Re: OT - Stereo recommendation

Thanks for all the input guys. I hadn't really considered refurbishing my
old stuff because I assumed, perhaps incorrectly, that the new stuff is way
superior to the old. You are all telling me that isn't the case? Would
someone with a good ear agree with this you think?

Anyway, the info you guys provide is great - glad I posted this --- more are
welcome to chime in!

I guess now I gotta find someone around here who works on these dinosaurs..


<fastlundy@xxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:1182783165.618745.255520@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Jim,

I was in the same boat about a year ago -- my old Harmon Kardon
receiver lasted about 25 years!

The re-education process is tough -- there's so much more to consider
(if you're like me and hadn't stayed on top of it).

A lot depends on the room you're using. Will you be integrating your
system into a television -- if not now, in the next few years? If
yes, then your cd player should be able to play DVDs. When I bought
my system, I was thinking primarily about using it for MUSIC - that's
what I care about most (from receiver to cd player to speakers). But
it made sense to keep it central and integrate into our tv as well.

Since you're sort of building from scratch here, consider that the
best quality and easiest cable connection format now is HDMI.
Thinking about the future, I'd make sure your new components have HDMI
connections (especially if you end up integrating with a hi-def
television at some point.

Are you looking at two main speakers or a surround system? If you
integrate with your television, you should consider doing a surround
sound set-up -- also, there are some music CDs worth buying as high-
def audio/5.1 surround (DVD Audio or SACD).

Here is an awesome site to do some research.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/
Don't buy anything without doing some reading here first! As you
suggested, many of the best quality, best-priced equipment is
available direct only. Huge value compared to the equivalent retail
price after mark-up.

I did tons of research (which was sort of fun for me), and ended up
with a receiver, cd/dvd player, and speakers for just under $2,000
(same general ballpark as you).

CD Player: This is the CD/DVD player I went with (has won all kinds
of awards, and is very affordable, available online only)
http://www.oppodigital.com/

Speakers: Here is the speaker system I went with -- *very* informative
website, and some of the best customer service I've ever encountered
(these speakers are far better than anything I would ever have found
and afforded in a store -- available online only)
http://www.orbaudio.com/

Receivers: These days some of the better *mid-priced* receivers are
Onkyo, Denon, Yamaha ($800-$1000).
I bought this one only because it was on sale vs. a similar Denon, but
would have gone either way (http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Onkyo-7-1-
Channel-Home-Theater-Receiver-Black-TX-SR805/sem/rpsm/oid/184107/rpem/
ccd/productDetail.do)

Good luck!

PaulLundquist
FastLundy


On Jun 24, 12:56 pm, "Jim Ferris" <ggbra...@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Been a while since I've posted here but still keep track of things around
this ng - very helpful.

After about 30 years with my old stereo system, Harmon Kardon / Philips /
Ohm setup, it is time to buy something new. That system has been through
a
lot of experiences and I am glad it cannot talk!

So, say for around $1500 give or take, what is something I should be
looking
at for receiver/cd/speakers setup? Used to be the better stuff wasn't
sold
in the mass chains..what about now? What are the better brands for a
fairly
descriminating taste level?

Thanks.




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