Need help with a stereo set-up!

[SteveMG9]

Ok so here's the deal, I've been looking at both bookshelf speakers and tower speakers for a stereo system. The system is for my apartment at school, so it will be playing vinyl for me to casually listen to, and my roommates will want to listen to rap and we will also have parties, so it's going to have some bass (this is not a major priority, however, as a sub will probably come in the future.) So my budget is roughly $200 for the speakers. I've been looking at the BIC America DV62SI's which had incredible reviews, the Pyle PHST89's for which I could find all of 3 reviews and I'm very nervous about because I've never heard of Pyle, the Polk M50's which I thought were a steal for $200, and the Cerwin Vega VE-8's and so on. I'm looking to pick up a used Harmon Kardon HK3480 or something similar that has a line level output for a sub. I'm very open to other options and you help is very much appreciated!!

[bobsticks]

Ok so here's the deal, I've been looking at both bookshelf speakers and tower speakers for a stereo system. The system is for my apartment at school, so it will be playing vinyl for me to casually listen to, and my roommates will want to listen to rap and we will also have parties, so it's going to have some bass (this is not a major priority, however, as a sub will probably come in the future.) So my budget is roughly $200 for the speakers. I've been looking at the BIC America DV62SI's which had incredible reviews, the Pyle PHST89's for which I could find all of 3 reviews and I'm very nervous about because I've never heard of Pyle, the Polk M50's which I thought were a steal for $200, and the Cerwin Vega VE-8's and so on. I'm looking to pick up a used Harmon Kardon HK3480 or something similar that has a line level output for a sub. I'm very open to other options and you help is very much appreciated!!

The HK unit is a fine receiver for that price point, Yamaha and Onkyo make some excellent alternatives though at that level one is probably looking at aesthetic differences and ergonomic features (remotes and such).

I suspect you can probably do better by looking at used speakers, even at that price point. With just a momentary search I would suggest:

http://cgi.ebay.com/PSB-Alpha-Series...item1e60680923

http://cgi.ebay.com/Paradigm-Monitor...item336395033e

http://cgi.ebay.com/Paradigm-speaker...item230cb8d701

http://cgi.ebay.com/Energy-RC-10-Ref...item20b5ff8ba3

You might even keep an eye on these bad boys, and, while it's doubtful they'll last within your budget, you never know...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Paradigm-Monitor...item3363a3793c

In any case, have a good time with it. Most of us still remember our first systems fondly and new toys are fun.

[Geoffcin]

I agree with Sticks, used is the best way to go with your budget.

[SteveMG9]

Thank you very much for the info, Sticks. I have a tendency to want things brand new in the box but the more I think about it the more it makes sense to get something used. If you have any other options as far as stereo receivers go I would appreciate any help in that area as well. The HK3480 is one of the few I could find with a line level sub out.

[Geoffcin]

Thank you very much for the info, Sticks. I have a tendency to want things brand new in the box but the more I think about it the more it makes sense to get something used. If you have any other options as far as stereo receivers go I would appreciate any help in that area as well. The HK3480 is one of the few I could find with a line level sub out.

Hmmm, line level sub out? I hope it's a volume controlled output and not a line level as in preamp line out.

[SteveMG9]

I'm pretty new to this as you can probably tell, so I don't really know if my terminology is correct, but I'm pretty sure I mean line level as in pre-amp, as I would like to add a powered sub in the future.

[Geoffcin]

OK, now I see the receiver your looking at. Yes it was designed to add a sub.

[Poultrygeist]

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/show...number=300-702