: 12x13, tiled floors, 10ft distance from speaker to ear. Would like bookshelf speakers to save space, but if there's a great deal on floor speakers, I won't shy away from the deal.

Music preference: warm sounding vocal music, soul, R&B, classical, and sometimes rock/alternative.

I work 12hour shifts most days, so I do not have as much time/too tired to go to the store. So I'm relying on you guys expertise.

 

[markw]

So, how are supposed to know what's available on your Craigslist at any given moment?

Tell us what's available and we'll advise. In the meantime, I suggest you spend some time reading some of the previous threads for helpful general hints.

 

[GlocksRock]

If you are interested in used gear, don't forget to check out ebay and audiogon. I've bought and sold quite a bit of stuff on Audiogon/Ebay/Craigslist, and have had nothing but positive experiences every time, and got lots of good deals too.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Look for brands we recommend - do some research and we'll help narrow it down

This 3.0 set should get you started in the right direction:
CANTON SPEAKERS

 

[sholling]

I would look for a Hsu Research subwoofer and Ascend Acoustics speakers because should you need service both are located in Orange Country however you don't usually save a lot buying a good quality sub used. Of the Ascend speakers below the SE is the the newer slightly better version. They are a pretty decent speaker for a small room. Unfortunately challenge to shopping on CL is the number of people adding 100 or so completely unrelated keywords to drive traffic to their ad.

Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE Speakers
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 Bookshelf Speakers (3)

*Note I do not know or endorse either seller.

You can also watch the Fry's ads for a sale on Infinity P363 towers because they've had them on sale for $250-300 per pair and a pair of P363 and receiver would get you by until you can afford the rest.

 

[Whitey80]

I'm a definite fan of buying through Craigslist. All of my systems came to me that way. I generally shoot for about half of retail on most items I pick up (some exceptions going less, but I never go higher). Met some good people that I still actually keep in touch with, swapping gear back and forth.
No real advice for you, but good luck in you build up.

 

[daitrong]

So Frys is having their deal again for the Infinity p363. Going to buy those. Anyone recommend me a good receiver to power the speakers and subs that I can buy a frys? Thanks!

 

[sholling]

A refurbished Onkyo TX-NR709 would be ideal because of the power and feature set. If that's too much you can probably get by with a refurbished Denon AVR-1713. The Denon is probably available at Fry's but will probably cost more since it's brand new.

I'd hold off on a sub until you can afford a Hsu. Hsu Research is in Anaheim and will demo on weekdays by Appointment.

 

[lsiberian]

FRYS.com

There is 2 speakers for you

You could try to talk down this guy.

Infinity primus 250 Floor Standing Speakers $180 O.B.O. +Plus?..

offer him 80 and no more.

ONKYO TX-SR806 Home Theater Receiver - THX - DOLBY D - SR806 - SR 806

for a receiver would be a steal probably.

 

[lsiberian]

A refurbished Onkyo TX-NR709 would be ideal because of the power and feature set. If that's too much you can probably get by with a refurbished Denon AVR-1713. The Denon is probably available at Fry's but will probably cost more since it's brand new.

I'd hold off on a sub until you can afford a Hsu. Hsu Research is in Anaheim and will demo on weekdays by Appointment.

For a sub just look for a velodyne they are plentiful and a good starter brand.

My gosh this dude has a million options.

 

[hizzaah]

Craigslist is a great and magical place. I got all of my Ascend Acoustics and the HSU sub for $500 last week you just have to watch for the right deals..

Grab those Infinity's from frys's, then be one the lookout for a dedicated sub (several brands mentioned here.. HSU, Velodyne, SVS, etc). If you've got an iPhone, a few of the Craigslist apps you can set up to auto search and they'll notify you when an ad pops up with your criteria. Grew up in Buena Park so I know there's a ton of people and even more stuff on Craigslist in the area lol

 

[sholling]

For a sub just look for a velodyne they are plentiful and a good starter brand.

My gosh this dude has a million options.

Orange County (where I'm originally from) is a techie's paradise. In his case I suggested Hsu because he's within a few miles of Hsu Research and store pickup saves a fortune. I suggested the Infinity P363s because he's close to two Fry's stores and Fry's has the P363 for $117ea today. If he wants surrounds they also have P163s on sale for $59ea and P153 on sale for $49ea. The thing they don't have is the PC351 center

 

[daitrong]

Thank you guys so much. Your help is greatly appreciated. I just picked up a pair of brand new Infinity p363 on CL for $160! Excited!

I was looking at this Bic B12, but I think he's asking too much for it BIC America F12 Subwoofer Front Firing sub

I'm trying to spend <$250 on a receiver. That is my budget. I would preferable like to buy used because I can get more for my dollar. Any other suggestions would be very much appreciated.

What do you guys think of these receivers?
Onkyo TXNR801 / TX-NR801 / TX-NR801 7.1 Channel Digital Home Theater T
Onkyo TX-SR501

 

[hizzaah]

Thank you guys so much. Your help is greatly appreciated. I just picked up a pair of brand new Infinity p363 on CL for $160! Excited!

I was looking at this Bic B12, but I think he's asking too much for it BIC America F12 Subwoofer Front Firing sub

I'm trying to spend <$250 on a receiver. That is my budget. I would preferable like to buy used because I can get more for my dollar. Any other suggestions would be very much appreciated.

What do you guys think of these receivers?
Onkyo TXNR801 / TX-NR801 / TX-NR801 7.1 Channel Digital Home Theater T
Onkyo TX-SR501

The B12 can be had for $200 brand new. See how old it is I guess..

The SR501 receiver doesn't have HDMI if that matters to you. I'd check out accessories4less.com at their refurbished receivers. Great place to buy from..

Denon 1613
Onkyo TX-NR609

 

[sholling]

I'd check out accessories4less.com at their refurbished receivers. Great place to buy from..

Denon 1613
Onkyo TX-NR609

+1 on A4L, 2 of my 4 receivers came from there.