Do you know a quality audio system for listening to records?

Question

I'm looking for a whole new set up, except for the record player, for under $800. I have looked at Onkyo's Home Theater systems (sr600 and sr800) but I have yet to hear of the quality of sound for playing vinyl. Home theater systems may be easier but I am not opposed to a separate receiver and speakers.

I listen to mostly records but I also frequently listen to my iPod and sometimes CD's and movies. Also if it is of any help, I listen to mostly folk and indie rock.

Any suggestions??

Answer 1

The problem with a HTIB is that 99% of them do not have a phono preamp, which means you will have to buy an outboard one or get a turntable with one built in. This is no big deal but bear in mind that modern home theater equipment will not give you optimal sound from your vinyl.

I would suggest looking into some high end vintage gear from Sansui or Marantz for the most bang for your buck.

http://electronics.search.ebay.com/sansui_Receivers_W0QQcatrefZC12QQfromZR10QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQsacatZ50596QQsassZ
http://electronics.search.ebay.com/marantz_Receivers_W0QQcatrefZC12QQfromZR10QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQsacatZ50596QQsassZ

For speakers try some vintage Acoustic Research

http://electronics.search.ebay.com/acoustic-research_Speakers_W0QQcatrefZC12QQfromZR10QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1QQsacatZ50597QQsassZ

It may sound crazy but you would be amazed by how good top end vintage equipment can sound. Also, this stuff was made to make vinyl sound it's best.

Answer 2

Hi.Here is a bit of information about the components in a stereo system and how they react with one another. In a music system the recorded information is retrieved from the software, (records,.compact discs,tape, etc.) converted to an electrical signal and sent to the electronics.The electronics produce a larger copy of that signal and send it to the speakers.The speakers convert the signal into the sound that you hear..Information is passed down a chain,from one component to the next,and in only this direction.The most important fundamental is that nothing in the chain can improve upon what is sent to it. And, like a chain,all the "links" are equally important.

The Source( in your case the Turntable) is where the information is put into the system.This is the most important piece of equipment in your record playing system.The quality of the musical signal coming out of this first component will effect the final sound you hear from your speakers. From the beginning of the system to the end,nothing can improve the original signal.The very best equipment simply does not degrade the original signal as much as lesser equipment does.Simply put,music reproduction is a damage control job.Because we can't make the sound better than it is on the record,the goal is to degrade it as little as possible. If information is lost or damaged(distorted,changed,altered) at the Source,nothing else down the chain can make up for,or repair it. You simply must put something good into the system to get something good out.

Ok. How good is your Turntable ? Don't get a Receiver,the sound quality is not good enough for stereo. What you need is a quality Intergrated Stereo Amplifier,or better still a separate Preamplifier and a two channel Power Amplifier.
What type of speaker sound do you like ? bright, mid-range prominance or neutral ?

Idon't think you will be able to get a quality audio system for your budget .However we will see what can be done.

The Marantz PM 7001 Stereo Integrated Amplifier with 70 watts rms/channel and Phono Input is a good buy at $480.
Have a look at the link below.

http://www.accessories4less.com/cgi-bin/item/MARPM7001


EDIT.The best amplifiers are ones that do not have tone controls ,filters and a balance control.These are not needed and only help to degrade the sound...less = best.

As others have stated you can pickup great bargains on eBay which are much cheaper than retail prices.I think if you can't increase your budget this might be the only way to go.
Start with the Turntable ,Arm and Cartridge first if your one is not up to "scratch". Then you need the best Interconnects you can afford particularly the Phono Interconnect. Others will not agree but leave the choice of Speakers untill last. (Remember how the chain of equipment works)

Let me know if you have any questions. I have a vinyl based system myself. I am pleased to do what i can to help you out.

Answer 3

Go to Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. or similar store , and audition their speakers and find a set of speakers that have the sound quality you are looking for. Bring a CD or two that has music you like and play them when listening to the speakers , this will help in sound quality.
Once you decide on the speakers then you will have to determine if you can connect them to your receiver or not.
If they can't then you will need to purchase another receiver, but if they will connect to your current receiver, then just purchase the speakers and connect them to your receiver.

Answer 4

The most important part is your source component (the turntable). You can get a good sounding one for about $300 new, a little less if you get a used or a floor demo. This is really the least you can spend for a quality turntable, if your budget gets short somewhere else, like the amp or speakers, you will still be better off. There are some good online dealers for records that also carry the turntables, check them out.

Answer 5

I would stay away from a HTIB if you only want a hi fi set up. look towards a integrated amp. speakers are a very personal thing, but look at full range towers with no sub. best sound possible. You will want to look at a DSP or eq to help with the colorization of most stereo amps.

Given your budget I would look more to used equipment, remember you do need the latest modes for stereo.