Need Some Advice

ryaneleven

Hey Everyone,

I am brand new to this forum, so firstly, hello. In the coming weeks, I am anticipating upgrading my stereo system. At the time i have a cheap BestBuy Sharp bookshelf.

I live in a medium sized apartment, and would like to start out with two good quality bookshelfs, and an amp/reciever. I listen to mostly heavy rock, some ambient, and many other intense and layered types of music. I like a heavy bass, so would prefer some bookshelves or even floorstanding speakers like the Monitor 70s, that would not require a sub to get heavy bass. I am also interested to hear any recommendations you may have for an amp/receiver. I'm looking to spend about $1,000-$2,000 overall.

Thanks in advance!
Ryan

ryaneleven

Wow all this knowledge on the boards and no one can help me out?

Ricardo

Welcome to the forum; sorry we are slow these days.

So, 1-2 grands overall...is this for the speakers and amp/receiver only, or the whole system?
Do you have a CD player already? If going with an amp, you'll need also a pre-amp....do you have one already?

And, for 2 grands you can get a pretty decent COMPLETE system (speakers, preamp, amp, source and c ables )

Oh, and forgot to ask...new or used? Many of us have learned that buying used you get a LOT more for your money...

reeltrouble1

Sorry Ryan the herd has been busy rounding the wagons for a kill.

OK so will you consider used? If so your dough will carry you quite a long ways toward a very nice 2 channel audio system. You might look here for used gear www.audiogon.com. Of couse there are new pieces you can get for a grand or above so let us know what you prefer and we can always come up with loads of choices or if you do a search there are tons of threads about gear.

It would be nice if we knew where you were located at, just might be someone near you has something to meet your need.

RT1

ryaneleven

Cool, thanks so much guys! Funny you mention it, because just this morning while doing some browsing, I just now started to consider the used market. I suppose before i had assumed that buying used I would be taking on slightly less quality, is that not the case? Does the fact that someone has used the equipment for a while not dimininsh sound quality? Oh, by the way I am in the San Francisco area.

Ricardo

When I came here a few years ago I thought that buying new was the only way to go; you know, customer service, warranty, returns, etc.
But I learned that the right way to go is buying used. Everything in my rig now is used, except for the cables and stands.
Buying in Audiogon.com, as long as the seller has decent feedback, has very little risk. Also here, in the FM you can get great deals for used gear, and safely if you buy from someone with feedback. You see, this hobby is all about trying new things and upgrading, so many of us have gone through half a dozen amps and speakers until you find something you really like. The used market is full of perfectly good gear.

ben62670

First welcome to Club Polk. Second what are you looking for in a system?
Ben

cfrizz

Welcome Ryan!

Buying quality used gear is just fine, will save you money, and keep you happy for years.

hockeyboy

Join club Onkyo and order one of these receiving a 10% discount as a club member. This has pre-outs, 1.3 capable, and is 4 ohm certified (unlike the 705). This should accommodate future upgrades.

http://www.onkyousa.com/model.cfm?m=TX-SR706&class=Receiver&p=i

Then pick up one of these for amplification.

http://emotiva.com/xpa5.html

That only leaves you $600 for speaks. You can get a pair of B&W 685 Bookshelves that are pretty awesome and will handle the bass.

http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/display.aspx?infid=2301&sc=ht

another great speaker for the money is here:

http://www.usheraudiousa.com/products/loudspeakers/usher-series/s-520-shielded


That gives you a nice system for 2K. You can add extra speakers as you budget permits.

ryaneleven

Guys thank you so much for the excellent advice. As of just now i have become of a very serious issue with my job and i will unfotunately not be receiving the bonus that i thought i was, thus putting a hold on any plans i had for this. I wish i had known this when i originally posted, but again i really appreciate you guys input and will definitely save it for future reference. Time to look for a new job!!

hockeyboy

That sucks! I got gypped out of my commission at work too. They owed me 72K and gave me 18K. I knew they were going to come up with some excuse because I had one hell of a year selling; and the incompetent louses didn't keep track of the math. I submitted my resignation but they asked me to stay since I have been there for 20 years. We'll see if they pony up but that is the straw that's breaking it I think for me.

ryaneleven

Oh man i totally hear you. Im in the same position, Sales, and my team did one hell of a quarter and insted of giving me what i expected, i see they deposited not even enough to cover a month of rent, after i work my butt off for months closing these deals. ARRGGH! It takes eight of these idiots to cut a check and they cant do it correctly, and rely on legal loopholes to gyp me out of whats coming. Im outta that crap-hole, if i were you i wouldn't stand for it, it sounds like they should value you more, but after being there for 20 years i suppose your perspective may be a bit different.

Ricardo

Sorry to hear that....just hang on there.....better times will come.

ryaneleven

Thanks Ricardo, much appreciated.