System for the sister...

Ace944gs

Ok, so I've got the task of setting my sister up with something for her to listen to music with. To let you know where she's coming from, she wants to get an Ipod Bose speaker dock. I threw up a little in my mouth when she said this, but I managed to compose myself quick enough to convince her this would not be allowed in the family.

Budget: $400-500

Room size/attributes: 1 room city apt (medium size studio), high ceilings, wood floor, area rug.

Usage:
-For the time being, 100% music. No tv (yet...thats the next convincing job I'm up for, and she agrees...but still won't need more than 2.1).
-Ipod connectivity scores points with the sister (she pays for drinks that night or something...).
-She's not picky at all when it comes to music (as if that wasn't clear), and she is all about looks/design/functionality (in that order).

Here is what I'm thinking:

HK 140 (from CC- comes w/ free Ipod dock this week! I'm the best brother ever! ) $299.99 (who knows, maybe w/ open box even a better deal)
Polk Monitor 30s (CC 199.99)
DVD/CD combo: anything from CC
Speaker cables/ICs: Radioshack- cheap

Total: 500 + tax

What are your thoughts for this? I think its got good looks, has Ipod dock, but has no bass. I've never REALLY listened to the Monitor 30s, and havn't found much in the way of reviews for their bass response. I know we're probably all biased toward good bass, but this is for an apartment (thin walls) for someone who up to now has used laptop speakers as her "stereo". Can I get away w/o a sub?

FYI- I probably can talk her up to spending $600 (maybe). Also, CCity is being looked at bc I only have 1.5 days to buy & set up, so mail ordering is less desireable, but ok if necessary. I can always come back in to set up.

Any recommendations/feedback/advice are welcome!!

Thanks in advance

tommyboy

Is she ever going to upgrade to surround? If she is just going to use it for stereo, why don't you just buy a cheaper stereo reciever and buy better speaks. For music, I would go with a cheaper stereo reciever over and 7.1 more expensive surround reciever any day, IMO of course.

danger boy

Polk Audio makes a IPod speaker docking station.. if she's really set on one of those.

AndyGwis

Hey, those monitor 30's are onsale from Tweeter (called t20-ebs) for $79.99 shipped. Don't buy them from CC for $200. They are the same thing except they have slightly more black trim.

Just a heads up! I got an extra pair of them sitting in my kitchen. Don't need them right now, but too good of a deal to pass up.

Also, if you go to Tweeter and shop there for the receiver as well, I'm sure you could convince them to throw in a PSW10 sub for cheap. They're trying to get rid of them at the Tweeter near me.

Ace944gs

Tommyboy- any recs for the stereo reciever? I can be exactly 100,000,000% sure there will be no upgrading in the future. I was looking at the HK b/c of the design + the Ipod + I own the 635 and LOVE it. Any ideas are welcome!

tommyboy

see the problem with me is that I worked at circuit city, so their product is pretty much the only equipment I am familiar with... So what I recommend is the onkyo tx8011 or 8511, both are OOP but you can get at

http://www.ecost.com/ecost/ecsport/shop/detail~dpno~185910.asp

for some cheap prices. If anyone has different opinions on other products, please give your opinion. The only comparison I have with stereo recievers is a sony!:p