Cheap 2.0 Stereo System Dedicated For Music Only

[yuyuandy]

Hey guys im new here and this is going to be my first post. Im currently in college right now and I want a system for music only and since im short on cash and room im willing to settle for a 2.0 channel system. This is what i have in mind right now, and yes im am an average joe consumer who goes to bb.

The Setup:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7016481&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03031&id=1099394773324
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7638381&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03034&id=1134699430120
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=5378799&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03043&id=1051806316624

I also have one of these lying around that i want to hook up:
http://www.netgear.com/Products/Entertainment/DigitalMusicPlayers/MP101.aspx

 

[WmAx]

Hey guys im new here and this is going to be my first post. Im currently in college right now and I want a system for music only and since im short on cash and room im willing to settle for a 2.0 channel system. This is what i have in mind right now, and yes im am an average joe consumer who goes to bb.

The Setup:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7016481&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03031&id=1099394773324
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7638381&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03034&id=1134699430120
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=5378799&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03043&id=1051806316624

I also have one of these lying around that i want to hook up:
http://www.netgear.com/Products/Entertainment/DigitalMusicPlayers/MP101.aspx

I don't know anything about the Best Buy brand electronics. Reliability may be an issue.

As for the speakers, do yourself a favor and get a speaker that is good. I know of one super low price speaker that is known to be stellar, compared to others in the price range: Infinity Primus 150. You can get it for around $120 including shipping per pair when it's on a good sale offer, such as Vann's is offering right now: http://www.vanns.com/shop/servlet/item/features/542089023?v_c=Shopping

. It is no coincidence that the Primus 150 is so good for the price; it was designed strictly using perceptual research weightings, and was required to pass blind tests compared to the other popular offerings in the price class, based on Dr. Floyd Toole's scientific research/methods.

Note: despite the quality of the mid/treble response, such a small speaker is not going to have good bass performance. You must use a larger speaker or add a subwoofer if you want good performance in that regard. I note that the reciever you have chosen is unique in that it has pre-amp out-->amp-in loops. This means that it will be very easy for you add an optimal active crossover to optimally use the Primus bookshelves(or any bookshelf) with a subwoofer.

-Chris

 

[yuyuandy]

Circuit City has the P150's selling for $49 (web only) and if the performance is as stellar as u say i may consider it..... compared to the sony's i posted does the P150's really blow them away (i know im a suker when it comes to sony)

 

[WmAx]

Circuit City has the P150's selling for $49 (web only) and if the performance is as stellar as u say i may consider it..... compared to the sony's i posted does the P150's really blow them away (i know im a suker when it comes to sony)

You must realize, when I refer to speaker performance, I am not quoting my personal listening experience(s), unless I specify such. I am referring to the scientific research and quantitative measurements correlated with that research, relating to the speaker. Almost no other company puts forth as much strict effort as Harman[Infinity is a division of Harman] into the perceptual testing aspect[though not all of Harman's products are subject to the same standards -- the Primus was specifically designed from head researcher/scientist Floyd Toole's work]. The Infinity Primus 150, in this regard, is in a class by itself in the price range. I have compared the important measured parameters to human perception, as shown per credible perceptual research(polar response, resonance behavior and frequency response] vs. other comparable priced units, and I have not come across others that are even close. If you are interested in a subjective(typical type) opinion, refer to the review in Stereophile(though I only find the measurement section interesting):

http://www.stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/404infinity/

-Chris

 

[highfihoney]

Insignia Sucks

Out of all the stereo gear ive bought over the last 20 years the insignia brand wins the BIG WET TURD AWARD

 

[Steve1000]

I've had my Primus 150s for a little over a year now. Here's a little review I wrote up shortly after I got them:

http://forums.audioholics.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12526&highlight=infinity

I'm listening to them right now, in fact. For just sitting around and enjoying music, they're great. Usually I don't even turn on my cheap subwoofer with them anymore (although I do turn it on for critical or extended close listening). About the best compliment I can give them is that I don't even notice them anymore. I just turn on the stereo and listen to the music and enjoy. In setting them up, I'd say try to get them at about ear level in height. That seemed to be the most important thing in my room.

