Inna +2
Nice headphone amp + headphones (Grado, Beyer, AKG) and pair of quality powered speakers. And yes millercarbon nailed it.
A system for my college-bound daughter
UGHH!!! Usually, the thought of creating a new system would be fun, but it's my daughter, and this time it's not.
Sources wanted: Turntable, CDs, Airplay Streaming
Cost: Would be nice to keep under $1K, certainly under $1,500 (true… that's less than the cost of a cartridge in my main turntable). Way less is fine and encouraged, but I don't want to buy her crap and have her go down the wrong road.
Why I'm finding this hard: WAF but at an even higher level (Teen Acceptance Factor!). She likes the way Crosley looks, but even she admits the sound is crap. Hmm, Peachtree might work. I used to have Peachtree Nova. It was overrated, but it would be a fine start for her. The only thing is that the one with integrated wireless would consume most of the cost, leaving little for speakers and a turntable (I'm sure I could get a cheap solution for playing CDs).
Sources wanted: Turntable, CDs, Airplay Streaming
Cost: Would be nice to keep under $1K, certainly under $1,500 (true… that's less than the cost of a cartridge in my main turntable). Way less is fine and encouraged, but I don't want to buy her crap and have her go down the wrong road.
Why I'm finding this hard: WAF but at an even higher level (Teen Acceptance Factor!). She likes the way Crosley looks, but even she admits the sound is crap. Hmm, Peachtree might work. I used to have Peachtree Nova. It was overrated, but it would be a fine start for her. The only thing is that the one with integrated wireless would consume most of the cost, leaving little for speakers and a turntable (I'm sure I could get a cheap solution for playing CDs).
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Thanks for all the suggestions here in this thread. I am looking for a rather cheap but good player now because I cannot afford a more expensive one. However, I still would like to listen to good music of good quality. I think I will go for MartinLogan Crescendo-x because I like how it looks. It will fit well in my college room at asa miami college, and I hope nobody steals it. I trust my roommates, but we have parties sometimes, and many more people come to our place. I will try to keep a closer look at it and not let anyone else use it because it’s rather expensive for me (especially for a non-essential thing). |
Skipped the Project, had a better idea. Rega Planar 1, set up by Nick at Audio Connection. It’s a really nice turntable for the money. The PS Audio Sprout is very nice. I’m not 100% on the Elacs, they seem a bit bass heavy (no, it’s not the bass boost on the Sprout and *weirdly* I like it better when the bass boost is on) but I haven’t heard of many college students who complain about too much bass. I suggested she take a pair of my B&W P7s, which she thought might be ok after all. The system is hit with her, now we just have to figure out what to put it on in her (current) room. Thanks for all your help! |
I enjoyed all the responses and it made me recall I my 1971 college dorm system, hand me downs from my dad mostly.... Sherwood S-8000 IV receiver (tubes) Dual 1009, probably a Shure M44 cart Electro-Voice bookshelves bought new on a close out for less than $100. Tandberg 12 RTR with muddy audio on 1 channel. i didn’t replace until 1974, speakers stayed with me until 1977. |
Her first consideration, IMHO, is real estate. My son is a freshman and, even if it was a priority, he would not have space for anything more than a laptop and some Audioengine A5+ speakers. Even then, the A2+ would be a better choice. Considerations include: roomate(s), clothing, food, food prep devices, computers, furniture, books, sports equipment, LPs, CDs, etc. However, if she is fortunate to have the space, why not: NAD D3020 (with phono pre), any number of Elac/PSB/Pioneer speakers, Music Hall/ProJect/U-turn turntable, and a CD transport (sorry, I got nothing here) Queue, “Four Yorkshiremen”... My freshman year, for three of us iirc, all non-essential electronics consisted of: 2 lamps, a kettle for water, NAD 7140, Nakamichi BX-125 cassette deck, Ariston Q-deck turntable, Yamaha NS-75(?) speakers, Macintosh 512k with internal floppy, and a Macintosh 1024k (Fat Mac) with TWO floppy drives. |
There is a new pair of Pioneer SP-21BS speakers that could be purchased for ~$110. A very good 4" bookshelf speaker. Would allow for most of your budget for amplification and turntable as keepers. Speakers could be updated later as she gets to know her preferences and/or leaves the dorm room. The pioneer speakers do respond to quality components. |
