upgrading in steps

hellohello

hello, i was wondering if i could get an opinion on a "starter" 2 ch setup. What I have now is an RCA bookshelf system with a blown left speaker, i was considering getting a set of R15's to replace those speakers for now, with perhaps a new radio/cd player at a later date (when finances permit). So i was just wondering if the R15's could handle Latin music, lots of percussion and a good amount of bass. I dont know much about polk home audio, i do own a set of DB650's for the car, and theyre friggin sweet.

marker

Get a used pair of RT25i in good shape to begin with. Later on a good, small and musical sub like the NHT SW10II or like.

Get a good used intergrated amp and CD player like those from NAD and Cambridge Audio, or a 2 channel stereo receiver like from HK, Denon, Onkyo, etc.

Just some ideas.

steveinaz

Buy "used" gear where feasable. It allows you to get better equipment at lower prices. Just make sure you're buying from reputible sources.

hellohello

Ok, so basically the best way to go would be to get used, makes sense. Anyone know of any good places online or near Philadelphia PA? I would go to ebay, were it not so evil, lol.

steveinaz

I was thinking Ebay or Audiogon. Ebay is ok, you just have to look at seller feedback, policies, etc., before bidding. Ask for extra pictures of items as well, close-ups.

hellohello

Are there any other models/brands i should look into?

marker

If you want some VERY reasonably priced, quality new gear from a ruputable dealer, you could do a lot worse than the C A gear from Audio Advisor or Spearit sound.

Schris22

I'm using two r15's with an Onkyo 8211.

This is a fine set up but not for critical listening...I use it for sleepy music/ambient music...if I want to listen to something than I'll go to my R50's...which aren't that great compared to others...but

r15's at fry's for 49 bucks pops up and this is a great deal to get you started for "non critical listening"

Chris

marker

Or to up the budget, this is a killer little rig:

http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=processors&product=33.1

Airplay355

I think the best way to start a system if you are serious about it is to shoot for atleast one piece of gear you know you won't need to upgrade later, and then settle for lesser gear that you know you will upgrade anyway. Like I bought an integrated amp that pretty much emptied my wallet. Then I settled on buying Lsi7's because they are very nice, but alot less expensive the lsi15's which i'd rather have. Now atleast I know I won't have to upgrade my power source again, only my speakers. If I bought a cheaper amp and lsi9's I would have had to upgrade the power source and the speakers to be happy.

Everyone might not agree, but I say blow as much cash on 1 thing as you can just as you still have enough to complete the system to get you by for now.

hellohello

man, this stuff is kinda expensive, i was lookin at the links u guys provided, and the one system is 1,000... very nice, but i have kids who like to listen to music, loud.. (which im thinking is the reason i have to get new speakers) I dont let them use my radio, but u know how kids are.... I dont want to go overboard and spend that much only to have <someone> destroy it, thats why i was lookin at the r15's, only $50 and can handle what the RCA puts out. I want to get a new CD player/amplifier bc this one has trouble with some of my cds, but again, i have two little monsters and a teen... so im a lil paranoid

ND13

Just get yourself one of the many home theater's in a box (HTIB).
You can pick one up from a reputable manufacturer for $400-500 and everything you'll need is included, except maybe some cables.
Onkyo, Pioneer, Yamaha, JVC, etc,etc. all have them. I would probably stick with the Onkyo, myself, but go out and demo a few and get one during a sale.

Do you have a Fry's, HH Gregg, or Tweeter in your area?

If you have a Fry's, they have sales on the Onkyo HTIBs weekly.

My reasoning for recommending a HTIB is that he'll get to also replace that RCA at the same time with a semi-decent receiver with, I would have to guess, tons more power. It will suffice for two-channel also. Will it be perfect, of course not, but it'll be better than what he is using at this time. Plus the added HT features to boot. And if the kids were to mess with it, he'd not be out tons of $$$.:)

Shizelbs

Another nod from me on going the used route. You'll find that most people who buy decent audio gear, generally, are going to take good care of it as well.

Hang out here. Post, read, read, and keep reading. Get your learn on. Keep your eye on the Flea Market, Audiogon, and your local craiglist.

If I could be in your shoes again I would keep two things in mind. Buy used, but more than you think you'll want, and always leave an upgrade path open.

organ

What receiver are you using?

To add to Noel's HTiB list, definitely check out the Tannoy "5.1". We sell them at work and I heard them powered by a Yamaha receiver. Incredible sound for their price/performance. IMO, it's the best micro HTiB for the money. I belive they're on clarance for $500CDN now so it should be cheaper in the US.

Since you asked for a 2ch system, the one's I'd check out are the Polk RT25i, PSB Alpha1(I think), Paradigm Atom and Klipsch RB-15. They're all about the same price. Demo as many speakers as you can and buy the one you like most.

Maurice

marker

Cambridge Audio link now fixed in other post.

hellohello

thanks for the craigslist suggestion, didnt know that existed.