View Full Version : new member basic questions
these may seem like silly questions to members , but as i come here as a novice , im stiill learning my way around hi fi
1) i see seperates advertised which may have been purchased as seperates or split from a tower system
can 1 seperate be mixed with another from a different brand ? for example could i buy a marantz cd player and put it together with a dennon amp?
2) is it best to buy all the same colour seperates ie all black or do members mix silver fronted equipment with black ?
3) which is more important for sound quality the amp or the speakers or the cd player ?
4) are there brands best avoided , i see on a regular basis , marantz, teac, technichs, pioneer, dennon, rotel, ?
5) should used equipment be approached with caution ?, i suppose its best to hear the item working if buying private,
6) how do you know when something is a bargain? at this stage i have no idea if a teac amp should be £50 or £200 secondhand
sorry for some really basic stuff here guys,
criag
DarrenHW
14-12-2014, 10:05
these may seem like silly questions to members , but as i come here as a novice , im stiill learning my way around hi fi
1) i see seperates advertised which may have been purchased as seperates or split from a tower system
can 1 seperate be mixed with another from a different brand ? for example could i buy a marantz cd player and put it together with a dennon amp?
Yes.
2) is it best to buy all the same colour seperates ie all black or do members mix silver fronted equipment with black ?
Up to you, the colour finish will not effect sound quality.
3) which is more important for sound quality the amp or the speakers or the cd player ?
All are, I've approached this source first (i.e. CDP, TT etc..), then found speakers I like, I'm now trying different pre / power amp combo's.
4) are there brands best avoided , i see on a regular basis , marantz, teac, technichs, pioneer, dennon, rotel, ?
Not necessarily, if you're looking at something in particular give it a google or ask for opinions on here.
5) should used equipment be approached with caution ?, i suppose its best to hear the item working if buying private,
Absolutely!
6) how do you know when something is a bargain? at this stage i have no idea if a teac amp should be £50 or £200 secondhand
Watch a few on eBay, may take you a while to establish it's true market value but at least you'll know if what you're looking at buying is a bargain or over priced. Condition, servicing and accessories will make a big difference to market value.
Hi Craig
There are probably no definitive answers to your questions but in my view
1) Yes you can mix and match from different manufacturers products. But some mixes and matches will be more successful than others. personal experimenting and paying attention to the experiences of others are the key here.
2) Some people are obsessive about the kit matching and looking good. Others just use what they think is best without any regard to appearance. Most folk are somewhere in the middle.
3) A hi-fi system is a holistic entity so no component should really be placed above any other in importance. My view is get as good a room as possible, get speakers that will work with the room, get an amp that will work well with the speakers, in that order.
4) Most brands have something worthwhile to offer. There are very few products around these days that could be described as 'poor' or 'bad'.
5) Yes used equipment should be approached with caution. Personally I'd rather buy from a forum than from eBay if possible. The amount of due diligence you apply in a second hadnd purchase should be commensurate with the cost. So an amp or CD player at say forty quid you can take a punt but if spending £400 do a bit of research on the product and the seller.
6) For an idea of what stuff sells for used look one up on eBay and select the 'completed listings' option and it will tell you what the item are actually fetching. Don't use asking price as any sort of guide, what they actually sold for is what you need to know.
Hope that helps.
Light Dependant Resistor
14-12-2014, 10:20
these may seem like silly questions to members , but as i come here as a novice , im stiill learning my way around hi fi
1) i see seperates advertised which may have been purchased as seperates or split from a tower system
can 1 seperate be mixed with another from a different brand ? for example could i buy a marantz cd player and put it together with a dennon amp?
2) is it best to buy all the same colour seperates ie all black or do members mix silver fronted equipment with black ?
3) which is more important for sound quality the amp or the speakers or the cd player ?
4) are there brands best avoided , i see on a regular basis , marantz, teac, technichs, pioneer, dennon, rotel, ?
5) should used equipment be approached with caution ?, i suppose its best to hear the item working if buying private,
6) how do you know when something is a bargain? at this stage i have no idea if a teac amp should be £50 or £200 secondhand
sorry for some really basic stuff here guys,
criag
Hi Criag
Welcome to the forum. Hi fi is all about preserving and hopefully faithfully reproducing recorded sound.
Many people start with and stay with a turntable as its a pretty good way of sound reproduction, particularly if you have a LP collection
If starting out from scratch the software ie LP CD or other can and does often become the most costly part of an audio system, particularly if your music interest is very wide.
so try and make decision about source components, the choices are LP, CD or computer file, and Radio, which is a great way of learning about new music.
