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Mr Peabody
05-01-2010, 09:27 AM
Here's the situation, my mom brought over her new Il Divo CD to listen on my system. Seemed harmless enough but now she's like, "wehn I put this in my car or home player it don't sound like yours". I could piece her a system together from stuff I have around and let her use it but she's in an apartment so space is a premium. I was thinking about maybe something for Mother's Day/Birthday like a mini system or all-in-one system. So I need a great bang for the buck deal. I read some where that either the Cambridge or Creek mini components were pretty bad but I can't remember which it was. I'm not sure she would like NAD and it's mom, I don't think NAD is all that stylish. The less money the better but I had considered the Shanling MC30 which I can get around $650.00 refurbed. That has the CD and everything so not so bad but pushing the budget. Plus with the MC30 I'd have to come up with some efficient speakers. I could lend her my Forte but again space is a premium.

So shoot me some options, either all-in-one quality units or budget entry level that are giant killers. Also simplicity is a must. I browsed around Spearitsound some but any other deals around?

Feanor
05-01-2010, 10:41 AM
If your mother is anything like my late mother, she'd prefer unobtrusive. The Shanling is smallish, pretty, and probably sounds pretty good but isn't exactly unobtrusive ...

http://www.charismaaudio.com/MC30CLOSE.jpg

How about the NAD C715 ...

http://nadelectronics.com/img/img.php?100211124017-C715BEE-front.jpg/640

... and a pair of PBS Alpha B1's ...

http://www.psbspeakers.com//Images/Speakers/Alpha1/Alpha_B1.jpg

manlystanley
05-01-2010, 10:54 AM
So shoot me some options, either all-in-one quality units or budget entry level that are giant killers. Also simplicity is a must. I browsed around Spearitsound some but any other deals around?


This could be a really good deal for yourself. How often do you need to buy her a present and don't have a clue what to get. S, you can gradually build her a system. I'd suggest not getting everything at once, but think of a immediate 'big bang' and then an upgrade path as well.

Best Regards,
Stan

Mr Peabody
05-01-2010, 11:09 AM
I was looking at the C715 or L54, leaning toward the L54 for the extra power. Opinions on looks? I'm also wondering if she'd have problems operating either. The C715 is just CD I believe, I didn't see any video features so it may be simpler.

Stan, I at least need to get CD playback.

Ajani
05-01-2010, 11:39 AM
Here's the situation, my mom brought over her new Il Divo CD to listen on my system. Seemed harmless enough but now she's like, "wehn I put this in my car or home player it don't sound like yours". I could piece her a system together from stuff I have around and let her use it but she's in an apartment so space is a premium. I was thinking about maybe something for Mother's Day/Birthday like a mini system or all-in-one system. So I need a great bang for the buck deal. I read some where that either the Cambridge or Creek mini components were pretty bad but I can't remember which it was. I'm not sure she would like NAD and it's mom, I don't think NAD is all that stylish. The less money the better but I had considered the Shanling MC30 which I can get around $650.00 refurbed. That has the CD and everything so not so bad but pushing the budget. Plus with the MC30 I'd have to come up with some efficient speakers. I could lend her my Forte but again space is a premium.

So shoot me some options, either all-in-one quality units or budget entry level that are giant killers. Also simplicity is a must. I browsed around Spearitsound some but any other deals around?

The Cambridge Mini would have to be the ones you heard were bad... Creek doesn't have mini systems: just headphone amps and a very well regarded passive pre....

I'm not a NAD fan, so I'd more likely opt for the Shanling or something similiar... and the Fortes would be a good match (sensitivity wise) with the Shanlings...

frenchmon
05-01-2010, 11:39 AM
How about one of these?