As far as buying a cheap receiver and CD player, whether made by Insignia, or Sherwood, or Pioneer, or Sony, or whomever, my view is just go for it. It's pretty hard to make a mistake. It takes one messed-up piece of equipment to get bad 2-channel sound out of a receiver or CD player, IMHO. I also like to have readily accessible bass and treble controls for quick adjustments. In almost any system, I get a nice improvement from just a small turn of the bass or treble control one way or another. The room might a little dead, or a little lively, no matter how neutral the speaker. Also, just make sure the receiver has enough inputs and outputs for your needs. When you get it home listen for hum or obvious noise at realistic listening levels. If you don't have any of those problems, enjoy. If you do have hum or noise at realistic listening levels (I'm NOT talking about turning the volume all the way up and putting your ear up to the tweeter with no music on to see if you hear anything -- you will), the thing that I've done is to take the receiver back and try another one.

FWIW, in terms of cheap equipment, I've had exceptional luck with Pioneer.

If I were setting up a new 2-channel system on the cheap today, I'd probably go for the Infinities, a cheap Pioneer receiver, and a Sony DVD player or changer for CDs & MP3s.

Whatever you decide, enjoy. The bottom line is that you can get a really enjoyable system for not much cash.

Hey guys im new here and this is going to be my first post. Im currently in college right now and I want a system for music only and since im short on cash and room im willing to settle for a 2.0 channel system. This is what i have in mind right now, and yes im am an average joe consumer who goes to bb.

The Setup:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7016481&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03031&id=1099394773324
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7638381&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03034&id=1134699430120
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=5378799&type=product&productCategoryId=cat03043&id=1051806316624

I also have one of these lying around that i want to hook up:
http://www.netgear.com/Products/Entertainment/DigitalMusicPlayers/MP101.aspx

 

[markw]

I've got a couple of cheapo friends (and a step son) who only wanted a stereo system using these and they don't havea problem with them.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sherwood-Stereo-Receiver-RX-4105-/sem/rpsm/oid/121266/catOid/-12949/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

And, for bang for buck I've found it's hard to beat the Athena Audition series but with sepeakers, preferences rule.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/mfglisting.asp?hdnMfg=Athena+Technologies&MFGID=218

 

[WmAx]

I've got a couple of cheapo friends (and a step son) who only wanted a stereo system using these and they don't havea problem with them.

http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sherwood-Stereo-Receiver-RX-4105-/sem/rpsm/oid/121266/catOid/-12949/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

And, for bang for buck I've found it's hard to beat the Athena Audition series but with sepeakers, preferences rule.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/mfglisting.asp?hdnMfg=Athena+Technologies&MFGID=218

Referring to the NRC measurements of various Athena speakers at the low price range(such as the B1), they do not begin to compare to the Primus line. The Athena speakers have a very ragged/non-smooth response that indicates resonant transducers and/or cabinet. This is a critical parameter for perceived sound fidelity, according to credible perceptual studies. However, the Athena B1 does appear to have commendable smooth off axis response, a trait not shared by many other speakers. But the Primus has both the smooth off axis response and smooth resonant free amplitude response.

-Chris

 

[markw]

Referring to the NRC measurements of various Athena speakers at the low price range(such as the B1), they do not begin to compare to the Primus line. The Athena speakers have a very ragged/non-smooth response that indicates resonant transducers and/or cabinet. This is a critical parameter for perceived sound fidelity, according to credible perceptual studies. However, the Athena B1 does appear to have commendable smooth off axis response, a trait not shared by many other speakers. But the Primus has both the smooth off axis response and smooth resonant free amplitude response.

-Chris

I didn't measure 'em, Chris.

I just listened to 'em and liked 'em.

Snce speakers all sound so different and depend on one's personal preferences, that's the only way to judge 'em. If push comes to shove I can post some glowing reviews about the Athenas but, like I said. it's all in one's own ears that better or worse is judged.