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Putting together a budget (as in frugally cheap) 2 channel system, help!
OK, so I haven't been back to these boards in years, my interest waned from hi fi to playing guitar, and all of my free time and what little money I've had has gone into the electric guitar.
So I recently redid my very budget Man Cave in the basement (where I play guitar) and I decided it's time to upgrade the old Magnavox 2 (sometimes 2, there's a short) channel boombox, lol. Yeah, it's about a $5 flea market find.
So what I want is a very basic 2 channel system that will include a receiver, cd player, bookshelf speakers, and a turntable. I own both cds, records, burned cds. I think getting back into vinyl would be fun. And surprisingly (or not) my local music shops sell more vinyl than cd, Best Buy not included.
Budget is really tight, not sure exactly, but I'm thinking $200/component or less. I'll upgrade as necessary over time. I don't need a high end system like what most have here. It's just for the ocassional listening session, which with 3 kids, is like never, but a guy can dream.
I have a local stereo shop that sells nice stuff, and usually budget used stuff, I haven't been in a while, but I'll check them out too. I don't mind buying used via audiogon or even ebay, but I'll have to do research, as a lot of old stuff I'm not familiar with these days. And even new stuff, I'm not sure what's good.
Yamah, Onkyo, NAD for the receiver? Go new or vintage? CD player and turntable, not sure which direction to go. Any new budget turntables that are worth it? Denon or Sony or?
Speakers: I have an old pair of JBL HLS610, but the speaker is ripped, and I was told some time ago, they speaker replacement was expensive, probably not worth it. I wouldn't mind a nice newer pair anyway. Polk, Kef, Paradigm, Infinity, Monitor Audio, Insignia (yeah, their $70 pair intrigues me). I don't think I'll use a sub either, I want this simple, for now. I can always upgrade later. It also doesn't need to be real loud, it's a small room.
Music will be for some jazz, blues, classical, rock. No rap or techno stuff. So, where should I begin, advice, gear to look for, it's been a long time since I've checked out this stuff, sorry for the long post. Cheers.
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I would recommend checking Craigslist or local thrifts for vintage receivers that have the phono stage built in, an older Pioneer, Kenwood, Marantz or Sansui. You should be able to find an older receiver for under $100.00. Haven't heard the Insignia but BB has a 30 return if you don't like them. I was looking for some stuff for a friend and noticed they also sell a pair of Sony 8" 3-way floor speakers for $169.00 a pair. I would also look used for a turntable, a vintage Pioneer or Technics. It may not sound great but you can find used DVD players for under $50.00, well under usually, a DVD player will play CD's. If going new you would spend your budget on just one piece. There are also a lot of speakers on Craigslist too. Many of which are cheap, if you can find some in good condition that may be an option as well. Good hunting.....
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Thanks Mr. Peabody. I don't live in a large community, just checked out the CL offerings, and really nothing there. But I'll keep an eye out more now. Plus the local shop seems to get some decent used gear. I wish they would list it online, but they don't.
I've always felt that speakers seems to make the most sense to splurge a bit, but a decent amp is important too, as are the tt and cd/dvd players. I might spend a bit more to have "decent" equipment, vs. stuff that works for the moment. I have good intentions of spending little, but it never seems to work out that way, lol.
With turntables, I know very little. Does it makes sense to buy a cheap(er) but new model now, and upgrade later? Or maybe spend a bit more now for an older but maybe better model? I know it's all relative, a $1k tt to some, is a budget model. But anything new from Sony, Denon, etc. worth getting at all? My vinyl collection is pretty much terrible, but I would like to start getting some nice stuff on vinyl in the future, so the investment would be worth it. As for CD's I have quite a few, and I burn some off the computer, so that is important too, and a decent cd player is probably worthwhile. Maybe an older Sony ES model, or the current one with SACD? I don't have any discs on SACD, so maybe it's moot.
As for amps, are the current offerings of a 2 channel receiver from Onkyo, Yamaha or Denon pretty good? I do use the AM/FM, otherwise I might go integrated, but I don't think I would realize the sonic benefits of a better amp in this system, not yet anyway. Wouldn't mind a nice tube amp in the future, like the 2 I have for my guitars. But for now, it will have to be ss.
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All new options (although I'm over budget)...
