Purchasing Advice for Receiver/CD Player/Speakers

[bakerjs]

Hello All,

First, let me say that I am a complete newbie and in no way pretend to know anything about high-end audio ... which is why I have a question for you guys.

Here's my situation: My father-in-law is interested in purchasing a new stereo system for the library room of his house, and he's asked me for advice on the best system he can buy within the $2,000 to $2,500 price range (he's in a mid-sized city in the U.S., if availability is an issue).

He doesn't even want a home theater setup -- in fact, there will be no TV in the room. All he wants is something that will play CDs (and, I guess, SACDs and DVD-Audio) with a really nice speaker system. The room is wood-paneled with a rug and is about 15 - 20 feet by 15 - 20 feet. He's open to a speaker setup with an array of more than two speakers -- but he doesn't want built-ins, because he wants to keep the wood paneling on the walls untouched.

So basically he's just looking for a receiver, a CD player, and some nice speakers -- all of which would fit within the budget of $2,000 - $2,500.

Any advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[bpape]

For SACD and DVD-A, you're looking at a 5.1 setup.

Something to check out though not the easiest thing to find:
Totem Dreamcatcher System - $1600 for 5.1
Denon Receiver
Pick your player of choice.

If you go this way, you need to budget for stands.

 

[flyv65]

Its worth clarifying whether or not he wants this setup for purely two channel or multi channel (SACD/DVD-A) use...I think you'll find that a tasty pair of monitors with stands, an integrated amp, and a solid CD player are all comfortably within that budget (in fact, IIRC the Absolute Sound magazine had an article on this very topic in the October/November 2004 issue [yeah, I know they're into "chocolatey mid range cables" and stuff, but they picked a Marantz CD player from Parts Express-I was kinda surprised]). If he wants multi-channel music you're going to need a multi-disc player instead of a CD player, and at least 3 more matching speakers: that could crimp your style on speaker selection. You might also want to think about room acoustical treatments-some panelled rooms can be, uhmm, "lively" if you will.

Bryan...and then there's used stuff to consider, too...

 

[bakerjs]

Thanks for your responses so far.

Bpape: I will definitely look into the Totem Dreamcatcher option.

Flyv65: To clarify -- I suppose a 5.1 system is what he's looking for in order to take advantage of SACD and DVD-A multi-channel sound. Do you think it's a stretch to get a good system (including stands) in the $2,000 - $2,500 price range?

Also, would you say there's a whole lot of difference in sound quality between a two- or three-hundred dollar Pioneer SACD/DVD-A player and one of the more expensive brands? Or do I really need to focus more on the amp/receiver and speakers as far as sound quality is concerned? If so, which brands do you guys like? (For example, I've heard good things about Denon receivers, and bpape seems to agree that they're good.) And which brands should I avoid?

Thanks again,
Justin

 

[flyv65]

Flyv65: To clarify -- I suppose a 5.1 system is what he's looking for in order to take advantage of SACD and DVD-A multi-channel sound. Do you think it's a stretch to get a good system (including stands) in the $2,000 - $2,500 price range?

No, but I would say that depends on how you define "good": what I think might not match your opinion or more importantly, your father in law's. I think the Totem Dreamcathers are a screaming value for the price and is one of the more musical, affordable 5.1 speaker systems-but you're not going to find stands, interconnects, a multi-player, and a reccy/int. amp for $400 (well, maybe the stands...check the Parts Express website).

Also, would you say there's a whole lot of difference in sound quality between a two- or three-hundred dollar Pioneer SACD/DVD-A player and one of the more expensive brands? Or do I really need to focus more on the amp/receiver and speakers as far as sound quality is concerned? If so, which brands do you guys like? (For example, I've heard good things about Denon receivers, and bpape seems to agree that they're good.) And which brands should I avoid?

Thanks again,
Justin

I'm a big fan of Denon and think the 2805/2910 combo is a real trooper for performance, but I also think you won't be disappointed with Yamaha's offerings, or HK, or the Pioneer Elite stuff, either...and I still think the most important link in you musical chain is the speakers (then pay attention to room acoustics). I'd also consider used gear as well; have you ever checked out Audiogon.com? I saw a pair of B&W CDM9NTs for $1600 last week, if you were looking for some jammin' floor standers.

Bryan...but you've gotta know what you want...

 

[Rock&Roll Ninja]

The vast majority of SACD's have a 2-channel layer, the surround mix is an option. And given DVDA's craptacular selection, I wouldn't even bother because you'll also need a monitor.

My suggestion for $2500

Sources:
Sony DVD/SACD/CD player $130
Polk XM Tuner $200
Axiom M22Ti Loudspeakers $440
Axiom Ep500 Subwoofer $1200
NAD c320bee Integrated Amp $399


Then spend the rest on a rack

 

[bpape]

IMO, in that budget range for all of that equipment (assuming 5.1), the last thing I'd be concerned about is the player. The incremental benefits from upgrading the player will be miniscule in comparison to spending the same upgrade money on:

Better receiver with more power/better bass management

Better Sub

Better Front speakers

Don't get me wrong. A player can make a difference. Just, to me, in this case, I think the money is better spent elsewhere AS LONG AS the player has decent D/A conversion since SACD/DVD-A at this point require this to be done in the player.

If there was a little more money in the budget so he could use the Denon Link, then I'd say go that way but I don't believe that can be worked in this budget without taking a hit in quality somewhere else.

Just my 2 cents...

 

[jaxvon]

Personally, I'd go for a nice set of bookshelf speakers and a quality subwoofer in a two-channel setup. You might want to look into Paradigm (Studio 20), RBH, B&W, PSB, etc. For a sub, I think the EP500 is really overkill. I'd suggest that you go with something from Hsu, SVS, or Outlaw. Actually, if you can find a local hi-fi store, I'd suggest that you go in there and have a listen. A lot of shops are willing to set up a system for your budget and let you listen. Just be sure to not let them sell you expensive cables and waste your money.

Other brands...Onyx (check out AV123.com), Axiom, and maybe, if he's willing to deal with some largish speakers, Magnepan. Many of the companies I listed will offer some good floorstanding speakers that fit into your price range while leaving room for some quality electronics and accessories.