Home Audio and HD Sound

[#1]

Hi guys, could you give me some ideas for a near-audiophile music system (speakers, receiver, CD player)? Thank you!

[#2]

There are two essential extra bits of information we need to know: 

a) how much do you want to spend?

b) is this system only going to be used for music, or do you also plan to use it in a home theatre system?

Message Edited by hb on 11-06-2009 06:49 PM

[#3]

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claranerissa wrote:
Hi guys, could you give me some ideas for a near-audiophile music system (speakers, receiver, CD player)? Thank you!

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 Depends on your budget. You can spend anywhere from 2k to 20k. In either situation some of the basics will remain the same, a setup for music usually consists of 2 floor standing speakers in stereo. Ideally you want these speakers to be as close to as full range as possible to negate the need for a subwoofer. For the amp you can go two routes, a stereo 2 channel amp if your on a budget, or seperate amps and processor if possible. There are many cd players on the market, one of the requirements would be it play sacd (super audio cd) for starters, or the ability to play back uncompressed digital formats. I would recommend looking into boutique audio shops for such a setup, as the options at future shop are limited in regards to equipment when it comes to audiophile or near audiophile equipment in regards to music.

Message Edited by cxz on 11-06-2009 09:46 PM

[#4]

This system will only be used for music. The budget is 2-3K.

What would you consider at FS? Please give details (brand) for each component. Thanks.

[#5]

With those parameters:

Energy RC-70 speakers ($2500 for a pair)

Harman Kardon HK-3490 2-channel stereo receiver ($600)

Sony CDP-CE375 CD player ($200) - not really "audiophile quality", but the best you can get at Future Shop in a standalone CD player

Though the total comes to $3300, you can probably negotiate a better price for the whole package with the salesperson you deal with.

Message Edited by hb on 11-06-2009 07:51 PM

[#6]

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hb wrote:

With those parameters:

Energy RC-70 speakers ($2500 for a pair)

Harman Kardon HK-3490 2-channel stereo receiver ($600)

Sony CDP-CE375 CD player ($200) - not really "audiophile quality", but the best you can get at Future Shop in a standalone CD player

Though the total comes to $3300, you can probably negotiate a better price for the whole package with the salesperson you deal with.

Message Edited by hb on 11-06-2009 07:51 PM

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This is completely correct in the choice of speakers and amplifier. All you may need to do is look else where for a cd player. Another route might be to take advantage of the Harmon Kardon receivers ability to connect to an ipod, and use that instead of the cd player in the mean time, until you can find one that is suitable. Good luck!

[#7]

I would pre-order the Martin Logan Source speakers which as superior musically to the RC-70s. The $1499 pre-order price for a pair is astoundingly good. The harman kardon receiver is good. I would consider looking elsewhere for a CD player though as Future Shop is severely limited. The quality of the source (in this case the CD player) is very important; especially with a three-thousand dollar budget.

[#8]

The Martin Logan Source Xstat Tower Speaker found here certainly is a great speaker - but right now on Nov 11 the $1499 price is for one speaker (not a pair).

[#9]

Consider the Energy CF-50 speakers - $1000 for the pair and sound incredible.