Denon DRA-297 receiver - http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3365.asp
Denon DP-300F turntable - http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3145.asp
Denon DVD-1740 DVD/CD player - http://www.usa.denon.com/ProductDetails/3744.asp
Paradigm Atom - http://www.paradigm.com/en/paradigm/...4-1-1.paradigm
I really don't think it makes as much sense to buy a cheap new turntable now and upgrade later as it does to just buy something decent, now. It's not a huge investment to buy a Denon DP-300F or Pro-Ject Debut III and it should be good for many years. With either turntable, I'd look at a cartridge upgrade at some point. It's less urgent with the Pro-Ject turntable than the Denon. The advantage of the Denon is its built-in phono preamp so you don't need a phono input on the receiver. Receivers with phono inputs are less common than they used to be, so needing one would limit your options.
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Thanks man, funny I was doing a little research, and I came up with that same turntable (Denon). I think that might be a good idea, get a better cartridge later one, I like that idea.
How would the Denon receiver compare to the Yamaha RX397?
As for speakers, I'll check out the Atom. I have a pair of Paradigm Monitor 3s in my main system, they've been good speakers. I was also checking out the Polk RTi4 or th Tsi100, both pairs get good reviews, under $200. But I'll check out the Atoms for sure.
I'll check out that Denon DVD/Cd player option too... thanks.
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Originally Posted by 02audionoob
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How much do the Atoms run normally, new?
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Seems like they were $250 at the time of this review...
http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/907para/
and you have a dealer in Ithaca, but I guess you probably knew that.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 02audionoob
Yes I do have a local dealer, that's where I got my Monitor 3s, but it's been a long time since I've been there. Time to go visit again!
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Paradigm Mini Monitor's that were built in the late 90's were great speakers for small monitor type speakers as well and I have seen them go for under 100 dollars in rare occasions but most of the time around 100 to 120 dollars for the pair used. I used to sell Paradigm and the Mini Monitor was one of our good sellers for people in apartments or for second systems in a bedroom or "Mancave". As far as a receiver,turntable, and cd player there are so many options ou there in used stuff that are really good deals that it would probably be easier for you to look around and get a list of stuff that you have found that is affordable for you and then come back and post about these pieces and let all of t us discuss which pieces are going to give you the most for your money. I know this might take a little longer but having several minds on a task like this is better than just one in my opinion. There are a few other speakers out there like the Mini Monitor that are great for the money. PSB speakers make some small speakers that are very good and cheap used. Wharfedale makes a few affordable speakers but I can not advise them since I have not heard a pair of their newer speakers. I would look around audiogon and ebay like you said or craiglist and get your eyes open for a good deal.
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Receivers- Harmon Kardon 338o, 3480 http://www.gadgetreview.com/2009/12/...5-shipped.html
http://techronics.com/caraudio_1303_...html?aff=72182
Onkyo Tx 8522- http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX-8522-...3235283&sr=8-1
Cd Player Marantz cd5003 http://www.audiophileliquidator.net/...868e16b3762776
Speakers- Energy C-300's
http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENC300
Check out www.saturdayaudio.com Look at their demo gear for sale. They have an Onkyo Integra 7.1ch receiver for $299, list was $800. They also have some Denon DVD players on sale. The Denon DVD players make for a decent CD player.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by harley .guy07
Paradigm Mini Monitor's that were built in the late 90's were great speakers for small monitor type speakers as well and I have seen them go for under 100 dollars in rare occasions but most of the time around 100 to 120 dollars for the pair used. I used to sell Paradigm and the Mini Monitor was one of our good sellers for people in apartments or for second systems in a bedroom or "Mancave". As far as a receiver,turntable, and cd player there are so many options ou there in used stuff that are really good deals that it would probably be easier for you to look around and get a list of stuff that you have found that is affordable for you and then come back and post about these pieces and let all of t us discuss which pieces are going to give you the most for your money. I know this might take a little longer but having several minds on a task like this is better than just one in my opinion. There are a few other speakers out there like the Mini Monitor that are great for the money. PSB speakers make some small speakers that are very good and cheap used. Wharfedale makes a few affordable speakers but I can not advise them since I have not heard a pair of their newer speakers. I would look around audiogon and ebay like you said or craiglist and get your eyes open for a good deal.
