Looking for home audio / STEREO advice

[Eskimo_Joe]

For the last several years, I've been running my music through my computer (iTunes & Rhapsody). Lately though, I've been considering buying a nice traditional stereo that could play my iTunes and Rhapsody, plus a record player for vinyl.

Questions:

What would you do?

For traditional stereos, what are some good brands to look at for components and speakers?

[amigo30]

You sound like you would really like a Peachtree Audio integrated with Paradigm or Era speakers. Many people find Paradigm to be among the best until you get to the mega-high-end.

You're tied into the digital world, yet want good audio. That's exactly what Peachtree Audio is trying to do. They even use tubes in the preamp section. Check them out at http://www.signalpathint.com (http://www.signalpathint.com/) If you're getting into home theater at all, some of the Pioneer Elite and Denon receivers might be what you're looking for.

Whatever you do, don't buy junk. People tend to hold on to stereo systems for a long time. Ask yourself how much enjoyment do you want from your recorded music for the next 15 years.

Also, if you can do it, get a good turntable. You'll find yourself not wanting to listen to digital ANYTHING ever again. If your budget is low, start with a Pro-ject turntable. If you've got some more cash to toss at the system, try a Clearaudio Emotion or a VPI Scout.

Good luck with it.

[svenhoek]

On the used market, for tremendous bang for the buck, look for Audiolab, the Mission Cyrus series, or the Linn Classik.

You can get into an old Mission Cyrus for less than $200 and the sound is fantastic. Tons of deals on speakers out there, avoid Bose, look for B&W, Mission, etc. Paradigms are nice too, great value, though I prefer to spend a bit more for British made, though that's just my preference.

[Turbozag]

Adcom

[oxtone]

Look at: www.higherfi.com (http://www.higherfi.com) for serious Hi Fi stuff!

[Traintrack]

I have a Pass Labs system that I have not listed yet. That's what I would buy. It's the greatest audio deal that you can ever hope to find ( I am not kidding). X250 Power amp and a X 2.5 Pre.
Around 3.5 K for both, you are set for life. If you are familiar with Pass and their pricing you can see that this is a killer deal. (insert drool icon here)

http://www.10audio.com/images/Pass_X250-5_a.jpg

I also have to sell a 3 way B+W speaker set up that I need to roll. I have been dragging my feet because I do not want to part with this system.

[cheetah77]

If you're on a budget, look into the 70s classics, Marantz, Pioneer etc. In my flat broke days (early 2000), I assembled a Marantz 2238b, a Rotel turntable and a pair of Advent Large for $290.00.

[loudboy]

If you're on a budget, look into the 70s classics, Marantz, Pioneer etc. In my flat broke days (early 2000), I assembled a Marantz 2238b, a Rotel turntable and a pair of Advent Large for $290.00.

Yup, and you can get' em for about $50-75 now, at garage sales.

[loudboy]

I have a Pass Labs system that I have not listed yet. That's what I would buy. It's the greatest audio deal that you can ever hope to find ( I am not kidding). X250 Power amp and a X 2.5 Pre.
Around 3.5 K for both, you are set for life. If you are familiar with Pass and their pricing you can see that this is a killer deal. (insert drool icon here)

http://www.10audio.com/images/Pass_X250-5_a.jpg

I also have to sell a 3 way B+W speaker set up that I need to roll. I have been dragging my feet because I do not want to part with this system.

That'll really make his Ipod sound great... <g>

[pak1351]

relevant to my interests

[JPF]

The Peach Tree and Pass Labs gear look fantastic - thanks for the heads' up!

[Traintrack]

That'll really make his Ipod sound great... <g>

:bumpbump

[skillet]

Checkout a Squeezebox or a Sonos type system for playing your music if you want to keep it digital. I have a Squeezebox Duet and I love it. I rip all of my CDs to FLAC format and have them on a small Linux server running the Squeezebox server software (free); it's basically like an iPod click-wheel interface with the Duet remote (there's actually a few 3rd party iPhone apps, I have one of those that I use nowadays). Album artwork, playlists, etc, in the palm of your hand. It can do streaming radio (Pandora, etc -- I think it can do Rhapsody nowadays, not sure as I don't really use those services).

I highly recommend you go to some speaker or home theater stores and demo some speakers, amps, etc. Make sure you want to invest in good stuff before you put the money down, and definately know what you're getting before you do put the money down. For some people, iTunes quality is 'good enough', and that's fine, just make sure you find out where you stand before you start swiping your credit card.

Almost everything I own, except my amp, was bought used -- some great deals to be had if you look around. Do research on AVS Forums. Check AudiogoN and similar sites for used deals.

