Looking for ideas for stereo system

[BoredSysAdmin]

So wifey has asked for bedroom "cd player", and she means is a compact stereo audio system.
I think it's wrong way to go, especially since I already have bunch of RBH MM-4 speakers (white) lying in my basement and NAS which I could easily install dlna plugin (btw: Freenas Rocks!)

My original plan is go with something like this:
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/dendran5wt/denon-dra-n5-ceol-piccolo-desktop-networking-receiver-white/1.html

My problem is I fail to see the value for $350 refub product. Only it's biggest advantage is compact size

The first alternative: So I figure - Why spend extra money for the network/wireless parts when I have perfectly fine and almost unused Nexus7 tablet - it could be a great source, right?
Only thing I would need is small amp (like Dayton T-amp or similar)
Then I started to think about things like auto-power sense and most likely need for remote volume control etc... so these thoughts drove me to :

The second alternative:
Denon AVR-E300 - At BF sale at ac4l refub, its sold today for $166 (with shipping to Joisey)
Solid amp - Check
Remote - Check
Network radio/dlna support - check
Potential use for HT - check

Only cons as I could see is potential for DOA due it's refub status and full size vs much smaller and color matched Denon Piccolo system

Thoughts please.

 

[afterlife2]

What about the refurb Onkyo $179 looks nice CS 445 model. I would do the small amps myself and since you have greats speakers I'd go that route.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I don't need the speakers. I believe my RBH MM-4 are much better.
Don't really need CD or FM and lack of network support means I would have to use the tablet. I think Denon AVR-E300 is better value for me compared to CS445 for reasons in first post, but thanks for looking up

 

[slipperybidness]

Personally, I've been considering 1 of the slim line recievers
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marnr1403/marantz-nr1403-slimline-5.1-av-receiver/1.html

Dang, here's a cheap Yammy
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrs201bl/yamaha-r-s201-natural-sound-stereo-receiver/1.html

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Personally, I've been considering 1 of the slim line recievers
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/marnr1403/marantz-nr1403-slimline-5.1-av-receiver/1.html
OK, I could see slim marantz as smaller form factor an advantage, too bad it's missing network features.
Dang, here's a cheap Yammy
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamrs201bl/yamaha-r-s201-natural-sound-stereo-receiver/1.html

Yea, I saw the yammy. I like the power saving features here, but wish they would go with smaller box. again missing the network stuff.

Besides E300, X1000 looks like a decent option considering same level of Audyssey MultiEQ XT as my main Onkyo 805. Plus better speakers terminal are nice to have.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Pretty simple but what about this???

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamcrx332bl/yamaha-crx-332-micro-component-receiver/1.html#!specifications

 

[macddmac]

Pretty simple but what about this???

http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamcrx332bl/yamaha-crx-332-micro-component-receiver/1.html#!specifications

My wife has that one in her office and loves it

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Pretty simple but what about this???
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/yamcrx332bl/yamaha-crx-332-micro-component-receiver/1.html#!specifications

My wife has that one in her office and loves it

It's almost same as Onkyo CS 445 mention above minus the speakers.
I know it's small, has remote and plays CDs, but honestly I think it's a bit overpriced for what it is. Not to mention quite dubious power rating:
Maximum Output Power (1 kHz) 20 W + 20 W (6 ohms, 10% THD)

Another option, yet even more expensive is Sonos Connect Amp - it's everything I'm looking for - best tech possible, but at hefty price of $499 with practically no discounts ever I strongly feel that the price is strong armed to keep at same level, the best one could do is get amazon $40 credit. Which is not much, but better than nothing.

 

[TLS Guy]

I think your wife is hankering for the pleasure of a nice vintage rig. This can be very pleasurable for their great performance and lack if fuss.

My wife loves the vintage rig downstairs. You should consider it and will find it an interesting experience.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Thank for advice Mark, but knowing my wife calls anything vintage as a "junk", I rather dubious if she would appreciate a vintage stereo.
Quite the opposite - I'm trying to get very modern CD less, audio streaming only system in a compact (preferably) form factor

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I think the Denon X1000 from Amazon Warehouse for $226 shipped looks good (Audyssey XT, AirPlay).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00CALM2JY/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

If my wife EVER wanted something for bedroom music, I would probably get the X1000 and stream music from her iPhone to the Denon AirPlay.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I think the Denon X1000 from Amazon Warehouse for $226 shipped looks good (Audyssey XT, AirPlay).