Thanks Harley for the feedback, I was going to suggest something similar, after some research, about posting some potential gear, and see how you all think it stacks up. Half the fun is the chase, isn't it? I do like PSB stuff, and Paradigm too. Haven't used Wharfedale myself, but I recall them being well received generally.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IRG
Half the fun is the chase, isn't it?
You bet! It's fun playing with this stuff and learning as we go.......
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Originally Posted by blackraven
Thanks for the links, definitely some good stuff to check out here. I hadn't thought of a DVD player in lieu of a "dedicated" cd player. But the Denon one that was listed in the earlier post above, is actually cheaper new, and it does SACD and DVD Audio, so score.
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Originally Posted by manlystanley
You bet! It's fun playing with this stuff and learning as we go.......
Well my guitar gear GAS has been out of control for a while, I figure I should spread it back to audio for a while :) I liked that reviewer from Stereophile, Sam Tellig I think his name was, the frugal audiophile, or whatever his moniker was. I like looking for a budget system that sounds good, but isn't tons of money. My guitar rig is kinda like that too. I probably have $2k or more just in guitar pedals. But I've been downsizing lately, sort of liberating too.
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How is this Yamaha DVD player, as a cd unit? Seems to get good reviews for its audio features, almost 3 years old now, was $449, but is $79 at Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-DVD-S18...3246520&sr=1-1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IRG
Well my guitar gear GAS has been out of control for a while, I figure I should spread it back to audio for a while :) I liked that reviewer from Stereophile, Sam Tellig I think his name was, the frugal audiophile, or whatever his moniker was. I like looking for a budget system that sounds good, but isn't tons of money. My guitar rig is kinda like that too. I probably have $2k or more just in guitar pedals. But I've been downsizing lately, sort of liberating too.
Yeah I have several hobbies which include Audio, bass playing, and harley davidsons and they all take a lot of money to keep up with so sometimes you kind of got to step back and say which one will make the happiest to concentrate on right now and go with it. My Bass rig is awesome and I have 2 bad ass basses so I am done with that for now so my next steps will be my audio system and possibly a new lcd tv.
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For $79 its worth a look. If you don't like it your only out $79 and can buy something nicer when you have more money. I would get some decent IC's like bluejeanscables for $30pr. I'd put the money saved to a Harmon Kardon receiver.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blackraven
For $79 its worth a look. If you don't like it your only out $79 and can buy something nicer when you have more money. I would get some decent IC's like bluejeanscables for $30pr. I'd put the money saved to a Harmon Kardon receiver.
I'm leaning towards the Yamaha RX-397 at the moments, this one here: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_022RX39...97.html?tp=179
Seems to get really good reviews everywhere. Which Harmon Kardon would you recommend over the Yamaha? Also, if I went with the Yamaha receiver, it should be able to control that Yamaha dvd player too I would think, at least basic controls, which would be enough.
Is the QC with HarmondKardon good these days? Always seemed to be an issue as I recall years ago. I currently have a NAD 5 channel receiver in the living room, nothing fancy at all, but this thing gets used for hours a day, and has been great overall. If I could find a good affordable NAD I would go that route too. But something about the Yamaha receivers I've always liked too.
Also leaning towards the Denon 300F turntable at the moment. For $300, or maybe less, I don't think I can beat that. Upgrade the cartridge later.
Edit, I see the HK 3390 you mentioned earlier, checking it out now at Amazon...