[mdog114]

If you're on a budget, look into the 70s classics, Marantz, Pioneer etc. In my flat broke days (early 2000), I assembled a Marantz 2238b, a Rotel turntable and a pair of Advent Large for $290.00.

Bingo

[joolzriff]

i fancy LINN my self...love their audio gear ad their turntables are superb......or if u got cash a Wilson Benesch turntable

[guitarist58]

If you're on a budget, look into the 70s classics, Marantz, Pioneer etc. In my flat broke days (early 2000), I assembled a Marantz 2238b, a Rotel turntable and a pair of Advent Large for $290.00.

:agree Most definitely, the pre integrated circuit stuff is awesome bang for the buck.

[nitehawk55]

Nothing wrong with the brands ( Sony , Panasonic, Pioneer...etc) made in Japan into the 80's either . Once they started going away from MIJ stuff the quality really dropped . Good systems and speakers can be found pretty cheap , you do not have to buy new high end stuff to start with . Do some research on the internet , lots of useful info :phones

[funkle]

You sound like you would really like a Peachtree Audio integrated with Paradigm or Era speakers.

:aok:aok:aok

The Era's are great, and very affordable - even cheaper used. The Peachtree Nova is great too.

But whatever you do, if you are using your computer as the source. Get an outboard DAC. It will make a huge difference over using the computer soundcard. Everything gets tighter, more focused, and more fun/less fatiguing to listen to. The Nova has a built in DAC. There are some really great standalone DACs out there starting at around $300. I got a Little Dot DAC which is basically built to Cambridge DacMagic specs for a few hundred less.

Aside from the DAC revolution, a few other recent trends in the market are:

Class-T amps. These are basically low power digital amps that are super cheap, tiny and light, that have caused a LOT of buzz. They are very musical, and can be had for a song. There was a little $40 amp that audiophiles were comparing favorably to amps costing a LOT more. Now here are some even better ones costing $200-600. They don't put out a lot of power though.

Chinese HiFi. A bunch of Chinese companies have started making components that are really good for a fraction of what you'd pay for something US/EU designed. Often they are knockoffs of well known high end design, but many of them use top quality components.

Check out Obad Imports (http://www.obadimports.com/) and Pacific Valves (http://www.pacificvalve.us/) for some of these goodies.

[mannish]

I have Paradigm speakers and have done many years - VERY pleased. I used NAD intergrated amp and another room a kenwood reciever. the NAD is great. Onyko was the worst I have owned

[joolzriff]

On the used market, for tremendous bang for the buck, look for Audiolab, the Mission Cyrus series, or the Linn Classik.

You can get into an old Mission Cyrus for less than $200 and the sound is fantastic. Tons of deals on speakers out there, avoid Bose, look for B&W, Mission, etc. Paradigms are nice too, great value, though I prefer to spend a bit more for British made, though that's just my preference.yep listen to that....i bought a used LINN system (floorless) i cant afford the turntable yet LP12 but u just gota have it,it makes cds sound extinct

[funkle]

I have Paradigm speakers and have done many years - VERY pleased. I used NAD intergrated amp and another room a kenwood reciever. the NAD is great. Onyko was the worst I have owned

I've had some NAD stuff. It sounds great when it works. My amp died twice, and others I know have had similar experiences. I'd look at other brands like Rotel as a more reliable alternative. Thumbs up on Paradigm speakers though.

[Doug's Tubes]

Rega turntables, Manley Labs hifi, Rega or Joseph Audio speakers
http://www.rega.co.uk/html/p3.htm

http://www.manleylabs.com/containerpages/stingrayitube.html

http://www.josephaudio.com/JosephAudio/Products.html

http://www.rega.co.uk/index2.htm

[oldschoolguy]

Traditional you say? McIntosh Anniversary stuff--built pretty much to the old specs but updated. Spendy. Pre-'90 McIntosh gear was really cool.

[jefesq]

http://www.audiogon.com/

[harryjmic]

There's all kinds of stuff and you could spend yourself broke doing so. Check out a place called Audiogon, they sell dealer demos and have used equipment and reviews from owners.

I bought a Plinius 8150 Integrated amplifier off that site for $1000. This amp new was $3000, it is tremendous and really a state of the art piece.

For speakers here are some good brands - ProAc, Vienna Acoustics, Magnapan, Thiel, and others I can't remember now.

I wish i could remember all the brands, but it's been a while. :(

If you spend $3000 to $5000 you can get some serious sounding stuff.

[Jono]

Just a quick FYI, I did a thread on 70's / 80's Hi-Fi a couple weeks back and got a ton of responses on what to look out for. If you're trawling Craigslist for the vintage bargains, I suggest a read!

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=673325