Onkyo

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/5195/h580csv720fp2273524.jpg (http://img693.imageshack.us/i/h580csv720fp2273524.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Denon
http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/3854/p033dm37sbkfdg2336045.jpg (http://img689.imageshack.us/i/p033dm37sbkfdg2336045.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Yammie
http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4518/yammcr330bl2606822.jpg (http://img8.imageshack.us/i/yammcr330bl2606822.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

frenchmon
05-01-2010, 11:46 AM
you could always go with one of these

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/6904/wrgglg3081511th.jpg (http://img28.imageshack.us/i/wrgglg3081511th.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)

Jack in Wilmington
05-01-2010, 12:00 PM
Here's the perfect solution. Your Mom likes your system, your system is at your place. See where I'm going.................. Hello Roomie.

LeRoy
05-01-2010, 12:53 PM
Speaker options; MS 902i and Cambridge Audio S30.

Also you may want to investigate:
Sinclair
http://www.sinclairaudio.com/index.html

Amplification:
http://store.virtueaudio.com/

Source:
Emotiva

An all in one system option:
http://www.whathifi.com/Review/Marantz-M-CR502/

Happy researching...

LeRoy

blackraven
05-01-2010, 01:15 PM
How about the Music Hall Trio-

http://www.musichallaudio.com/detail.php?p=21

Pair this with some PSB B-15's, PSB Alpha B-1's or NHT Zero's.

Another option would be to piece together a system with any of these amps-

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-383

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=302-601

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=310-2002

And these preamps-

http://www.pacificvalve.us/XianshengDAC01.html

http://grantfidelity.com/site/Grant_Fidelity_Tube_DAC-09

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=PAZAMPV3

blackraven
05-01-2010, 02:45 PM
Here are several Mini Yamaha systems-

http://www.yamaha.com/yec/minisystems.html?CTID=5002800&LGFL=Y

Mr Peabody
05-01-2010, 04:31 PM
Thanks for the suggestions.

Isn't the Creek Evolution stuff supposed to be mini size or something?

I saw the Music Hall Trio and it's supposed to sound great but price is getting up there.

That Marantz is interesting but I don't think it's available in the U.S. or scarce. I also saw a quoted price in USD ofr nearly $800.00. As a side note Accessories For Less has a refurb of the $2k Blu Ray player for $599.00.

I wonder how that Audio Source stuff sounds. I also thought of Trends. Not sure how good the Yamaha would sound.

If I'm going "space saver" it looks like there's going to be a compromise on either sound or a crimp in my wallet.

Oh, and Jack, wrong direction my friend. She's looking for a new place too coincidently. Her nerves couldn't take my household though :)

frenchmon
05-01-2010, 04:54 PM
MrP...how much is she into music? I mean nothing that we showed here is going to sound like your system. So you really need to think what it is you really think she will enjoy. Most of us here are audio hobbyist and love music as much as the gear...but if I where you, i would be reasonable about this purchase. What is she using now? How much does she play music? I know its mom but if she does not have a trained ear like most of us here, do you think she will notice a Creek mini system will sound better than a good Yammie system? Every one in my family loves music and buy CD's and they love my system, but they also enjoy the stuff at best buy and they say it sounds just as good. But only you know mom...and we can never repay mom for the up bringing and nurturing she has done for us....and we all love mom, so nothing wrong with going all out for mom...for what I know she may be an audiohobbyist but if she is not, then it may not matter that you don't get her a pricey Creek mini system or something like that...a lesser good system may just do the trick. Only trying to bring some perspective....and if I have over stepped here, my apologies.

frenchmon

Mr Peabody
05-01-2010, 05:18 PM
That's alright Frenchmon I have been thinking the same thing. She has not been an enthusiast in the past. But she dated a guy who got her into Jazz and took her to several concerts. She surprised me by coming over with the CD and wanting to hear it on my system so maybe she is beginning to blume :) I'm not rich either. I'd love to get her a Music Hall Trio, the reviews are great. But I'd be pushing it to get a NAD L54. How do you think those look? I haven't heard the Yamaha but I hate to get something that just sounds like a glorified boombox. Speaking of which, she is just using a JVC mini system now but this is the first time she's been unhappy with it. I just wanted to get something a bit above average, a bit of the audiophilia. Hard to find on a budget.