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I am not sure about the HK quality control either but I do know that they sell some units at Best Buy and I talked to one of the managers there and they said they aren't bad but the quality does not seem to be what Denon, Onkyo, And some Yamaha are doing now but I used to be an avid Yamaha fan and I will say that in new units it seems to me that Denon and Onkyo have one upped Yamaha in the last couple years when it comes to quality. Its all up to you on whether you go new or used but for your purpose I think a used unit that is more dedicated to 2 channel stereo would serve you better. Possibly a used integrated amp since almost every integrated amplifier I have seen put better preamp and amplifier components in them than their receiver counterparts. Plus a used av receiver would have a lot of extra stuff on it that you will probably never use for music playback. I have plenty of used integrated amps from Denon and Yamaha among others that are cheaply priced and offer in my opinion better overall sound quality than most of the receivers going in the under 1000 dollar mark in todays world. Just my two cents
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 02audionoob
Nice find, thanks! I knew this place would help me spend $$$. And help me save it.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by harley .guy07
I am not sure about the HK quality control either but I do know that they sell some units at Best Buy and I talked to one of the managers there and they said they aren't bad but the quality does not seem to be what Denon, Onkyo, And some Yamaha are doing now but I used to be an avid Yamaha fan and I will say that in new units it seems to me that Denon and Onkyo have one upped Yamaha in the last couple years when it comes to quality. Its all up to you on whether you go new or used but for your purpose I think a used unit that is more dedicated to 2 channel stereo would serve you better. Possibly a used integrated amp since almost every integrated amplifier I have seen put better preamp and amplifier components in them than their receiver counterparts. Plus a used av receiver would have a lot of extra stuff on it that you will probably never use for music playback. I have plenty of used integrated amps from Denon and Yamaha among others that are cheaply priced and offer in my opinion better overall sound quality than most of the receivers going in the under 1000 dollar mark in todays world. Just my two cents
I hear what you're saying. But the Yamaha's RX line is a 2 channel stereo only, no ht stuff on it, which I like. So it's basically no frills, sort of like a decent integrated amp, but with the am/fm added. The Denon and Onkyo still interest me too. I had a 2 channel Onkyo way back, and it was a great little receiver. I also had an Onkyo power/pre amp that was good too, although pretty basic.
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Originally Posted by 02audionoob
I've been checking them out too, especially the Onkyo. Is AC4Less a reputably place?
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As the resident cheap bast@#rd I can tell that putting together a somewhat decent 2-channel set-up is possible with a little patience, a little luck and a little know-how. My tastes tend towards older gear and I have been fortunate to put together 2 or 3 2-channel systems in the $200-$250 range with gear from Denon-Marantz-Advent etc.
Your local CL is a good source and so are local thrift stores. This can be a bit of a challenge if you live in a small community but the Syracuse-Ithaca area should afford some opportunities.
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Hello IRG
Reading through this thread and adding my 2 cents...
Yes, A4less is a reputable online retailer. I purchased my Mordaunt Short 902i speakers from them at $225./pr. Too bad they have sold out of them already.
One of our other community posters, Poppchubby, found the MS 902'i still selling new for $225.00/pr at http://www.needledoctor.com/. I am a huge advocate of this particular brand/model and highly suggest you consider the additional $25.00 over your speaker budget as well worth it. You may not want to upgrade your speakers again if you get this model....
Other speaker options depending on personal preference and budget.....
http://www.audioadvisor.com/products.asp?dept=49
There are a couple of options for your price point here.
I recently heard the Cambridge Audio S30 and I can highly recommend these speakers as well. I did not like the CA S70's or the CA electronics I heard but the S30's are quite exceptional and I think they are $220/pr. Also well worth it.
http://www.crutchfield.com/
Lots of speaker pair options at or about $200/pr.
Good luck with your research and your selections.
LeRoy
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How about this: http://www.spearitsound.com/nad/C715.asp
I like Paradigm but the Atoms don't play very low, I think only down to 100 Hz. The C715 does have a sub out for a future addition of subwoofer though.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LeRoy
Reading through this thread and adding my 2 cents...
Yes, A4less is a reputable online retailer. I purchased my Mordaunt Short 902i speakers from them at $225./pr. Too bad they have sold out of them already.
One of our other community posters, Poppchubby, found the MS 902'i still selling new for $225.00/pr at http://www.needledoctor.com/. I am a huge advocate of this particular brand/model and highly suggest you consider the additional $25.00 over your speaker budget as well worth it. You may not want to upgrade your speakers again if you get this model....
Other speaker options depending on personal preference and budget.....
http://www.audioadvisor.com/products.asp?dept=49
There are a couple of options for your price point here.
I recently heard the Cambridge Audio S30 and I can highly recommend these speakers as well. I did not like the CA S70's or the CA electronics I heard but the S30's are quite exceptional and I think they are $220/pr. Also well worth it.
http://www.crutchfield.com/
Lots of speaker pair options at or about $200/pr.
Good luck with your research and your selections.
