Stereo Setup/Components

[renton007]

I've recently been looking to upgrade my current stereo componets because I was able to pick up a turntable at Plan 9 in Richmond (Sony PS-1700).  
 
 What do you audiophiles have in your configuration?  I was thinking of getting some Bose 301's.  I've read some mixed reviews but when I've listened to them they sounded excellent to me.  
 Does anyone strongly recommend/oppose any certain makes or models?
 And since it'll be a factor in the decision making process, let say the budget for this is between $600-1000.

[chaz]

One thing I can say is stay away from Bose.  Great marketing, poor value.  Stay away, far away.
 
 When you say $600 - $1000, what does that include...just speakers or a new receiver as well?  If you're keeping some of your gear, what do you have now?  Do you want bookshelf speakers or floorstanders?
 
 Visit some of the higher end shops (not CC or BB) and listen to what they have and see what you like.  Speaker selection, more than any other component, depends on user preference.....Brand A and brand B may both be considered excellent speakers but you may prefer one over another due to its sonic qualities.
 
 I've got an HK receiver and an Epos speaker setup but I'm looking to upgrade my fronts in the next few months to something bigger.  Brands I'm looking at are Epos (again) Paradigm, Axiom, Green Mountain Audio, Gallo (in my dreams).  There's so many speaker makers out there it'll make your head explode.

[renton007]

600-1000 would be speakers, receiver and quality speaker wire.  I think 1000 would be way more than I need to spend. I'd like bookshelf speakers since it's not like I have a huge room to fill with sound, just a living room.
 I just want something that gives a full, robust, clear, strong (whatever other adjective you want to use) listening experience.
 It's be audio only, so nothing hooked up to the TV/DVD.
 The only componet I'd keep is my cd changer and turntable.

[chaz]

epos m5  
 
  epos els3
 
 You could get a 5.1 reciever and just use the l/r channels for now.  That way, if you ever wanted to you could add a sub which would really improve your listening experience considering you're looking at getting bookshelves which are going to be lacking at lower freqencies.
 
 For 2-channel try this...should be a great match with the epos as well-  NAD 320 BEE
 As far as cable goes, in this price range just about any 12 or 14 guage speaker wire will do fine.  Try home depot or even just buy it by the foot at myer emco or tweeter.  Stay away from Monster Cable....it's fine but overpriced.  More good marketing.

[Chromie]

Man there are so many awesome speakers and they all have their own sound.
 
 I would recommend a couple options.
 
 1. Go to  Deja Vu audio in Fairfax (http://www.dejavuaudio.com/) They specialize in tube technology therefore their speakers are all made to deal with the low wattage of tubes. Basically that means they are they are really efficiently built and will make better use of your wattage in making volume. They carry INSANELY expensive stuff but they also have stuff for the rest of us. Even if you don't buy anything there you need to see this place. It will change your fundamental concept of audio technology.
 
 2. Buy Canadian. The Canadian government sponsors some audio research so many of these companies make better products cheaper. Ones I have experience with are:
 
 Dahlquist (http://www.dahlquistcorporation.com/) (I own and love)
 Mirage (http://www.miragespeakers.com/) (I own and like a whole lot)
 Paradigm (http://www.paradigm.com/) (good speakers for rock, lots of bass)
 Energy (http://www.energy-speakers.com/) (I remember these being good but haven't heard in a while)
 Some of these are at Myer Emco http://www.myer-emco.com/
 
 3. Go on ebay and buy whatever KEF or B&W fits your price range. This is basically what I am going to do next time I buy. Of course there are obvious concerns when buying this way but great speakers like these just get broken in better over time if they are taken care of and you are getting a great deal buying used. I LOVE KEF but it is all personal taste really.
 
 Just listen a lot. If you go to Deja Vu, when you leave those Bose will sound like a distorted guitar amp.
 
 Of course once you get some good speakers then you are going to want to drive them better. Okay, I'll stop. I know I am an audio geek.

[yinzer]

i think a powered sub is a must.  do people agree?  a must.

[Chromie]

Chaz is right on. I would also recommend Denon or Adcom for low cost receivers. NAD is the bomb for quality on a budget. What we are telling you is going to push the 1k mark pretty hard though.

[chaz]

Originally posted by yinzer:
  i think a powered sub is a must.  do people agree?  a must.

It really depends on the l/r channels.

[renton007]

Deja vu' audios website just gave me a massive erection, it's too bad i don't have a large room i can dedicate just for music.  
 I do like the tube technology and am going to pay a visit to the store.

[Chromie]

Renton, Chaz,
 
 I just read that article on the NAD because you've gotten me interested in it now. Especially for $400. Renton, If you are considering it aware that it doesn't have phono in since you have a turntable.

[chaz]

Originally posted by Monad:
  Renton, Chaz,
 
 I just read that article on the NAD because you've gotten me interested in it now. Especially for $400. Renton, If you are considering it aware that it doesn't have phono in since you have a turntable.

Yeah I know but you can get a phono pre-amp for it.  I think Nad makes one for around $100.
 
 I see you have the sickness too, Monad.
 
 My wife hates this hobby of mine.  Once you upgrade something you've got a new weak link in the chain.  It never ends.  When I get the new speakers it'll be time to upgrade the reciever...either an Arcam avr300 or seperates....

[Chromie]

Yeah I don't go in audio stores anymore at all. I can't. I have directed all my energies to my guitar set up which is an equally sick drain of cash. I can't wait till renton visits Deja Vu. He will be ruined after that. Hahahahaha!!

[renton007]

I'm looking forward to visiting deja vu, especially since you can bring your own tunes to test drive the equipment.  I only hope I don't get sticker shock, which would be disheartening.  I hope to go there next weekend.

[Chromie]

Actually the owner told me that I could bring my own beer too.     Pretty laid back guys.
 
 You will get sticker shock. It is not uncommon to see price tags well into the 5 digit range. BUT you will hear how good audio can sound and see things like you have never seen before. Like I said they do offer cheaper things for regular people but I haven't been in a while to know how much.

[chaz]

These are on my short list now.  I can get a perfect pair over on audiogon for around $800!