It seems there is a dearth of medium priced two-channel equipment on the market. I think this speaks to the imminent demise of two channel systems for a starting point for the current/next generation of “audio enthusiasts” but such is the way of life.

If we move a little up market, there is more selection but the challenge here was to maximize this investment. I chose some items I’m familiar with simply because I’ve been down this road recently for my HT system. But, bear in mind that I used music as my goal on this system as well as on my main “two channel only” system.

With that in mind, this also allows for easy growth into a fairly competent 6.1 system with the addition of a few more speakers. But, for the time being, it will provide quite a satisfying two-channel system with quite a bang for the buck.

Source – Pioneer DVD/SACD player, $179 @ Audio Advisor
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Can’t say I own one of these, but for the price and the fact that it plays practically anything on a 5 ¼ disc I find very appealing.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/pr...Video%20Player

Receiver – Denon 1803, $350 @ 6th Avenue Electronics
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I have this guy’s bigger, older brother, the 2802 and it plays well with others. Can’t say much about Denon’s customer service ‘cause I’ve never needed to use it. I must say, I was tossed up between this and Denon’s two channel only DRA 395 for a few bucks less, but the potential for expansion for the extra $20 in this unit seems irresistible.

http://www.6ave.com/product.jsp?x=AVR1803


Speakers – Athena Audition AS-F1, $399/pair @ Audio Advisor or Best Buy
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I’ll admit, I’m a little partial to these also. I’ve owned them for almost two years now and still don’t listen to them. I listen through them to the music. I home tested many better known, similarly priced popular brands from Canada, England and the good old US of A and found these the most satisfying at this price point. They are quite efficient and as such, are well mated to the power capabilities of the 1803.

http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/pr...ers%20-%20Pair

These come to $948.90. Cables and interconnects should not cost more than $30 so this brings the total to 978.90. Since Audio Advisor offers free shipping, the only variable might be shipping on the 1803.

YMMV... enjoy