Jack in Wilmington
05-01-2010, 05:31 PM
Thanks for the suggestions.

Isn't the Creek Evolution stuff supposed to be mini size or something?

I saw the Music Hall Trio and it's supposed to sound great but price is getting up there.

That Marantz is interesting but I don't think it's available in the U.S. or scarce. I also saw a quoted price in USD ofr nearly $800.00. As a side note Accessories For Less has a refurb of the $2k Blu Ray player for $599.00.

I wonder how that Audio Source stuff sounds. I also thought of Trends. Not sure how good the Yamaha would sound.

If I'm going "space saver" it looks like there's going to be a compromise on either sound or a crimp in my wallet.

Oh, and Jack, wrong direction my friend. She's looking for a new place too coincidently. Her nerves couldn't take my household though :)

Maybe a quiet little place along the Mississippi for Mom. Well back to your problem. Bit of a sticky wicket. Mom has heard your speakers and if she has a discerning ear like her son, it could be a tough job. Your Mom is going to wind up with the sound system that's the envy of the bridge club or whatever.

blackraven
05-02-2010, 05:37 AM
Why not just buy her the Onkyo 8255 or HK 3380 receiver and find a used Oppo 980 or 981 and then a pair of nice speakers. The Hk will have a warmer sound which might be better for a budget system.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001AMSPQI/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=4373970325&ref=pd_sl_36pksyfn9i_e

Inexpensive and good sound. Put most of the money to the speakers. It sounds like she really enjoyed your system and getting some nice speakers with a decent inexpensive receiver and CD player will give her the best possible sound for less money.

LeRoy
05-02-2010, 09:23 AM
Check these pages out for mini systems.
http://www.wildwestelectronics.net/mini-stereo-systems.html

http://www.audioadvisor.com/products.asp?dept=135

http://www.onecall.com/ProductSearch.aspx?N=244

http://www.crutchfield.com/g_120900/Shelf-Systems.html?tp=209

I forgot to include these links in my previous post.

Here is the link for the M.S. 902i's
http://www.needledoctor.com/Brand-Stores/Mordaunt-Short

Here is the link for the C.A. S-30's
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=CAS30

Feanor
05-02-2010, 10:34 AM
That's alright Frenchmon I have been thinking the same thing. She has not been an enthusiast in the past. But she dated a guy who got her into Jazz and took her to several concerts. She surprised me by coming over with the CD and wanting to hear it on my system so maybe she is beginning to blume :) I'm not rich either. I'd love to get her a Music Hall Trio, the reviews are great. But I'd be pushing it to get a NAD L54. How do you think those look? I haven't heard the Yamaha but I hate to get something that just sounds like a glorified boombox. Speaking of which, she is just using a JVC mini system now but this is the first time she's been unhappy with it. I just wanted to get something a bit above average, a bit of the audiophilia. Hard to find on a budget.
I think the L 54 would be a good choice. It beats some other choices in that it is a decent stereo AV as well as just a music receiver. You could hook her up to improve her TV and DVD sound, as well as music, with just that machine and a pair of speakers.

frenchmon
05-02-2010, 12:36 PM
MrP. The NAD would be a good choice for her. But keep in mind the characteristics of the NAD sound. So the speakers should be a tad livelier . The worst thing we could do is pair them with a more laid back speaker. Do you remember when we went over to "Music For Pleasure" and we listened to the NAD paired with the DALI stand mount speakers? DALI has a live tweeter and sound, therefore bringing out the best in NAD.