The brands you mention have been around for 40 or more years, and their products will usually work pretty well, take care though with 120v equipment if that is not what is supplied where you are.
There are some really good UK brands that are better than the ones you have listed. Quad Naim,,Rega, Linn, Sugden ,Radford Kef JR, Meridian to name a few.
A bargain would be for instance a working Quad 303 for 50 pounds.
My presence on the forum as trade is as a small manufacturer with a LDR based preamp, and it is very faithful toward recorded sound. IMO the source component and pre amp is the most important, then power amplifiers providing low distortion One of the cheapest upgrades is placing your speakers on stands and listening to where they sound best in your room .
Cheers / Chris
my room is only around 4 mtrs x 4 mtrs , id like to spend under £500 to start with / the turntable and tuner wont be the most important , im looking at a cd player amp and speakers, we have a guy on the radio over here called ray rose whos fanatical about old hi fi and vinyl so ill be adding a turntable sooner than the tuner i think ,
we have a fabulous vinyl shop in sheffield called the record collector where jarvis cocker often visits,
could i ask please if i only have a 4mtr x 4mtr room , what is the sort of amp maximum and speaker maximum i would need , were not talking about playing music loud as im adjoined as a semi detatched house, if i remember rightly if the amp is more powerfull than the speakers , thats what blows the speakers , causing the rattling
Ali Tait
14-12-2014, 10:49
No, it's the opposite. If an amp is not powerful enough and you are pushing it too hard, it "clips". This means the amp has been pushed past it's maximum capability, so cannot reproduce the musical waveform properly. It is this that damages loudspeakers. Using an amp with way more power than is needed will most likely mean your ears will chicken out before the amp does.
That's a fairly small room, so I'd suggest some small floorstanders or more likely some bookshelf speakers on stands. Power is irrelevant really as long as there is enough to drive the speakers.
People new to hi fi often get hung up on power of amps etc. The manufacturers know this and take advantage of it with bullshit marketing.
The fact is, the needed power is down to how easy the speakers are to drive. This is called the speaker sensitivity. The are other factors at work, but this will do for a start. For instance, a horn loudspeaker of say 100db sensitivity can be driven to massive volume levels by an amp of say five watts per channel.
So eakers probably average somewhere around 88db in sensitivity, so something that ouputs say 25 to 30 watts per channel RMS or more would be suitable.
could i ask please if i only have a 4mtr x 4mtr room , what is the sort of amp maximum and speaker maximum i would need , were not talking about playing music loud as im adjoined as a semi detatched house, if i remember rightly if the amp is more powerfull than the speakers , thats what blows the speakers , causing the rattling
Think of it the same as a car, if the car is big and heavy and you fit a weedy little engine it will run out of puff pretty fast and if you try to push it further the engine will blow.
Always best to have an amp that will have more than enough power to drive the speakers. Most speaker damage is caused by low powered amps clipping (distorting) because they have run out of power. But for moderate volumes in a small-ish room you don't really need to worry about it.
A friend of mine has the same size room as you, he runs some Ruark Templar speakers powered by a Rotel amp with a Sony CD player. That cost him about £500 (speakers and amp were used, CD player was bought new). It is better than a lot of much more expensive systems I have heard, works well with the room, no boomy bass but with enough welly to be 'satisfying'.
Light Dependant Resistor
14-12-2014, 11:09
could i ask please if i only have a 4mtr x 4mtr room , what is the sort of amp maximum and speaker maximum i would need , were not talking about playing music loud as im adjoined as a semi detatched house, if i remember rightly if the amp is more powerfull than the speakers , thats what blows the speakers , causing the rattling
In fact the opposite, as speakers are a complex load, an amplifier that has capability to drive them, is what you need.
So choosing loudspeakers that are well engineered like Kef is your first step, as you can be very certain that they will present to the amplifier a fairly easy load. the result being a generous sound output with minimal amplifier power. even better a pair of Klipsh la Scala's, which would not fit in your room but worth mentioning as only 10 watts you could entertain most of the street.