LeRoy
Thanks LeRoy, those Mordaunt Shorts look really nice, good price too, I've booked marked them for sure. I was checking out the CA 30's you mentioned, is that price per pair or single speaker? I wasn't sure, but at $220/pair, I would consider them too. Are the Polk Rti4 or TSi100's from Cruchfield pretty good speakers? Prices on both of these are good too.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thekid
As the resident cheap bast@#rd I can tell that putting together a somewhat decent 2-channel set-up is possible with a little patience, a little luck and a little know-how. My tastes tend towards older gear and I have been fortunate to put together 2 or 3 2-channel systems in the $200-$250 range with gear from Denon-Marantz-Advent etc.
Your local CL is a good source and so are local thrift stores. This can be a bit of a challenge if you live in a small community but the Syracuse-Ithaca area should afford some opportunities.
I'm glad I'm not the only cheap b@astard :) I'll be checking out CL some more too. I was thinking of more vintage equipment, but not sure I trust the reliability of stuff that is 20-30+ years old, even if it was built better back then. But I do like some of it for sure, I just haven't had time to really research what is good and what should be avoided. Something to do soon.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr Peabody
How about this: http://www.spearitsound.com/nad/C715.asp
I like Paradigm but the Atoms don't play very low, I think only down to 100 Hz. The C715 does have a sub out for a future addition of subwoofer though.
Yeah I think I want/need monitors that can go lower, without a sub. Maybe a sub someday, but not anytime soon. That NAD is interesting, although I think I can get a separate receiver/dvd/cd player for less, and give me a little more flexibility.
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Hello IRG
Quote:
Originally Posted by IRG
Thanks LeRoy, those Mordaunt Shorts look really nice, good price too, I've booked marked them for sure. I was checking out the CA 30's you mentioned, is that price per pair or single speaker? I wasn't sure, but at $220/pair, I would consider them too. Are the Polk Rti4 or TSi100's from Cruchfield pretty good speakers? Prices on both of these are good too.
You're welcom IRG.
The CA 30's is priced per pair at A.A.
I used to own a pair of Polk Rti4's for a very short while....literally 2 weeks. I took them back to Tweeters for a full refund. Count me in as one of those who don't care for Polk speakers at all. I have never heard of TSI speakers so don't know anything about them
By the way, the CA 30's speaker are made by Mordaunt-Short for C.A. They don't sound the same though. The M.S. 902's are very dynamic, punchy, fun, lively, and musical. The 902's punked my Usher S-520's in a no contest kind of way.
The CA30's are more of a neutral sounding speaker...refined and composed even at higher volumes, punchy deep bass but bass does not extend as much as the 902's and the highs are extended as the 902's but not quite as energetic. CA 30's are a tad smaller than the 902's and are cute in a toy looking kind of way.
I used both speakers through my system and each can play up to that level of quality...no problem. Belles Soloist Amp/Belles Soloist Pre-Amp (Retail $2K), Musical Fidelity XRAY CDP and power supply (Retail $1.5K-2.5K), Chord Carnival Silver Screen Speaker wire 4-conductor ($185.00), Chord Cobra Interconnect ($115.00). Both speakers are quite at home with this set up.
Both are EXCELLENT buys and sound quite remarkable for so little money. Beware that both will expose your electronics too. If you pair them with poor sounding electronics both will let you know it. Even so, if you upgrade your electronics at a later date you won't have to upgrade your speakers if you have one of these pairs.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by LeRoy
You're welcom IRG.
The CA 30's is priced per pair at A.A.
I used to own a pair of Polk Rti4's for a very short while....literally 2 weeks. I took them back to Tweeters for a full refund. Count me in as one of those who don't care for Polk speakers at all. I have never heard of TSI speakers so don't know anything about them
By the way, the CA 30's speaker are made by Mordaunt-Short for C.A. They don't sound the same though. The M.S. 902's are very dynamic, punchy, fun, lively, and musical. The 902's punked my Usher S-520's in a no contest kind of way.
The CA30's are more of a neutral sounding speaker...refined and composed even at higher volumes, punchy deep bass but bass does not extend as much as the 902's and the highs are extended as the 902's but not quite as energetic. CA 30's are a tad smaller than the 902's and are cute in a toy looking kind of way.
I used both speakers through my system and each can play up to that level of quality...no problem. Belles Soloist Amp/Belles Soloist Pre-Amp (Retail $2K), Musical Fidelity XRAY CDP and power supply (Retail $1.5K-2.5K), Chord Carnival Silver Screen Speaker wire 4-conductor ($185.00), Chord Cobra Interconnect ($115.00). Both speakers are quite at home with this set up.