If I went with that mini system....the NAD L 54 I, would also go for the M.S. 902i's

They would be a lively little speaker with emotion...just small enough to go well with her space, but not to small to get lost in her space...its a good speaker with good construction....you would finally get a chance to listen to them...and I trust my friend LeRoy..but perhaps LeRoy can chime in here and tell us about the bottom end of the 902? it looks like you would spend ruffly around $625 before shipping and tax, and if you are a good talker you may be able to talk up a deal from your friends over a Spearitsound

http://www.needledoctor.com/Mordaunt-Short-Avant-Honey-Maple-902i-bookshlef-loudspeakers;jsessionid=0a010e431f43deecb03e399e43 4fa087a7221735a5de.e3iKaNePch4Re34Pa38Ta38Mbxr0?sc =7&category=27226

frenchmon

pixelthis
05-02-2010, 01:32 PM
Thanks for the suggestions.

Isn't the Creek Evolution stuff supposed to be mini size or something?

I saw the Music Hall Trio and it's supposed to sound great but price is getting up there.

That Marantz is interesting but I don't think it's available in the U.S. or scarce. I also saw a quoted price in USD ofr nearly $800.00. As a side note Accessories For Less has a refurb of the $2k Blu Ray player for $599.00.

I wonder how that Audio Source stuff sounds. I also thought of Trends. Not sure how good the Yamaha would sound.

If I'm going "space saver" it looks like there's going to be a compromise on either sound or a crimp in my wallet.

Oh, and Jack, wrong direction my friend. She's looking for a new place too coincidently. Her nerves couldn't take my household though :)


HERES your problem.
You have to stop thinking like an audio fiend and start thinking like your mom.
And even tho I HATE THEIR GUTS...
I think you seriously have to think about going to the "dark" side(cue the vader music)

yes, I AM TALKING BOUT ...

BOSE

Either the clock radio or the 900 buck "system" they have.
DOESNT SOUND anything like the original, but it will do "Divo" just fine.
Trust me , your mom will love it.
Can't enjoy it if she can't find the on/off switch.:1:

Ajani
05-02-2010, 02:30 PM
Isn't the Creek Evolution stuff supposed to be mini size or something?

Nope... Full size, just not bulky... so around the size of your Emotiva CD player....

LeRoy
05-02-2010, 02:38 PM
If I went with that mini system....the NAD L 54 I, would also go for the M.S. 902i's
frenchmon

I agree that the NAD L54 is the best solution for the money and the pragmatic pick overall. I certainly have no reservation about recommending the 902i's but if "mom" likes to crank it up once ina while the 902's will shake the walls. The 902i's are not bass shy but overall they are quite a balanced and lively speaker and this paring would be my first choice. A very engaging and exciting listen.

My second choice would be the NAD L54 with the C.A. S-30's. While the S-30's aren't as large as the 902's and dare I say are quite "cute" they can produce an impressive bass note though not as strong as the 902's. Overall the S-30's are not as lively as the 902's but certainly I don't find them to be dull at all. The S-30's are accurate and more austere in their presentation. A very enjoyable listen.

I don't think you'd go wrong with either pairing and basically the cost difference is negligible.

LeRoy

Mr Peabody
05-02-2010, 03:22 PM
Thanks again for the help. I think the L54 is the strongest contender. The speakers are between the CA30, MS902 or the PSB. But then I may have to find some stands. What am I getting myself into? :)

frenchmon
05-02-2010, 04:01 PM
Thanks again for the help. I think the L54 is the strongest contender. The speakers are between the CA30, MS902 or the PSB. But then I may have to find some stands. What am I getting myself into? :)

This is just a FYI...the PSB may be a tad warm and may not sit well with NAD....talk to BlackRaven about PSB's sound characteristic. HE knows NAD and PSB. They both are on the warm side of things and may make for a boring un-engaging sound that wont pull you in. I dont know if bright cables such as silver cables will help that combination.

Also...check with Parts Express..they have some good cheap stands.

frenchmon

blackraven
05-02-2010, 06:46 PM
This is just a FYI...the PSB may be a tad warm and may not sit well with NAD....talk to BlackRaven about PSB's sound characteristic. HE knows NAD and PSB. They both are on the warm side of things and may make for a boring un-engaging sound that wont pull you in. I dont know if bright cables such as silver cables will help that combination.

