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Speakers/receiver for classical music and opera on a budget

I apologize in advance.  You are all audiophiles and I'm only a beginner - and a poor one at that.  But I am desperate for some help.  Finding the right speakers and receiver, on a budget, for CLASSICAL music and OPERA is very, very hard.  I have a 13'x13' family room and $600.  I'd like to plug my computer, dvd player, tv, cd player and speakers into the receiver.  Please don't hate me for getting on here to ask for help.  You men/women are music gods and I need some miracle.  I'm obviously poor and don't know a thing. Right now I have Infinity Reference 2000-3 speakers and a Yamaha RX-395 receiver - if I plug my MacBook Air into that it really sounds bad.  I've been listening/watching opera via streaming/dvd on my computer with headphones.  A 3-hour opera with headphones is long.  Anyone care to help?
shaunac
twoleftears's avatar
twoleftears
5,313 posts
 

Those stores are in business to sell, like any business.  If you give them a set budget, they will tell you what they can sell you from among the brands they stock, and if you're lucky they'll tell you what they recommend among that limited range.

Remember, there are lots of different beasts out there.

Integrated amp.

Receivers.

Audio-visual receivers.

The more you bolt on, to hit a certain price point they have to economize elsewhere.

If you don't need some features (e.g. 5.1) go more simply.

If you just need an integrated amp, I'm sure the forum can provide several good recommendations.  New, I'd look at Denon and Yamaha.  Lightly used, you have a greater scope.

david_ten
5,480 posts
 
@shaunac I was (am) making a point with my previous post.

My recommendation is to save, and save for quite some time so you can make solid choices and long term ones.

A dealer recently shared a wonderful story of how he got into much higher end equipment. He saved for a full year and then bought a single component. If you can be patient, this is what I suggest. Spend that time learning and researching.

At your current budget, I recommend a table top solution like a well reviewed soundbar or lifestyle (all in one) speaker.

There are times when adjusting our expectations is far easier and far wiser.

BTW and FYI, there were opera connections in my first response. : )

http://projects.alc.manchester.ac.uk/cross-language-dynamics/daedalus-multilingual-opera-to-premiere...

https://www.operanews.com/Opera_News_Magazine/2015/6/Recordings/CURRENT__Airline_Icarus.html

https://www.nytimes.com/1984/06/04/arts/opera-icarus-given-us-premiere.html

All the best in your quest and choices.
shaunac OP
5 posts
 
David, nice on the opera references. ;) 
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