Generally as speakers go to three way designs, their ability to be driven by smaller amplifiers diminishes. So given your room dimensions a small pair of speakers like two way Kefs, will give you years and years of enjoyment. Partner them with a 20-60w amp
that has low distortion such as a quad 306 and you have every chance of success.
youve had plenty of the right advice so i wont add much but to take your time..dont rush it. the selection process is an enjoyable one too so anything you like the look of check the completed section on the bay .it is accessed in advanced search at top right. check the box completed and in green is the sell prices which will give you an idea of what something is worth.
good luck and do let us know what you catch:)
If you are serious about getting the right sound for you, then it is a journey that will take some time, normally means buying stuff that is not to your taste, getting frustrated along the way, buying more stuff, then buying more stuff, trying to make the stuff you have bought work and then after a few years you MIGHT get to the place you want to be......then to only upset the equilibrium by buying more stuff in your quest to get better sound. The very best of luck.
walpurgis
14-12-2014, 11:28
these may seem like silly questions to members , but as i come here as a novice , im stiill learning my way around hi fi
1) i see seperates advertised which may have been purchased as seperates or split from a tower system
can 1 seperate be mixed with another from a different brand ? for example could i buy a marantz cd player and put it together with a dennon amp?
2) is it best to buy all the same colour seperates ie all black or do members mix silver fronted equipment with black ?
3) which is more important for sound quality the amp or the speakers or the cd player ?
4) are there brands best avoided , i see on a regular basis , marantz, teac, technichs, pioneer, dennon, rotel, ?
5) should used equipment be approached with caution ?, i suppose its best to hear the item working if buying private,
6) how do you know when something is a bargain? at this stage i have no idea if a teac amp should be £50 or £200 secondhand
sorry for some really basic stuff here guys,
criag
There you go Craig. That's a good post mate, asking suitable questions.
My answers:
1. Avoid 'tower' and 'midi' system components and concentrate on proper separates. Generally a mix of makes will work. CD players plug into the dedicated CD input or any auxiliary marked input. Remember that a turntable (if you want one) needs a 'phono' input. Not all amplifiers have one, in which case you use a separate phono stage.
2. As Darren says. Use what you like.
3. Components are equally important. The sound is only as good as the weakest part of the system (including cables).
4. The makes you mention are good. Many others are too. If in doubt ask us (me if you like).
5. Yes.
6. Again, ask us or as Darren suggests. Keep an eye on prices. Gumtree is worth a look as well as eBay.
DarrenHW
14-12-2014, 11:35
If you are serious about getting the right sound for you, then it is a journey that will take some time, normally means buying stuff that is not to your taste, getting frustrated along the way, buying more stuff, then buying more stuff, trying to make the stuff you have bought work and then after a few years you MIGHT get to the place you want to be......then to only upset the equilibrium by buying more stuff in your quest to get better sound. The very best of luck.
+1!
walpurgis
14-12-2014, 11:38
could i ask please if i only have a 4mtr x 4mtr room , what is the sort of amp maximum and speaker maximum i would need , were not talking about playing music loud as im adjoined as a semi detatched house, if i remember rightly if the amp is more powerfull than the speakers , thats what blows the speakers , causing the rattling
You can use almost any amp with any speakers if you're sensible about it. I've use a 200+ watt amp driving 6 watt speakers, but that's an exception. A low powered amp driving inefficient speakers is not good. For a modest seventies based starter system I'd aim for a decent Jap integrated amp of maybe 25 to 50 watts and a pair of British speakers of similar rating. Something from Celestion/KEF/Goodmans or B&W for instance, may suit.
the real problem im having is knowing which seperates on e bay etc have been broken up from a tower system
or purchased as a seperate hi fi component from new :scratch:
sureley if it was a tower system say from currys at £399 that cd within the tower wouldnt be as good as a purpose bought cd player as a seperate on its own in the same year
awkwardbydesign
14-12-2014, 11:41
2) is it best to buy all the same colour seperates ie all black or do members mix silver fronted equipment with black ?
Well, some of us just don't care. :lol:
http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m604/awkwardbydesign/JENZEN%20SEAS%20ER/6016f210-ad2b-4126-b3c6-9b6bdcd69ee4_zpse49d83bf.jpg (http://s1134.photobucket.com/user/awkwardbydesign/media/JENZEN%20SEAS%20ER/6016f210-ad2b-4126-b3c6-9b6bdcd69ee4_zpse49d83bf.jpg.html)
the real problem im having is knowing which seperates on e bay etc have been broken up from a tower system
or purchased as a seperate hi fi component from new :scratch:
sureley if it was a tower system say from currys at £399 that cd within the tower wouldnt be as good as a purpose bought cd player as a seperate on its own in the same year
try googling the model number and look for reviews etc when you find sommat of interest. with expieriance you will be able to spot the differences which are often around the back.
you will find all you need here in the classifieds if you have patience and you will know that it is what it says it is.
walpurgis
14-12-2014, 11:59
the real problem im having is knowing which seperates on e bay etc have been broken up from a tower system
or purchased as a seperate hi fi component from new :scratch:
sureley if it was a tower system say from currys at £399 that cd within the tower wouldnt be as good as a purpose bought cd player as a seperate on its own in the same year
If in doubt. Give us a shout! :)
Seriously, tower system parts are very much built down to a price and generally styled to look 'flash' or 'technical' to appeal to people who don't know about audio.