Also...check with Parts Express..they have some good cheap stands.

frenchmon

The PSB Image line leans to the neutral to bright side, the upper level Synchrony's lean on the warm side.

Mr. P, Audio Advisor is running a sale on Pangea speaker stands for about $45pr. It's in the latest catalog and may not be reflected on their web site. Another option for speakers would be the Athena LS-300 towers. It would solve the problem of stands.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ATLS300

How about these stands-16", 24" and 31"

http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=SABF&variation=24BLK

Ajani
05-02-2010, 07:32 PM
This is just a FYI...the PSB may be a tad warm and may not sit well with NAD....talk to BlackRaven about PSB's sound characteristic. HE knows NAD and PSB. They both are on the warm side of things and may make for a boring un-engaging sound that wont pull you in. I dont know if bright cables such as silver cables will help that combination.

Also...check with Parts Express..they have some good cheap stands.

frenchmon

Everytime I've heard NAD and PSB (all of PSB's prior line - but none of the new lines), it was like a warm cup of milk: perfect for putting me to sleep... Maybe the New Image line is an improvement, but if I had to buy 'blind', then based on my prior experiences I wouldn't...

Mr Peabody
05-03-2010, 06:27 PM
What if I got the L54 and lent her my Forte, she'd be rockin then.

Ajani
05-03-2010, 08:20 PM
What if I got the L54 and lent her my Forte, she'd be rockin then.

Yep, that combo should work...

Mr Peabody
05-09-2010, 03:44 PM
Well guys I ended up getting a L54. It gives her an upgrade in DVD as well as all the music options and seemed to be the best bang for my budget. She was surprised to say the least and liked the looks of the unit. I want to order a set of BJC speaker connects and I will set it up for her as soon as I get a chance, hopefully over the next weekend. I guess I will lend her my Fortes for a while. I also have my Dyn 60's but they are pristine, she has a cat with claws..... need i say more. The Fortes are already a bit rough in places and i don't have as much invested in them. Still I don't want them messsed up either. She's using a $30.00 DVD player so the NAD with Progressive Scan using component cables into her HDTV should give some picture improvement. Hopefully the NAD will give her a taste of high fidelity.

Feanor
05-09-2010, 06:34 PM
Well guys I ended up getting a L54. It gives her an upgrade in DVD as well as all the music options and seemed to be the best bang for my budget. She was surprised to say the least and liked the looks of the unit. I want to order a set of BJC speaker connects and I will set it up for her as soon as I get a chance, hopefully over the next weekend. I guess I will lend her my Fortes for a while. I also have my Dyn 60's but they are pristine, she has a cat with claws..... need i say more. The Fortes are already a bit rough in places and i don't have as much invested in them. Still I don't want them messsed up either. She's using a $30.00 DVD player so the NAD with Progressive Scan using component cables into her HDTV should give some picture improvement. Hopefully the NAD will give her a taste of high fidelity.
An excellent and practical choice I should say, Mr P.

LeRoy
05-09-2010, 06:47 PM
The L54 was the right choice and good to know that your mom enjoyed the surprise.

Mr Peabody
05-09-2010, 07:28 PM
Thanks. I guess Santa may have to bring speakers so I can get mine back :)

Mr Peabody
06-04-2010, 06:51 PM
I finally got a chance to go over and put some finishing set ups on my mom's L54 tonight. I had the receiver hooked up but was not getting a picture from the DVD. I used the component output. Come to find out you have to start with the composite, go into the menu and set it to component and Progressive Scan. Now a picture but it's B&W. After troubleshooting I knew it was the TV, I find some how the color was set to zero. I wish I had a set up disc but some tweaking by eye satisfied her.

The reason I drudged this thread back up I was really pleased how well the NAD L54 sounded with the Klipsch Forte. It did turn out to be a nice budget, if you could call it that, system. Those L54's are still around and make a nice starter, especially with the built in CD/DVD.