Massage therapist looking for stereo for office

A used Linn Classik with a pair of decent bookshelf speakers, a long list of which can be had for around $300 new. The Classik should be less that $1k, so she should be able to do it within budget. My only question would be if the Classik supports a second zone, though I'm presuming she is willing to have the same music playing in both rooms (ie, one source to two sets of speakers). -Kirk

Thanks, Kirk. Yes, she wants the same music in all the rooms. Ross

I am using, for ambient music in my vet clinic, an older mega receiver along with PSB monitors, (I use a Niles multi speaker selector and the Niles volume control modules for each room.) A decent cd changer will do fine. She could get all that if she went used, and be amazingly happy, (and have the convenience of a tuner, cd changer, and one power source.)

If she doesn't have the time or the inclination to look for used gear something like NAD would probably fit the bill. She could get an integrated amp like the C350 for about $325 or a receiver (with a tuner) like the C740 for about $380 addin a C521 for around $250. This would leave budget for 2 pairs of decent bookshelf speakers [KEF Cresta 2-$275/pair or Mission 771 - $250 for Audio Advisor]. This solution would still leave $100 for cables and mouting hardware (which might not be quite enough. While this will not give you world class sound it is very good compared to the CircuitCity type of gear and could all be bought new wth waranty (thus no hassles). Used geart can be a fantastic way to get a better stereo than you can really afford (I have bought lots of it). But you pay for the savings in time and risk to some extent and I'm not sure its worth it in your friends price range. Now if she wants a $5000 stereo for $2500-$3000 it's another story.

for her buget .. and aplication .. i would recomend then NAThe PSB Alpha Mini SpeakersD-L-40 system ...that is --The NAD L40 CD Receiver:andThe PSB Alpha Mini Speakers.. this is a package NAD puts together... even comes with cables..
we sell quite alot of these for use in offices ...
the reciever is 20wpc with a built in cd palyer ....

for more info and complete Specs.. go to our showcase on audiogon ..or http://nadelectronics.com/NADmusicSystem.html

stephen
Quest For Sound

I'm glad to see the L-40 by NAD recommended here. I will say that in my system this one piece receiver/with cd player integrated is very musically satisfying--even relaxing. The sound is warm and somewhat laidback with my speakers. Have not hear it with the PSB Alphas, but buying a speaker/amp that are known to work well together deserves an audition. I couldn't imagine a better component than the NAD L-40 to serve as the basis for a simple, yet musical system. Highly recommended.

When I read the initial post the first time, I was thinking it was for only two rooms, but it's for three. I doubt either the Linn Classik or the NAD L-40 (an excellent recommendation as well, especially since it could be purchased new within the specified budget) support three speaker outputs. To make a complete recommendation, somebody probably needs to recommend a serviceable, non-degrading "splitter" to feed multiple sets of speakers. -Kirk

The ADCOM GFS-3 sells for around $100 and while no switch is completely non-degrading, it is pretty good. It also provides impedance protection for the amp. In this price range it's a good compromise between Ratshack and something far too expensive.

Thanks for all your responses. Looks like I'll suggest the NAD L-40. She'll need approx. 20 feet of speaker cable to run the speakers in each of the rooms. Any suggestions for decent quality speaker cables that will work well with the NAD? Ross

I think you are making a mistake. I am sure the NAD L-40 is a fine piece, and would do well in an office system that is intended to be used for one room. But, you describe a multi room use. Plus, other than using the tuner, she will be limited to the length of one cd. Will she stop the massage to wash the oil off her hands and change the disc? I hope not during my session. Plus, when you are face down, (it is that kind of massage parlor, right? [:)],) you are not doing critical listening. You just want quality ambient sound that is convenient and contibutes to the whole experience. You need power, more than the L-40, to push the overall 6 ohm load a multi room contoller (like the Niles) results in. BTW, get a couple of spools of good quality "home theatre" wires for the runs, they will be fine. Good luck. Charlie

Charlie, Thanks for the tip. I spoke with her regarding the recomendations and she order the NAD Music System with two extra pair of PSB Alpha Minis. I did see that the L-40 has a pre out for connecting to an external amp. I'll keep a look out for a decent used 60wpc amp. I see there are a few Adcom amps in the price range of $150-200. Do you think that would do the trick?
Ross

those should be fine, but you can also probably find a used NAD in the same price range. If I were you, I would use Analysis Plus HT oval 14 speaker wire. It is very good and not too expensive.