Used Stereo Recommendations before the dawn of HDMI(This will be my 1st Stereo)

[sholling]

In that case I would look at some type of micro system for the receiver, like Seth=L touts and get some good bookshelf speakers.

Micros are small and easy to move around but most are pretty limited. Honestly if the OP has a desktop PC then pair of powered studio monitors - possibly Audioengine's A5 (~$325) and a BIC F12 sub ($190 @ Amazon) and possibly an HT Omega Claro+ high-end sound card (on sale for $140) would be an ideal bedroom music system. It doesn't take up space for a receiver and the OP can always add a second sub if he feels bass deprived.

Otherwise a real receiver is a good choice.

*Disclaimer I have not heard the A5 or the BIC and I'm just using them as examples because of their reviews.

 

[timmay8612]

Greetings from south of the river I presume you're up at the U. I will say I've had great luck with finding used mid-fi gear here in the cities on craigslist. All of the gear in my sig with the exception of the display and the receiver (ebay) were all purchased used, locally.

Personally, part of me thinks you'd be better off buying the best used speakers you possibly could, whether they be bookshelves or floorstanders is probably dependent upon whats available and what you decide you'd like to move around. Given that eventually you're going to want to turn your music listening bedroom system into a theater system later, seems like you won't be out anything by investing in better speakers now and buying a receiver with the HDMI bells and whistles later. The cheapy receiver you buy now can continue life as a bedroom/garage receiver eventually.

Last I checked there were multiple sellers in the cities area unloading Paradigm and B&W (bowers & wilkins) gear for reasonable prices. Assuming thats a sound you like, that would be a better place to start that low end bookshelves purchased new, IMO.

Paradigm Monitor 9s - http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/ele/2005214386.html

Paradigm Studio 40 - http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ram/ele/1990830503.html

Here is a full 5.1 system based around some older Paradigm Titans, ok if you have to have multi channel now, but better to go with quality over quantity IMO
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hnp/ele/1968261844.html

Do a search on craigs for bowers & wilkins, I'm seeing like 3 pair under $400.

Good luck.

 

[GranteedEV]

Start with some Usher S520s or EMP E41-B

Then with the other 200 dollars start a lemonade stand to get a receiver and sub =(

 

[pulsemod441]

Greetings from south of the river I presume you're up at the U. I will say I've had great luck with finding used mid-fi gear here in the cities on craigslist. All of the gear in my sig with the exception of the display and the receiver (ebay) were all purchased used, locally.

Personally, part of me thinks you'd be better off buying the best used speakers you possibly could, whether they be bookshelves or floorstanders is probably dependent upon whats available and what you decide you'd like to move around. Given that eventually you're going to want to turn your music listening bedroom system into a theater system later, seems like you won't be out anything by investing in better speakers now and buying a receiver with the HDMI bells and whistles later. The cheapy receiver you buy now can continue life as a bedroom/garage receiver eventually.

Last I checked there were multiple sellers in the cities area unloading Paradigm and B&W (bowers & wilkins) gear for reasonable prices. Assuming thats a sound you like, that would be a better place to start that low end bookshelves purchased new, IMO.

Paradigm Monitor 9s - http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/dak/ele/2005214386.html

d luck.

Yes, I am at the U. And thanks for the advice. I like the idea of picking up good speakers and an older receiver. Then start worrying about a sub woofer. And in in the future, when I desire a nice receiver for a home theater, look at something nice.

Those Paradigm Monitor 9s... those look pretty sweet. For 400 dollars is that a good deal or just fair?

John

 

[timmay8612]

Honestly I'd have to refer to ebay or audiogon for pricing, so I'll just direct you there. Be sure and listen first!