I like to experiment with finding inexpensive stereo gear. This forum has been a big help. I've recently put together a small system that meets my needs quite well, and, it was done at a very inexpensive cost.
First, I should tell you that my favourite music is combined choir and orchestra pieces. Many inexpensive systems tend to do the orchestra well, choirs not so much, and when you combine them, it's often quite less than satisfactory. I should also say that as I get older, it seems as though I need a more detailed sound (some would call it harsh) than I did in my younger days. Tough gettin' old, isn't it. I listen to almost 100% music with an occasional movie. We don't have, or want, broadcast TV, so the only time our old 20" CRT gets used is a couple times a month we'll watch a movie. I can't list all the gear I've auditioned and bought over the last 8 yrs. since I started this hobby. It's been in the 100's. So, for me, this is the best yet.
The system:
Speakers - Monitor Audio Bronze B2's .........................$300
Receiver - Onkyo TX-8522 ......................................$100
DVD Player - Onkyo DP-CP701 .................................$ 20
Total $420
This system gives me 100 wpc stereo, the ability to play CD's and DVD's, speakers that are rated down to 42 Hz, and the best, for me, is that Monitor Audio speakers tend to be voiced so the choir is more forward and doesn't get covered up by the orchestra so much. The clincher is when I switched from a Yamaha DVD player to the Onkyo. I think the synergism of the two Onkyo's made a difference.
I have a degree in music with an emphasis in theory and composition. I don't have much technical knowledge, but I know what I want to hear. I learned years ago that, for me, spending a lot of money didn't work to give me the sound I wanted. Let me clarify that. I did hear systems that I would have died for. But the cost would have certainly killed me. The only systems that worked for me were in the 10's of 1,000's of dollars. I can't justify that with my income. My opinion is that until you get to that level, you really don't hear enough difference, well, to tell the difference. I've spent as much as $3,000 on a system and it was not any better than what I have now. By the way, the only new equipment I've bought is my present speakers, from Saturday Audio, and an NAD 320BEE integrated amp (can't remember where I got it - tough gittin' old isn't it?). Every thing else has been E-bay or Audiogon.
I'll have this system for awhile, then, I'll probably start tinkering again. It's probably time to start thinking about trying some floorstanders. I've never had any - might enjoy them!
For those of you with the same inclination for inexpensive gear, but, possibly, different tastes, I felt the PSB Image 2B was a better all-round speaker. If I played more rock or some music that takes a deeper, richer sound, they'd be the ones.
Many of you folks have both better and different ears than I. For those who are lucky enough to have those good ears, spending more is definitely worth it. I only wish I were that lucky.(tough gettin' old isn't it?) But for many like me, this type system gives us as good as we're going to get without breaking the bank.
That's it and thanks for listening.(pun intended)
