Very Confused

[danrclem]

For some reason I can't put any spaces between my paragraphs so this may be a little difficult to read. I've been doing some research on this site and just joined up recently so howdy to all. I'm now more confused than ever. There are so many options and I have so little knowledge on what actually works well. I'm going to buy another CD player, receiver and a set of speakers. I now have a Pioneer VSX-D503S receiver, Pioneer CS-G303 speakers and a Pioneer PD-F908 CD player. This system isn't too bad (to me anyway) but I want better. My main concern is from the music sound rather than the surround sound. I may just buy a 2 channel receiver and keep the VSX for the surround. I like my CD player and I'm going to buy a used Pioneer 301disc player. Should I buy a PD-F27 or a PD-F1039? Will there be much difference in the sound? I'd like to keep the cost of the receiver and speakers below $800.00 so I'm sure used equipment will have to be bought. I just want something with a good track record, good sound and be fairly available. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Vintage equipment is also an option. They will be used in a finished basement room that is 15' X 18'. The speakers will be facing the 15' direction. The ceiling is almost 8' tall with drywall. The floor has tile on it. Three walls have 1/2" wood on them and the 4th has brick on it. I mainly listen to older Country and Rock. I usually listen with my volume at about the 9 o'clock position. I would like the acoustic instruments to really stand out. All suggestions will be welcome and appreciated. Thanks, Danny

[JohnMichael]

Dan I know it is weird now with posting. I am not always sure which to select to post. In the upper left corner below title you will see two choices. I tend to use the one that removes format.

Well actually it is working with the first A/A. My first thought is to decide on one component to change. Speakers are the most obvious change in an audio system. They make the most audible difference. I would shop for speakers and enjoy the benefit of new speakers. Since your other components are working I think this is the way to go.

After your speaker selection and when you can afford shop for better sources and amplification. When you try to replace everything it is easier to make mistakes. One component at a time. I have made myself a little crazy changing too many things too quickly.

[blackraven]

Great advice JM! I would say put about 60-70% of your budget to speakers, maybe more if you want to save up later for a better 2ch receiver or integrated amp. Give a listen to B&W 685's, NHT Classic Three's, PSB B6's, Monitor Audio RX2's and consider Magnepan MMG's if you listen to a lot of acoustic music but you will need good amplification (and at least 100wpc) and a non ported sub if you want good bass.

By the way, stay away from used CD players. Also consider a single disk player, they will sound better than a multidisk.

Consider a Marantz cd 5003 or 5004 at some point in time.

[Mr Peabody]

Welcome. Sounds like your room has a lot of reflective surfaces, don't spare some rugs and do some research on the internet on room treatments.

A popular move some like to do if your receiver has preamp outputs is to add an external amp. Those built into the receiver are limited, by things like space, power supply and coming in at a certain price.

In used gear the Adcom separates are incredibly good for what you can pick them up for. New you can pick up integrated amps in your budget from the likes of Cambridge Audio, NAD, and if more power Onkyo.

If you like a crisp sound you may want to look for some used Klipsch speakers but it helps to know their models that are decent, ie. KG series, Forte, Chorus or anything in the Heritage line. Any of these would be good with a low powered integrated. Another good thing about Klipsch, if they've been treated well they last for decades due to the efficiency the woofers barely move. The later Reference series is decent as well but more expensive.

As you mentioned though there are so many options.... Including just buying a better sounding home theater receiver. For a nice midrange I'd go with Marantz or Yamaha.

[danrclem]

Thanks for all of the replies. I'll do a search on the products that you all have recommended. The Klipsch Chorus II have a loyal following so that is a definite possibility.

[Mark of Cenla]

I had good luck with a new Pioneer AVR, a Sony CD changer, and Boston Acoustic CS26 speakers. The Pioneer has a better digital to analog converter (DAC) than the Sony CD changer, so I connect them via the optical audio out from the Sony into the optical audio input on the Pioneer. It sounds very nice that way. I paid about $110 for the CD changer and $200 for the AVR. both of which were bought in 2013 at Best Buy. I already had the speakers. Good luck. Peace and goodwill.

[danrclem]

I found a Pioneer SX-939 that is supposed to be in good shape for the asking price of $175.00. I would have to travel about 100 miles to buy it but I enjoy road trips. Do you guys think that would fit my needs and is it worth the price? If I bought something like this it would leave me more money for speakers.

I also found an Onkyo A-7070 Amp & T-4040 Tuner for $175.00 + $35.00 shipping.

Which would be the best of the two?

Thanks,
Danny