When I was 16 my dad helped me get financing for a Techniques sound system. I had a part time job and it was a great way to build credit and have a sound system that was really awesome! I loved that stereo. Over the years I’ve had to replace the CD player, receiver and turn table but the digital EQ and speakers are still with me, echoing back 30 blessed years of memories (and hearing loss).
What I have now is pretty nice, the sound is good but not world class. Some vinyl/CDs sound better than others and I realize that it’s good but not great.
I really want to build a GREAT sound system. I have been looking at receivers and want to build something around a really great receiver but I am having trouble finding any reliable information. My budget us probably between 1500 and 3000 dollars spent here and there.
One of my very close fiends is actually the tour manager for Hank Williams Jr so at some point in time I will be asking him to assist but I was wondering if anyone here had any direction - I know denny probably knows all about this stuff. But for crying out loud I can’t find much info on line. Amazon is no help. The reviews on everything are so mixed it is ridiculous. I need good advice from folks who actually know what they are talking about.
Pro tip…don’t as Hank Williams tour manager. For one thing, he’s probably not an audio guy. For another, there’s a HUGE gulf between home and pro equipment. Start by defining what’s wrong with your system now that you want to correct. See, it’s just like troubleshooting beer!
Hey, that’s a good start. But why is information so hard to find? What brands are top of the line now? When I was a kid Techniques was making solid equipment. May not have been the best but it was solid. I think I spend 1200 all told. I’m willing to double or even triple that now but can find no information.
I bought some new stuff a few years back. I like both Sony and Yamaha. Do you want a home theater system, like 5.1 or 7.1? Besides being great for movies, you can split the amps so you can run different programs to different locations. Do you want Bluetooth connectivity? How about internet? The receiver I got has internet connectivity so I connect it to my router and can either play internet material, stream material to it from my phone, laptop, or iPad, or remote control it via my phone or iPad. Or do you just want to play CD/vinyl (don’t make me type that word again! ) You need to start by definign what’s wroong with your current system and what you’re looking for in the new one.
I DO NOT want a home theater system! That’s what is driving me crazy, everything is geared to that. And I like the system I have, I want a second system for upstairs. Guess I should, have made that clear.
The blue tooth stuff is easy, I have that on the one I own. Just looking for quality, clear, LOUD music.
What’s wrong with CD/vinyl? I have a childhood collection of vinyl that is pretty fricking awesome and aCD collection even beter.
I’m not sure if it is available anymore, but I setup a system on my current receiver/CD which would broadcast the output to a receiver. You would either need powered speakers or an amp/speakers. I’m too lazy at the moment to get up see what the system was, but if you would like I might be convinced to walk across the room and look. The downside would be you would only be listening to one thing in the house. The upside would be everything could be in one location. I rarely use mine, we often turn on the TV with the stations included and listen to that when we want some music. It would not surprise me if the equipment I have is no longer made.
I agree on Sony and Yamaha. Both make good quality equipment with great sound, with several different price levels depending on how high you want to go. Hard to go wrong with either.
Keith, not sure if they are still around, but 25 years ago or so I dropped around $3k on Adcom separate components. Receiver, pre-amp, amp, and cd player. For a 20 something, it was incredible, both in sound quality and level. Had to sell it all a short while back when I was unemployed and got almost all my money back out if it all those years later. I’m no audiophile, but it was a great system from a high end store that also sold McIntosh separates (another great name but way out of my price range then.) If they are still around, I’m sure they are up to speed with Bluetooth and all that jazz. Again, not a pro, just what I had
You may be thinking of a home theater system differently than I am. CD is fine with me, but I hate vinyl. As a recording engineer for close to 50 years, vinyl gpoing away was one of the best things I saw. If you like it, go for it. Not for me.
I have a vinyl collection going back 35 years. Most of it in excellent shape. It is one of my prized collections. No one can convince me differently of that.
So it sounds like I’ll be leaning Yamaha. I have a Yamaha guitar and a Yamaha motorcycle. No need to switch it up now.
I have to say that there is something about dropping the needle on an LP through a tube Hi-Fi. More mood, nostalgia and ambiance than substance of course but definitely something there.
I will say that having sampled nearly every audio format from Vinyl on, I much prefer CD to most others.
I still do love trolling antiques stores fro vinyl though. I am trying to find Cactus’ self titled debut as well as One Way or Another.
I spent $105 to get my 40 year old FM tuner fixed. The asked me what I wanted to spend? My answer was I bought it new in 1976, had it longer than my wife, so it was sentimental. I could have kept steaming through the iPad, but that was not the same sound.
I had a couple hundred LPs back in the day. I was in the Army, and my roommate (also in the Army) was transferring to Germany. The movers came and packed all my LPs with his.
Then, on the boat over to Germany, they all melted. This was when CDs started coming out anyways, so I wasn’t all that upset.
I’ve been doing a lot of research in that area as well, but what I’m looking for will be home theater capable, but music-centric. For a receiver, I’ve settled on Marantz. If I were you, I wouldn’t rule them out. Or Denon or Onkyo. What I’ve learned is that, with 1500-3000 budget, you’ll find yourself limited. I started with a 1500 euro budget, but I’ve already decided I need to spend 3k to get close to what I want with receiver and speakers. If you’re only going 2-speaker stereo, that should help.
I’ve been all over for reviews, but I go mostly to these guys:
Have you tried audiophile forums? They give lousy homebrewing advice but might help here.
Edit: Keith, this made me think of a friend who is on audiophile forums and loves vinyl. He has a sick system at his house, he’s into it like we are into homebrewing (he doesn’t drink). He makes his own contraptions for stabilizing the turntable etc. He also likes helping out people and he has some time because he is a self employed livery service. If your interested PM me and I’ll ask if he’s interested in corresponding with you. Seriously, I bet he would be happy to do it and he’s definitely your guy for this stuff.
I’ve been doing a lot of research in that area as well, but what I’m looking for will be home theater capable, but music-centric. For a receiver, I’ve settled on Marantz. If I were you, I wouldn’t rule them out. Or Denon or Onkyo. What I’ve learned is that, with 1500-3000 budget, you’ll find yourself limited. I started with a 1500 euro budget, but I’ve already decided I need to spend 3k to get close to what I want with receiver and speakers. If you’re only going 2-speaker stereo, that should help.
I’ve been all over for reviews, but I go mostly to these guys:
[/quote
That was my approach as well. Ended up with a Denon.
I’ve got Denon right now. I hate the remote. It has two frickin’ sides and more buttons then Carter has peanuts. But it sounds just fine.
I need more HDMI hook ups, so I’ll be moving to a Marantz probably. My oldest extant receiver is a Harmon Kardon. Love it. I’ll also be looking into what they have these days.
) You need to start by definign what’s wroong with your current system and what you’re looking for in the new one.