El Cheapo Newbie question

[BucketMaster900]

Hi guys (my first post in here),

I like listening to music - really, really bad. I think I still got some working tissue in my ears and I can tell the difference between an Apogee and some cheap PC speakers but overall I am quite the newbie.

I got me a nice plan to put up a tri-amp system when I can spare the money (not soon). I need something high-end commercial or low end audiophile (in other words, cheap) for now.

I saw this review about the HK 680 (http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/hk680_e.html) and it sounds just like the amp I need BUT it's 6 years old and I suppose technology advanced quite a bit since then. I am definatelly interested in the 2006/7 equivalent of the 2000 HK 680 (assuming the article isn't too biased)

What I am looking for is an integrated amp + speakers combo
1) Stereo - I am kind of old fashioned and I don't really like the "900.1" approach. Probably because I didn't meet a good system (I live in a no audiophile zone, where people spend 200USD max on their sound and consider Sony as the ultimate in sound quality).

2) The kind of music I listen to is pretty much bass rich and somewhat loud (I host a lot of parties).

3) My listening room is 60m^2 (I think around 650feet^2 but I am not American and probably got the math all wrong).

4) I am probably aiming at 250 Watts RMS max at the speaker output, I know it might not fill the room but it's not a bad idea to keep the music down (neighbor's got a baby) and, as I said, I plan on maxxing out the sound later in my bank account

5) Passive bass. I already heard a friend with a spanking new active bass JBL with 350Watts and -I didn't tell it to him- I kinda liked my headphones better (Sennheiser HD-650). But I guess that's a moot point because with an inegrated amp I won't be needing anymore power anyway.

Also, it would be great if you give me an example of speakers that are a price match.

My budget is not a huge problem, a problem is availability. I live in Bulgaria where the only half-descent stuff you can get is JBL and HK or maybe some privately imported Marantz which is triple the price you can find it on eBay.
I can put 2000USD into the system, but I might be looking for a used amp and 1000USD sounds much better.

Of course, if anyone has something he might be interested to sell, please contact me but bear in mind that I might not be interested in speakers because shipping is a killer and I'll probably get something from my local shop.

Oh, and I tried asking around in my local dealerships but the guys there know even less then I do. All they did was to look at me, check me out whether I can really buy something or am I just a tire-kicker, and offer me a 9.1 HK receiver, I don't even think they know what a cross-over is.

Will appreciate your advice.
Thanks. Tod.

 

[JoeE SP9]

Hi, Tod;
Taking your points one by one.

1. If stereo is your preference buy an integrated amp and a tuner. The only technology that has seen significant advances is surround. Amplifiers made ten years ago are frequently better than current production. Todays receiver is next years boat anchor. Separates hold their value. This years hottest receiver is worth diddly next year.

2. If you like lots of bass get a powered sub woofer and integrate it properly into the system. Most people have them turned up too loud and the crossover point set too high.

3. Not really relevant unless your room is huge.

4. The wattage necessary depends on several factors. Room size, furnishings and speaker efficiency. 5 watts into a pair of Klipshorns will break eardrums. The same wattage into my ESL's is too low in volume to really hear. Ideally you want as many watts as you can get. In general with medium efficiency (~90db/Watt/Meter) speakers 100 watts or so will suffice in most situations.

5. If you want real bass there are two options. Really, really good (large and expensive) main speakers or a powered sub woofer properly set up and adjusted.
Using an integrated amp does not mean that you don't need a powered sub woofer. They don't necessarily have more power than a receiver. (see my response to no. 4)

PS: My gear is listed under how much is your system worth.

 

[BucketMaster900]

OK. How about this one: HK 3480 + 2X JBL Studio L890 + L8400P Subwoofer
I heard that system and it ain't half bad.
The amp's gonna be 450USD, the two L890 are 1200USD and the Woofer is 850USD, making 2500USD.

I can scrape off some money by going refurbished/used on the amps and maybe a cheaper woofer.


I was wondering whether I can find something of the same -or better- quality for a lower price?