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00CALM2JY/ref=dp_olp_used?ie=UTF8&condition=used

If my wife EVER wanted something for bedroom music, I would probably get the X1000 and stream music from her iPhone to the Denon AirPlay.

ADTG, I know this subject has been beaten to death and I would take your word for it, but my question is : Does denon original 3 year warranty for x1000 apply to Warehouse used model?

If so, this point alone worth extra $60 over refub E300

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

ADTG, I know this subject has been beaten to death and I would take your word for it, but my question is : Does denon original 3 year warranty for x1000 apply to Warehouse used model?

If so, this point alone worth extra $60 over refub E300

I've called Denon twice on this. Both times they said if it is an OPEN BOX item from an AUTHORIZED dealer, then you get the full 3-year original warranty.

Then I asked them both times if it is an OPEN BOX item from Amazon, would I get full warranty. They said YES.

So as long as the Receipt shows that is it from AMAZON or any authorized dealer and it does NOT say "REFURBISHED", then you get the full 3-year.

You might call them on Monday to confirm.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Great ! Thanks !

 

[KEW]

Would Audioengine 5+ with airplay or Aperion allaire do what you want?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

For now I solved the problem a bit differently:
I had older, but still real nice 1080p 32" Sony LCD TV (free) . I purchased Amazon Fire TV Stick for $29.
Sideloading xmbc right now. (free)

For now iHeartRadio works great. Some folks said they didn't like Plex so I decided not to use it for now

 

[herbu]

So wifey has asked for bedroom "cd player"

Don't really need CD

I'm trying to get very modern CD less, audio streaming only system

BSA, I understand what you're saying. And I understand that perhaps like mine, your wife is not technically fluent in audio speak. But the term "CD Player" is pretty clear. Above all, I would sit down and discuss your short list with her and be very sure she will be happy with something that won't play a CD.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

BSA, I understand what you're saying. And I understand that perhaps like mine, your wife is not technically fluent in audio speak. But the term "CD Player" is pretty clear. Above all, I would sit down and discuss your short list with her and be very sure she will be happy with something that won't play a CD.

While she's not geeky by any means, she does have exceptional memory then she wants to (trust me - she remembers EVERYTHING )
I explained it to her than cd player for bedroom would mean standing up and changing the cds. CD changers in mini systems are pretty rare now.

While my solution is far more involved - aka at-least two remotes and more presses - I think it's at least visually instinctive - I mean XBMC is pretty easy to use imo.

There is another aspect to this - since this is completely "bonus" project, unlike some much more expensive and important ones still to come, I tried to get most functionality for least amount of money.

Think about it: a) TV with bunch of live TV channels (mostly streaming news) b) on demand streaming (amazon prime, hulu, netflix etc..) c) local media - "backup" of movies (which I have plenty) and "dvr'd" TV shows and last but not least - access to all digital music.

Since I already had older, but still great 32" Sony TV (btw - it has pretty decent speakers i must say, for a tv) and $30 spend for Fire TV Stick

No need to wire - Stick has very good wifi, no need to change CDs, no need for 2nd cable box and no need to buy/build second HTPC

 

[herbu]

While she's not geeky by any means, she does have exceptional memory then she wants to (trust me - she remembers EVERYTHING )
I explained it to her than cd player for bedroom would mean standing up and changing the cds. CD changers in mini systems are pretty rare now.

While my solution is far more involved - aka at-least two remotes and more presses - I think it's at least visually instinctive - I mean XBMC is pretty easy to use imo.

There is another aspect to this - since this is completely "bonus" project, unlike some much more expensive and important ones still to come, I tried to get most functionality for least amount of money.

Think about it: a) TV with bunch of live TV channels (mostly streaming news) b) on demand streaming (amazon prime, hulu, netflix etc..) c) local media - "backup" of movies (which I have plenty) and "dvr'd" TV shows and last but not least - access to all digital music.

Since I already had older, but still great 32" Sony TV (btw - it has pretty decent speakers i must say, for a tv) and $30 spend for Fire TV Stick

No need to wire - Stick has very good wifi, no need to change CDs, no need for 2nd cable box and no need to buy/build second HTPC

Hahahaha... OK... you don't have to convince me. Just wanted to be sure you convinced her.
Gift buying for the wife can be tough. Saw a TV show the other day about funny game show answers. Question to the guys was: "What birthday do men dread the most?". Answer was: "His wife's".