Both are EXCELLENT buys and sound quite remarkable for so little money. Beware that both will expose your electronics too. If you pair them with poor sounding electronics both will let you know it. Even so, if you upgrade your electronics at a later date you won't have to upgrade your speakers if you have one of these pairs.
OK, either of these two speakers sound like winners, leaning towards the MS model. So is pairing them with a Yamaha amp/dvd a 'poor sounding' electronics, or will they be acceptable? Would the Onkyo or Marantz (don't know much about this model) be a better choice, and if so why?
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Atom
Something to consider, if you put any stock in reviews...Stereophile said "its bass performance turned out to be one of the Atom's greatest strengths."
http://stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/664/
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 02audionoob
Thats pure BS, I auditioned them at a local store that sells Paradigm and NHT. Even the salesman steered me away from the Atoms because of their lack of bass. The NHT Classic 2's blew them out of the water. The Atoms sounded weak and anemic. They need a sub.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by blackraven
Thats pure BS, I auditioned them at a local store that sells Paradigm and NHT. Even the salesman steered me away from the Atoms because of their lack of bass. The NHT Classic 2's blew them out of the water. The Atoms sounded weak and anemic. They need a sub.
Did I say something to offend you?
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Sorry Noob. I was just commenting on the Stereophile review.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by IRG
I'm glad I'm not the only cheap b@astard :) I'll be checking out CL some more too. I was thinking of more vintage equipment, but not sure I trust the reliability of stuff that is 20-30+ years old, even if it was built better back then. But I do like some of it for sure, I just haven't had time to really research what is good and what should be avoided. Something to do soon.
Reliability can be a concern when talking about receivers and amps but a good testing of them before you buy can resolve that issue. Speakers on the other hand are a different issue as there is less to go wrong there. A look at the drivers with the grills off and a quick listen will usually tell you all you need to know there. All of my current speakers in the house came via CL or Thrift stores. A list includes the following that are used for my various 2 channel set-ups. All except the Polk's and the KLH-5's which were obtained through gear swaps ran me on average a little less than $25 a pair and were ready to plug and play.
Original Large Advents
Dynaco-A25
EPI-100's
KLH-5
KLH-17's
Polk Monitor 10's
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Quote:
Originally Posted by thekid
Reliability can be a concern when talking about receivers and amps but a good testing of them before you buy can resolve that issue. Speakers on the other hand are a different issue as there is less to go wrong there. A look at the drivers with the grills off and a quick listen will usually tell you all you need to know there. All of my current speakers in the house came via CL or Thrift stores. A list includes the following that are used for my various 2 channel set-ups. All except the Polk's and the KLH-5's which were obtained through gear swaps ran me on average a little less than $25 a pair and were ready to plug and play.
Original Large Advents
Dynaco-A25
EPI-100's
KLH-5
KLH-17's
Polk Monitor 10's
I totally agree, if I can try something out first, I wouldn't mind buying used, especially from the local shop that caters to this. Speakers in general, are less of a gamble. I was thinking ebay too, where the shipping and all can be hard on things like cd players/turntables.
Does it make any sense at all in trying to put new 6" speakers in the JBLs I have, or will that totally muck up the sound? It would be more of a stop gap, buy a new TT/CD player, get an amp, fix the speakers, then begin upgrading one thing or another when funds suffice.
But I like the idea of getting all new stuff better.:biggrin5:
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He's absolutely right...
Quote:
Originally Posted by thekid
Reliability can be a concern when talking about receivers and amps but a good testing of them before you buy can resolve that issue. Speakers on the other hand are a different issue as there is less to go wrong there. A look at the drivers with the grills off and a quick listen will usually tell you all you need to know there. All of my current speakers in the house came via CL or Thrift stores. A list includes the following that are used for my various 2 channel set-ups. All except the Polk's and the KLH-5's which were obtained through gear swaps ran me on average a little less than $25 a pair and were ready to plug and play.
Original Large Advents
Dynaco-A25
EPI-100's
KLH-5
KLH-17's
Polk Monitor 10's
The Keed is absolutely right. All the speakers in my house come from CL or the Bay. We've both some classic stuff. Every speaker currently in use in all three home systems are used or orphan. If you don't get swept up in bidding frenzy or other stupid mania you can score great speakers on the cheap, all over.
Worf
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