Help with creating stereo system for $1000

[Vipick]

I want to get a stereo system for playing music and I have about $1000 to spend. The room is 24x15ft and I listen to classical rock, rock, pop, rap, and electric, so pretty much everything. I'm thinking about getting energy cf-50 towers and a marantz nr1403 5.1 receiver. I think I prefer towers to bookshelves speakers but bookshelves with a sub can work too. Any advice if this system would be good and any other suggestions would be great too. Thanks and if you need anything else I'm happy to supply.

 

[shadyJ]

That looks reasonably good for a $1k system. It won't have the bass performance of a subwoofer, but it ought to be pretty good for the price. I think I would still go for a 2.1 system though, assuming you are getting that AVR for around 300. You might think about a pair of Wavecrest HVL-1 bookshelf speakers plus a Premiere Acoustics PA-150 sub. That will get you more powerful bass. If you are only using one source component you can skip the AVR and if you don't need monster bass, I would go for some Focal Alpha 80s, that is raw sound quality for the dollar. If you are in a smaller room but want some bass but don't need monster bass, look at an Hsu Value 2 2.1 system.

 

[Vipick]

That looks reasonably good for a $1k system. It won't have the bass performance of a subwoofer, but it ought to be pretty good for the price. I think I would still go for a 2.1 system though, assuming you are getting that AVR for around 300. You might think about a pair of Wavecrest HVL-1 bookshelf speakers plus a Premiere Acoustics PA-150 sub. That will get you more powerful bass. If you are only using one source component you can skip the AVR and if you don't need monster bass, I would go for some Focal Alpha 80s, that is raw sound quality for the dollar. If you are in a smaller room but want some bass but don't need monster bass, look at an Hsu Value 2 2.1 system.

Ok thanks, I think I do need a sub and so I will probably get bookshelves. I'll check out the suggestions but you think the receiver is good?

 

[agarwalro]

I've not heard the Energy Towers and cannot make a direct comparison FWIW, my recommendation is,
http://emptek.com/r55ti.php
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/denavrx1100w/denon-avr-x1100w-7.2-4k-receiver-wi-fi/bluetooth/airplay-w/3-yr-warranty/1.html

 

[shadyJ]

Ok thanks, I think I do need a sub and so I will probably get bookshelves. I'll check out the suggestions but you think the receiver is good?

The receiver should be fine.

 

[CSG]

Just curious, if you're getting a system to play music, why get an AV receiver when you can get a better integrated amp from Marantz like the PM5005?

While I hate subs and won't use them, you could add a pair of NHT SuperZero speakers and their matching sub and stay well within your budget and have a very good system. You'd be needing a source like a CD player, TT (the Marantz PM series have phono inputs), or simply stream from your phone, tablet, computer with a simple mini-stereo to RCA cable.