There are makes to avoid. I personally won't buy modern Bose or Bang & Olufsen gear or anything ever made by Amstrad.
What are you aiming to get, a CD based system to start with?
walpurgis
14-12-2014, 12:20
Some suggestions.
Something like these would give you the basis of a nice vintage (ish) system.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/371208931505?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/181589372429?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331401533306?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
(don't worry about the missing battery cover on the CD remote. Pioneer CD remotes are plentiful on eBay)
Not sure how the Ditton 15 would work in a 12 by 12 room, maybe a bit bass-heavy? - but otherwise some good selections there, Geoff.
walpurgis
14-12-2014, 12:29
Not sure how the Ditton 15 would work in a 12 by 12 room, maybe a bit bass-heavy? - but otherwise some good selections there, Geoff.
The Ditton 15s I sold last year were fine in my even smaller 10ft by 11ft room (but then so are my big Tannoys).
DarrenHW
14-12-2014, 12:36
The Ditton 15s I sold last year were fine in my even smaller 10ft by 11ft room (but then so are my big Tannoys).
+1 For Ditton's but prices are high at the moment.
walpurgis
14-12-2014, 12:40
+1 For Ditton's but prices are high at the moment.
Those I've indicated work out at £70 delivered. That's good value.
walpurgis
14-12-2014, 12:43
Those I've indicated work out at £70 delivered. That's good value.
These are excellent too if something compact is wanted.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mission-780se-Stereo-Speakers-HiFi-/131372138167?pt=UK_AudioVideoElectronics_HomeAudio HiFi_HiFiSpeakers&hash=item1e9663beb7
Just adding my 2 cents – I am by no means an expert which is why I signed up to this forum to get advice from those who are but, being an old fart, I do have a lot of experience buying 2nd hand gear - especially from ebay over the last decade or so.
Whatever you buy and wherever you buy it, do some basic safety checks before plugging it into the mains. Check the power lead is firmly connected to the body of the item and there is no damage at all to the wire insulation. I have had stuff where wires were exposed because they had been pulled or twisted repeatedly. Check the whole length of the wire back to the plug. If possible, take the cover off the plug and check that all wires are connected properly and securely and that there is an appropriate fuse (and not one wrapped in silver foil !!! :doh:).
The Quad 303 has been mentioned here and there are a lot kicking about quite cheap on ebay and elsewhere. As a Quad owner and user I can vouch that they are great amps with a very sweet sound HOWEVER they need to be approached with caution, as with any gear from that vintage because (like most OAPs) they suffer from age related problems that are not always immediately apparent – key one being the capacitors that dry out or leak over time. If you hear a sound like soft paper being scrunched up this is most likely a sign of this even if both channels appear to be OK. All can be replaced (I’ve just done mine) but if you’re not handy with a soldering iron or have a mate who can do it for you, this does mean shelling out more cash to get them fixed :(
There has been some very sound advice re. online buying already given but I would just add that if you use BIY on ebay you do have the same legal protection as any online purchase (cooling off period) whereas if you buy at auction you don’t. Also worth checking ‘Freecycle’ as I’ve seen some great stuff being given away on our local version and lastly – check out your local charity shops as they are a great source and are required to check all electrical items for safety before selling.
Stratmangler
14-12-2014, 13:33
Hi Craig
Welcome to the forum.
You've mentioned one of the more interesting places in Sheffield, namely Record Collector, so you're probably aware that there's a branch of Richer Sounds just down the road.
You could do a lot worse than going into Richer Sounds and trying out some of their system deals - lots of the stores have demo rooms, and the Sheffield store is no exception.
You could go in, tell them your requirements (what sources you want to use, etc.) and arrange to have a listen to the kit that falls within your budget.
http://www.richersounds.com/stores/sheffield
http://www.richersounds.com/products/hi-fi-separates/separates/hifi-system-deals
Hi Craig
Welcome to the forum.
You've mentioned one of the more interesting places in Sheffield, namely Record Collector, so you're probably aware that there's a branch of Richer Sounds just down the road.
You could do a lot worse than going into Richer Sounds and trying out some of their system deals - lots of the stores have demo rooms, and the Sheffield store is no exception.