Sean Fowler has his “Zero Fidelity” videos on YouTube. This one is his recommendation for affordable quality amp and speakers. Your daughter could stream through the system or add accessory equipment. Worth a look: https://youtu.be/6UcVCk27N8I |
How big will be that dorm room? I would say Bluetooth speaker or, if she insists on more, a little (almost) all-in-one system a few above have mentioned (Denon, Marantz, Yamaha). That would include powered speakers as mapman and others suggested. More than anything, ask her to wait until she moves into her room. She may decide to forgo a turntable, real system, etc. It is wonderful planning for life in college, but reality may send her wishes elsewhere. Also... "I’ve tried for Christmas one year and that was a mistake. " That was a long time ago. She is a different person now and will be even more different come this fall. Which is not to say that Apple earphones will ever fall to be her second choice. |
Wilson tune tots or Magico A1. Perfect little speakers for a cheap dorm room system. Perfect for casual listening. One can only gape in awe at the dogged determination, single-minded obsession, and utter obliviousness of this most magnificent of suggestions. |
She has no interest in headphones beyond her apple earbuds, I’ve tried for Christmas one year and that was a mistake. We touched base and she confirmed that a small stereo system was what she wanted although she doesn’t want it until she goes off to college in the fall so there is time. If I had my wishes, it would be a vintage system, but she won’t like the way that looks so I need to keep looking. She’s bought a few LPs and wants to play them, says she expects to buy more, so a turntable is a must. Thanks for all the suggestions, keep them coming. |
Wilson tune tots or Magico A1. Perfect little speakers for a cheap dorm room system. Perfect for casual listening. If you are a superior audiophile like me you would need a custom tuned speaker system made of concrete a few feet thick. No rattling. Only perfect sound. With vents to the outdoors so no internal vibrations. The only thing you hear is EXACTLY what the artist intended. |
A few ideas for you... Fluance tt for ~$350 including an Ortofon cartridge is getting plenty of raves. Steve Guttenberg has reviews on youtube. They look pretty impressive and less costly than the vintage restored Thorens I bought for my daughter. Powered speakers that will accept bluetooth would be a good move lifestyle-wise. For my TV, I use powered Edifiers (bookshelfs + sub) that sound & look surprising great for ~$450. They have optical toslink input that could be fed by something like an SMSL or a similar dac that receives bluetooth as well as the usual inputs via computer, etc. Lots of the cheap stuff w/phono pre built-in isn't very good. A $129 Schiit Mani would be a big improvement if it fits the plan. Cheers, Spencer |
Frank, you either have classic Grado or even earlier vintage, not sure. I have classic. Yes, interesting story. They may say whatever they want but Grado RS-1 have very engaging, emotional character, and do pace and rhythm just right. I tried Audeze and Sehnheiser, not top of line, somewhere in the middle - no thank you. |
inna ... I’m not sure what "vintage" RS-1s would be. I bought mine direct from John Grado at the CES in 1999. Also, I’m using an Ocos speaker cable to hook up the A2+ speakers together. The speakers sit on PPT mats and the PC is covered with the PPT Alpha E-Cards. A little PPT Total Contact is in use too. Also in use is Audioengine's little DAC. Overall, it is a very good sounding computer system. Here's some interesting history on the Grado company: https://gradolabs.com/company/timeline?skipto=heritage Frank |
Vanatoo active speakers. $600 tops. Great sound via Bluetooth even and just add a turntable if needed. https://vanatoo.com Slam dunk for top notch sound in a inexpensive compact package packed with good technology. |
MartinLogan Crescendo-x will be top of the list look wise and perhaps sound wise too...still have enough money left to add a CD and turntable. https://www.martinlogan.com/en/product/crescendo-x |
I'm with Inna ... A pair of Audioengine A2+ (powered) speakers, a little Audioengine DAC, all connected to her laptop computer would sound nice. I speak from experience here. Add a ten-dollar per month subscription to Spotify Premium and you're home free. I also listen through my Grado RS-1 headphones too. Frank |
I had a similar search a few years back. Two options that were at the top of my list were Vanatoo and Napa Acoustic. I saw and heard them both at a show and was impressed with the performance at such a low price point. I ended up handing down gear instead, but would have been happy with a system based around either vendor. |
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