Advice on Bookshelves

[Mr Peabody]

Those Canton are nice if you can find them for your budget. A very nice midrange with a live presence and airy.

The Wharfdale's aren't a bad budget speaker. Several of the other models mentioned are good choices too, getting a pretty good list.

[just4surf]

Just wanted to update you all. I got a refurb Marantz DV4001. I am not sure if it is my imagination, I can really see a big improvement from by cheap Coby player. The sound is more rounded, fuller and the bass is better. Can anyone confirm if this is possible just upgrading the player or is my ear playing tricks on me
I am impressed with marantz
As far as my speaker search, I am strongly considering PSB Alpha B1, PSB B25, the Ascend CBM-170 SE, the KEF iQ10 and iQ30 (beyond my budget)
Just wanted to check if I should consider any sound matching with my existing electronics or it doesnt really matter. I enjoy sound that is open and vibrant but not fatiguing to the ears
Thanks for your response. The whole audio thing is getting addictive to me but I am enjoying it
Thanks,
-Vic

[RGA]

Speaker technology changes very very little. You will be FAR FAR better off buying a set of speakers at a pawn shop - You will probably get 5 year old $1000 speakers for $300 - or 10 year old $2,000 speakers for $300 or close.

Buying used of course requires some "back" knowledge of which speakers are good and ones to avoid. But in general if you are considering a speaker from Paradigm, Monitor Audio, Wharfedale whatever now then those names still line the shelves of pawn shops. I picked up a nice little set of Tannoy speakers for $60 and they're just as good if not better than my B&W standmounts that cost me $300.

If you go back 15-20 years and you can get a good shape speaker you may really find a star for $300 but it may need a bit of work so you'd have to check them out in person rather than looking at photos on the net.

If music really is a priority I would get rid of the receiver and use a dedicated CD player or external DAC (if the dvd player has a digital out). Again used market.

[manlystanley]

Speaker technology changes very very little. You will be FAR FAR better off buying a set of speakers at a pawn shop - You will probably get 5 year old $1000 speakers for $300 - or 10 year old $2,000 speakers for $300 or close.

Buying used of course requires some "back" knowledge of which speakers are good and ones to avoid. But in general if you are considering a speaker from Paradigm, Monitor Audio, Wharfedale whatever now then those names still line the shelves of pawn shops. I picked up a nice little set of Tannoy speakers for $60 and they're just as good if not better than my B&W standmounts that cost me $300.

If you go back 15-20 years and you can get a good shape speaker you may really find a star for $300 but it may need a bit of work so you'd have to check them out in person rather than looking at photos on the net.

If music really is a priority I would get rid of the receiver and use a dedicated CD player or external DAC (if the dvd player has a digital out). Again used market.

As usual, some great advice. The most important thing is that a person has to do lots of research and understand what he's looking for. But, buying used has some real advantages, such as:

-- Your tastes will change with time (at lest mine has). Buying cheap allows you to dabble and experiment with different sounds and see what suites your tastes.

-- It's kind of cool to have speakers that cost some guy a $1000 10 years ago and you got them for $100.

-- It gives you a chance to listen and evaluate for a long time. Then if you don't like them, sell them.

-- You'll learn a lot doing it the used route. I've had generally good luck going the used route. Only once did I get stuck with a problem set of speakers. But then, I was able to fix them myself.

I personally, like the Jamo sound (it's not for everyone, very laid back), but since they are not a real well known speaker, they don't have the best re-sale value [e.g. read this as you can stick it to the first buyer :-) ].

Here's some options:

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...671088350.html
http://columbus.craigslist.org/ele/1661440562.html



Best Regards,
Stan

[just4surf]

Speaker technology changes very very little. You will be FAR FAR better off buying a set of speakers at a pawn shop - You will probably get 5 year old $1000 speakers for $300 - or 10 year old $2,000 speakers for $300 or close.

Buying used of course requires some "back" knowledge of which speakers are good and ones to avoid. But in general if you are considering a speaker from Paradigm, Monitor Audio, Wharfedale whatever now then those names still line the shelves of pawn shops. I picked up a nice little set of Tannoy speakers for $60 and they're just as good if not better than my B&W standmounts that cost me $300.

