Home stereos

[cosmos]

What kind of home stereo setups do y'all have? I'm starting from scratch and could use some ideas.

Thanks!

[Who Shot Sam?]

Denon DRA-295 receiver, Technics SL-1210 turntable (with pre-amp attached), Marantz CD5001 CD player, Yamaha N5 125F speakers. I wish the speakers had a bit more low end, but they save space and put out plenty of power for my little office. I may invest in a sub-woofer at some point. The Marantz CD player is the newest addition and is just awesome - audiophile quality for about $300.

[ice nine]

I concurr with WSS on the Marantz CD. There are plenty of CD players out there, but for $300 bucks the sound quality rivals the more expensive ones. I also use a Rotell pre-amp which is about twenty years old. It sounds like it's time for a new one

[Emotional Toothpaste]

I'm not completely up on all the latest stereo stuff, but 20 years ago I was.

I have a 2 year old Onkyo receiver that I bought after lightning claimed my old Yamaha amp from a rack system minus the speakers. Not sure of the model or the exact specs, but the Onkyo is way more than enough power to drive my pair of 20 year old Bose 401's. Those speakers still sound brand new, even through the abuse I put them through in those early years. Crystal clear, good in all ranges, all styles of music, and all volumes. I'm going to stop right there. I don't want to jinx this by discussing those speakers anymore . . . . they've been absolutely great. Also hooked up to the Onkyo is a pair of outdoor Bose something or other for the screen porch. They're decent for where they sit. CD player is a Sony, single disc play. Monster cable connecting it all and good quality patch cords. Spend your money on a solid amp/receiver, then the best speakers and cable you can afford to connect them. Not sure most ears can detect the difference in a high end CD player vs. mid-to low range, especially if you're connecting it with tin. Turn-tables may be a different story, but unfortunately I didn't catch that boat. Still have the dual-cassette tape deck, but it is awfully lonely these days!

High quality speakers and amps is where it matters most. Hell, even an Ipod nano hooked up to a kick ass amp and a kick ass pair of speakers won't disappoint.

[bambooneedle]

You virtually have to become an expert, there are so many variables that contribute to ultimate sound.. and I'm paranoid about things soon becoming superseded by superior and more versatile stuff (eg. wireless, interfacing with home theatre, computer, and HD etc) that is less expensive. I want to really know a lot before spending serious cash. There is some really detailed information at this forum, lots of useful tips - http://www.avforums.com/index.php

[cosmos]

Very cool - thanks for the info, everybody!

Much appreciated!