10 replies to this topic

[bulldogboy]

Hi Folks,
After 25 years i'm in the market for a new stereo system.  I understand you guys are mostly concerned with the upper end of the market, but i'm hoping someone can be helpful with a budget of $1500-$2000.

For what it's worth i have a teac turntable with a new stylus;

and a set of 100 watt Wharfdale speakers.

Originally i intended getting an amplifier, but i understand now they have receivers that can be used for your tv as well.  If this was a better option, i would look at updating the tv in next couple of years.


Thanks for your time.

[Quark]

If you're not into surround sound, you can just use the analog audio out connections on a TV, without getting a product that can decode digital signals.

However, if you're playing DVDs/Blu-rays then digital decoding may be preferable, depending on your player (if so, please advise model).

Do you need AM/FM radio?  The implementation of digital radio here in Aus is pathetic, so I won't try and sell this as a "must have".  Do you want to be able to stream music from the net?

Some more details on the Wharfdales would help, particularly the impedance and preferably the model number.

Do you want to be able to connect a subwoofer?

[audiohobbs]

If you want to play the turntable through the new amp you will need to budget for a phono stage - few amplifiers have phono stages built in these days. Odds are, any amp you care to pick up will drive the speakers you have and if you like the sound of that combination you will save yourself plenty of $$$.

Try Stereo Net Australia for more information; there are often second hand items on sale there, too, which could expand your bang for buck quotient. Even if you buy new, though, $1000 would get you a damn good amp and a few hundred more gets good a phono stage. You really wouldn't *have* to spend $1000 or more on an amp, though; there are things out there with decent sound for less.

Whether or not you want anything else as source (front-end / player) for the amp you don't say. Do you have / need a CD or DVD player? Do you want a media player to play digital files? If so then you need to budget for that source. If you don't like the sound of the amp with your existing speakers (although you can demo them in any decent shop with prospective purchases) then you may need to re-allocate your budget further.You don't mention how big your room is, nor if you prefer music to movies, style of music, etc., so there are other factors you may want to take account of. In any case, I hope this gives you a few more ideas.

[:)]

http://www.dtvforum....howtopic=109324

nice little rotel there, prob all thats needed for the wharfedales,

re phono stages can pick one up usually $100 eg cambridge, nad etc look on ebay.

also with stereo amps check brands like cambridge audio, nad, denon, marantz, arcam, musical fidelity, rega, rotel, pointed to above all have decent amps in your range.

if defintiely after an av receiver, denon receivers all have a phono stage built in suprisingly ! its for moving magnet only and basic but with the teac likely do the job

ps if wanting to buy from a shop, check your local store,

eg audio trends having a sale right now,

http://www.audiotren...shop.php?page=1

looking at integrated amps there, theres a nice arcam fmj a18, rega brio, denon 710ae and all quite affordably priced and with phono stage built in !

[mttel]

:), on 10 July 2012 - 09:51 PM, said:

http://www.dtvforum....howtopic=109324

nice little rotel there, prob
......

Agree the amp a good one but I would caution this sale, there is a thread running on issues related to the Blu ray player sale.

[Quark]

:), on 10 July 2012 - 09:51 PM, said:

http://www.dtvforum....howtopic=109324

nice little rotel there, prob all thats needed for the wharfedales,

mttel, on 10 July 2012 - 10:02 PM, said:

Agree the amp a good one but I would caution this sale, there is a thread running on issues related to the Blu ray player sale.

Agree, the seller has disappeared since receiving funds for the blu-ray player and the buyer hasn't received it.  Wouldn't touch the Rotel as it appears to be a scam.

[:)]

Quark, on 11 July 2012 - 07:11 AM, said:

Agree, the seller has disappeared since receiving funds for the blu-ray player and the buyer hasn't received it.  Wouldn't touch the Rotel as it appears to be a scam.

yikes no good there, pitfalls of second hand !

best stick with the stores specials suggested then

[DigitalObserver]

Hi  bulldogboy. You must find it quite a different world after 25 years. I would suggest that you visit one of the better stores where service is a feature and get them to lead you through the current alternatives which are almost overwhelming.
2 channel may still be what you want although you also indicate that A/V might be what you want. Many members prefer discreet music and A/V systems, others are happy to integrate their music and A/V. Most of the major manufacturers produce very effective "hybrid" systems.
Where are you located? Members will be able to direct you to some good advice where you can tst drive the alternatives.
Enjoy, with the budget you have you will get some excellent gear!

[bulldogboy]

Quark, on 10 July 2012 - 05:09 PM, said:

If you're not into surround sound, you can just use the analog audio out connections on a TV, without getting a product that can decode digital signals.

However, if you're playing DVDs/Blu-rays then digital decoding may be preferable, depending on your player (if so, please advise model).

Do you need AM/FM radio?  The implementation of digital radio here in Aus is pathetic, so I won't try and sell this as a "must have".  Do you want to be able to stream music from the net?

Some more details on the Wharfdales would help, particularly the impedance and preferably the model number.

Do you want to be able to connect a subwoofer?

Thanks for all your replies, much appreciated.
I live in Williamstown, Vic, so any store suggestions would be good.

Listening/viewing room is about 8-10 ft so would surround sound be suitable?

Playing records, cd's and dvd's.( 10 yr old samsung dvd player, probably replaced within nxt yr).

Am/fm preferable but not essential.  No need to stream music.

Wharfdales CRS3's 100 watt 8ohm.

Unsure if i need subwoofer.  Is this mainly for the tv aspect?

Thanks again,

[audiohobbs]

bulldogboy, on 14 July 2012 - 12:30 PM, said:

Thanks for all your replies, much appreciated.
I live in Williamstown, Vic, so any store suggestions would be good.

Listening/viewing room is about 8-10 ft so would surround sound be suitable?

Playing records, cd's and dvd's.( 10 yr old samsung dvd player, probably replaced within nxt yr).

Am/fm preferable but not essential.  No need to stream music.

Wharfdales CRS3's 100 watt 8ohm.

Unsure if i need subwoofer.  Is this mainly for the tv aspect?

Thanks again,

The Wharfdales will probably be a reasonable starting point for your system. The "need" for a sub is very subjective; those heavily into movies swear by them, although there are more than a few stereo stalwarts who use them, too. Personally, I have never found the need for one and I make heavy use of my 2.0 system - it performs all the main room audio-visual duties, general TV watching included. It handles everything I throw at it with aplomb. My advice is to get yourself a stereo amp and phono stage and take it from there. You can add a sub later if you find it necessary.

The same goes for surround sound, although if you are mainly into films and just do music occasionally it may be more important. Again, however, I would start stereo and work from there. You can get stereo amps that integrate with surround sound systems if you think you may go that route later. You will get better sound (by far) spending on only two channels rather than six.

Most good audio stores will let you audition your prospective purchases with your own equipment - ie, take your speakers in with you to try when auditioning your amps. Make a shortlist of possibilities and give each a whirl with your Wharfdales. It is the fun part of the hobby, so enjoy yourself.

[gone_bush]

You could try the following stores:

Carlton Audio Visual

Clef Hi-Fi

CAV are probably better at 2 Channel gear.