If you go back 15-20 years and you can get a good shape speaker you may really find a star for $300 but it may need a bit of work so you'd have to check them out in person rather than looking at photos on the net.

If music really is a priority I would get rid of the receiver and use a dedicated CD player or external DAC (if the dvd player has a digital out). Again used market.

I dont mind going the used route. But, I am not in a position to fix or mend any issues. Apart from that, the other concerns is the condition. How do I know it is full working condition by just looking at it at a pawn shop. Craigslist might work better if the guy lets me listen to it.
Also, my music/HT is about 90/10 and due to space constraints, I can not have a separate system for both at this point. Howvever, If I can get a really cheap used decent stereo receiver, I might be able to convince my wife. But, I would need the sub out to connect the sub, Alternatively, I am thinking of selling my Yammy and getting a better HT reciever, possibly used or refurb.

[poppachubby]

Just wanted to update you all. I got a refurb Marantz DV4001. I am not sure if it is my imagination, I can really see a big improvement from by cheap Coby player. The sound is more rounded, fuller and the bass is better. Can anyone confirm if this is possible just upgrading the player or is my ear playing tricks on me
I am impressed with marantz

No it's not your imagination. A Coby player has been designed to play DVDs and that's it. Sure, it may be compatible with other disc formats, but in all reality it's components can barely cope with the task of DVD.

I'm not a fan of using a DVD player. Recently Yamaha DVD S1800 went into closeout mode on the net and guys were picking them up for less than $100. It's a multi tasking unit, and most people bought them for playing Cd's. Every owner raved about the sound, so who am I to argue with that?

Obviously when you get into a high enough bracket such as Oppo, the CD fidelity becomes quite high. At the sub $50 level, you should be happy that all the screws are in place.

Enjoy your Marantz, I'm glad you improved your source. Keep researching, saving money and moving forward. The best is yet to come!

[just4surf]

No it's not your imagination. A Coby player has been designed to play DVDs and that's it. Sure, it may be compatible with other disc formats, but in all reality it's components can barely cope with the task of DVD.

I'm not a fan of using a DVD player. Recently Yamaha DVD S1800 went into closeout mode on the net and guys were picking them up for less than $100. It's a multi tasking unit, and most people bought them for playing Cd's. Every owner raved about the sound, so who am I to argue with that?

Obviously when you get into a high enough bracket such as Oppo, the CD fidelity becomes quite high. At the sub $50 level, you should be happy that all the screws are in place.

Enjoy your Marantz, I'm glad you improved your source. Keep researching, saving money and moving forward. The best is yet to come!

Thanks poppachubby
The more I listened to it, I can tell the SQ improved by a few notches. It has a nice smoothness to it that I am liking

[poppachubby]

Thanks poppachubby
The more I listened to it, I can tell the SQ improved by a few notches. It has a nice smoothness to it that I am liking

Might I make a suggestion that won't break the bank? If you enjoy smoothness, consider a vintage Philips/Marantz/Magnavox CDP. They have a wonderful analog quality which gives fantastic smoothness, yet maintains detail. EBay frequently sell these for a reasonable price. If you are truly interested, PM me or let me know and I can give you a short list of models to watch for.

Here's a link currently on Ebay. They are sought after for their great sound, and ease of modification. There are also tons of parts available to fix any of the wear and tear issues that may come up. A fun and popular mod is to add a tube stage, ultra smooth!

The Marantz CD-40 was well built and sounds incredible with it's TDA 1541A and CDM4/19 transport. This auction will likely finish around the $100 mark. As I said, great fidelity for a great price.

Specifically about the CD-40, it's a lower end version of the CD-60. Same components, but cheaper materials for the chassis and faceplate. Essentially, doesn't look as nice, but sounds the same as many of their higher models from this vintage. They were made in Belgium at a Philips factory, a desirable trait in itself. lot's of room inside for modifying. Just an example for you to consider, great sound without breaking the wallet.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Marantz-CD-40-Pla...item2c53f8c133