I have been into HIFI since before my son was born, he is 13 now. He grew up listening to the "good" stuff on my system and watched the component come and go over the years as my system evolved over many years. He knows what a "good" sounding system sounds like and like any other 13 year old would like to have a system of his own in his room which is normal and part of growing up. You know, imitating adults with possessions and things he can call his "own", completely understandable to me. I am dedicating $1k to this project of his first system. He understands that his system is not going to be of the same quality or "high" price as mine but we both also know that you do not necessarily have to spend tons of money to get great sound, just have to put a system together with properly chosen components that have synergy and without the obvious or glaring MID-FI shortcomings. That's why I specifically mentioned the parameters I am trying to accomplish with this system in my initial post, because in the long run, it will be enjoyable to listen to. Again, I am looking for a smooth sounding system without bloated bass, harsh highs or very prominent or "forward" midrange. Giving up a little of the bottom octave and the very top for a smooth sounding system is perfectly acceptable and preferable to both of our tastes in sound. Thanks for your input and keep the suggestions coming!
Help me put a system together for under $1k.
I am trying to come up with a system for around $1k for my son's room. He is of the age where music is really starting to interest him and he loves to discover different types of music. My goals are to put together a system that would sound on the warm side with none of the cheap stereo nasties like sizzling highs and muddy bass. Thin sounding system would be a turn off as well. I would rather sacrifice the bottom and top end response for a better balanced, relaxed and musical system that would play any kind of music and be enjoyable for hours on end of listening. Due to the budget restraint, it would have to be an integrated with bookshelf speakers. CD player and possibly an inexpensive turntable would be nice too as an alternative to using Ipod for playback. I have been eyeballing the Epos ELS3 and Cambridge Azur 640A, am I on the right track so far? Your input would be appreciated!
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Maybe this is cheating but an Eastern Electric CD Player with Audio Technica Headphones might be found used in the price range you are describing. 6 moons review. Unfortunately won't be something he can play for the gang when they come over, but hey - that's what your system is for right? Will give you the sound you are looking for and a good start he can build on later if he likes. Finding the quality you want under $1000 is gonna be tough IMHO. Not sure I agree the ipos will meet your sound quality requirements. |
I'll go with what I know. I picked up a used NAD 320bee int here ($300) last year for my 2nd system, and it should do just as asked: smooth, balanced sound at a reasonable price. A can't miss, IMHO, and should last through the college years. I added a Sony 9000es sacdplayer at $450, which is a killer player. Does dvd also, which may add to the enjoyment. A Sony 222es would sound great also, and cut the cost while adding a carousel. Speakers? For me, JM Reynaud Twins do the trick, but they may be a bit refined for a kid, and push the budget over $1K. Were I shopping in the $300 range, I'd be awfully tempted by the Epos, but there's been a lot of good recs on the small Infinity speaks as well. They carry them at Best Buy IIRC, so you could take him there and give them a listen. TTs, I'd look for a nice used Technics, Pioneer, Denon, etc, and see if he takes to the vinyl. It would also be a useful way too teach setup, etc. Have fun, and I hope your son appreciates what a great dad he has. |
Does he already have a computer? At work my Apple G5 is connected to a Swan M20L satellite/subwoofer set up that sounds decently good using iTunes as my music source. Swan speakers are known for being "midrange first" in design, so that ultimate extension at both is slightly sacrificed so a full-bodied midrange comes through very nicely. The sound is natural and dynamic. The subwoofer has a built-in amplifier for the sub and has stereo outs that feed the satellites. At work my friend set up a dedicated computer/music server which can play 63 continuous days of songs through iTunes without repeating a single one. Plus, a computer running iTunes gives your son the ability to explore new music genres via the online iTunes Store. I bought my Swan sat/sub unit on Ebay for about $170. Used in conjunction with an existing computer or adding an iPod for $300-400 would make for an affordable, musical system that won't have the family running for cover every time 50 Cent starts bumpin' in the Candy Shop. |
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