i need help on first sound system

[pvpdavid]

hey everybody. So i got a summer job this year, and have made a good amount of money. I have about $900 to spare, and i want to buy a really nice sound system. I would prefer to not drop the whole $900 on it, but i would like some great bookshelf speakers and a sub, and anything else that a sound system would require. Please get back to me, and thanks a ton.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think the best subwoofer bang-for-the-buck is either the BIC H-100 or PL-200. They are both designed by HSU Research. The PL200 has a bigger amp, but both are 12" subs.

Using the coupon code TV15, the H100 is $220 shipped and the PL200 is $279 shipped:

http://sounddistributors.com/productlist.asp?crid=291&pcrid=40&cat_name=BIC+Acoustech+Speakers

A few weeks ago, the Infinity P163 bookshelf speakers were on sale everywhere it seems for $85 each. Now they are $140 everywhere it seems.

I think they are also best bang-for-the-buck if you can get them for $85 each. They have 1" tweeter and 6.5" woofers. They are not small bookshelf speakers and they go down to ~ 60Hz @ -3dB anechoically (NRC), so you can set the crossover in your receiver to 80Hz.

They are also very accurate speakers:
http://www.soundstagenetwork.com/measurements/speakers/infinity_primus_p162/

You might wait to see if they go on sale again week by week.

I bought a single P163 (paid $80 on Amazon) to use as a Center speaker with my P362 speakers. They sound fantastic.

I also have a PL200, and I think it sounds fantastic. I'm guessing the H100 will sound just as good, though.

 

[pvpdavid]

with that sort of set up, what would I need as far as a receiver/amplifier

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

with that sort of set up, what would I need as far as a receiver/amplifier

Assuming your room is average size and not large (less than or equal to 16' x 18'), I think a Denon 1910 w/ 90WPC for $250 (used, but Like-New condition) should do the trick:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002AKKFPI/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=AC6C5P6C629IU

The Infinity speakers are sensitive speakers ~ 90dB @ 1 w/m, so it should be okay.

If you have the budget, the Denon 3310 would be close to "high-end". A used, but Good condition is $400:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002AKKFQ2/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&m=A36IBM8TFQQD3H

If you have a very tight budget, I think the 1910 will do just fine.

 

[bikdav]

Also, check out the Pioneer receivers _ like the VSX -821 or the VSX-921. This year, Pioneer is offering a lot(!) of receiver for the price.

 

[Haoleb]

If you really want to get the most stereo for your buck just be patient and keep an eye out on your local craigslist...

There are alot of people trying to sell old crap for obscene amounts of money, and people trying to pawn off white van speakers.. But once in a while you will find truly great stuff for a good price. And 9 times out of 10 you can talk them down even more. You dont want to lowball... But dont be afraid to make an offer either.

$900 will buy you one hell of a stereo if you shop wisely. And thanks to the internet you can relatively easy find out what something is worth and if its any good if you are unfamiliar with a certain peice. Of course this also works against you because people also tend to research the same thing before they sell something so great deals arent as easy to come by as they were at one time when someone was selling something and didnt know its value.