2. misc-audio
  3. 1141020616

Best Budget Rig sub $600

Hey out there.

I'm a college student currently running a pair of Sennheiser 600s through a Rega Ear amp. This minimalist setup has served me well throughout my college years. In a few months I'll be moving into my own apartment and I'm ready to invest in my first substantial home audio system.

Here's the deal:

I don't care about surround-sound. I just want 2 channels. All I want is an amp and a set of left/right speakers.

Anyone have any recommendations? It's going to be a relatively small apartment and I am not going to need a ton of volume. (I don't want to disturb my new neighbors)

After cables and such, I don't want to spend more than $600 bucks.

After browsing C-net's electronics reviews for a few hours I've come up with the following setup. Let me know if you think I can do better! Here's the best deals I've found:

Amp: Harmon Kardon HK3480 ($260)
Speakers: JBL E90 ($209)
jonnyrocketti

Showing 1 response by rar1

rar1's avatar
rar1
1,816 posts
 
For speakers, pick up a pair of Wharfedale Diamond 9.2 speakers currently for $250 (list $550) at Audio Advisor . Can't do too much better for the price.

For your amplifier, go with a NAD C320BEE integrated amp ($400 list) or alternatively, if you can spare an additional $200, an Outlaw RR2150 receiver directly from Outlaw Audio .

I own all three components and am very pleased with how they perform.

Sensible Sound has just given high marks to Onkyo 503 receiver . J&R Music has it for $225. I owned a prior version (434) and it was a very good amp ... just an average tuner.

Regards, Rich
More to discover