You could go in, tell them your requirements (what sources you want to use, etc.) and arrange to have a listen to the kit that falls within your budget.
http://www.richersounds.com/stores/sheffield
http://www.richersounds.com/products/hi-fi-separates/separates/hifi-system-deals
many thanks chris , this was the can of worms i wasnt wanting to open , but now its mentioned
how does the hi fi seperates compare in quality to say the likes of going into a richer sounds and buying new
i heard one guy once say that the cambridge stuff richer sounds sell isnt a patch on the old cambridge stuff,
again i couldnt comment as i dont know enough
istari_knight
14-12-2014, 14:13
Most important of all: Do you require the use of a remote control ? :D
I know this is a "deal breaker" for many newcomers to this hobby.
I've had the old and the new Cambridge gear. They were both good value for money, if not the best thing ever. If you are more comfortable buying new in a store then go down that route, Richer are very good, if you book a demo they will set it all up for you and leave you to have a listen for an hour or two.
On the other hand the kit Geoff picked out on eBay will be of around the same quality and would leave you quite a bit of money over. But it won't be new or have a warranty.
Stratmangler
14-12-2014, 14:40
I can't comment on the CA stuff - I have no experience of it whatsoever!
Richer Sounds have always stocked last year's model of audio components from other manufacturers, Denon, Marantz and Pioneer being stuff they currently stock.
This year's model might be marketed as being superior, but in truth there will be little if anything in it.
There's a decent enough looking (spec wise) Denon amplifier (http://www.richersounds.com/product/amplifiers-receivers/denon/pma720ae/deno-pma720-sil) and Denon CD player (http://www.richersounds.com/product/cd-players/denon/dcd720ae/deno-dcd720-sil) and the price is lower if you go for the silver versions.
The amp even has a phono input, should you wish to get a turntable at some later point.
You could add some Mission M33i floorstanding speakers (http://www.richersounds.com/product/floorstanders/mission/m33i/miss-m33i-blk), a decent interconnect (http://www.richersounds.com/product/hi-fi-interconnects/cambridge-audio/aud500-1m/camb-aud500-1m), and some 2 core 6amp mains flex from B&Q (for speaker cabing), and you're sorted out in one hit.
If you went into Richer Sounds and asked about the stuff linked to they'll let you demo it, and also try alternatives within your price bracket.
You could of course gamble on Ebay. Sometimes you get bargains, other times it's a crapshoot.
I wouldn't worry too much about people splitting tower systems. Most tower systems only look like a stack of separates. Usually on closer inspection they turn out to be a single unit with a plastic front panel styled to look like it's more than one box. There are exceptions, but where these occur (eg some Denons) the individual units are perfectly valid in their own right.
i suppose the question is then , if i decided to buy new and not e bay, would richer sounds be the best on a tighter budget , or are there better suppliers of hi fi that dont push their own brands?
ie are there lots of on line hi fi seperate companies that back up with a guarantee/ i suppose the drawback here is the fact you cant listen to it )
you often get ex display models come up on ebay from fairly big audio shops where you will get a near as damn it new product for half price. i got my arcam that way.
I can't comment on the CA stuff - I have no experience of it whatsoever!
Richer Sounds have always stocked last year's model of audio components from other manufacturers, Denon, Marantz and Pioneer being stuff they currently stock.
This year's model might be marketed as being superior, but in truth there will be little if anything in it.
There's a decent enough looking (spec wise) Denon amplifier (http://www.richersounds.com/product/amplifiers-receivers/denon/pma720ae/deno-pma720-sil) and Denon CD player (http://www.richersounds.com/product/cd-players/denon/dcd720ae/deno-dcd720-sil) and the price is lower if you go for the silver versions.
The amp even has a phono input, should you wish to get a turntable at some later point.
You could add some Mission M33i floorstanding speakers (http://www.richersounds.com/product/floorstanders/mission/m33i/miss-m33i-blk), a decent interconnect (http://www.richersounds.com/product/hi-fi-interconnects/cambridge-audio/aud500-1m/camb-aud500-1m), and some 2 core 6amp mains flex from B&Q (for speaker cabing), and you're sorted out in one hit.
If you went into Richer Sounds and asked about the stuff linked to they'll let you demo it, and also try alternatives within your price bracket.
You could of course gamble on Ebay. Sometimes you get bargains, other times it's a crapshoot.
I would go with Chris's proposed system above but I would buy the Denon amp second hand from the AOS classifieds here (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?35574-For-sale-Denon-PMA-720AE-integrated-amp-(silver)) and pair it with these (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?35254-B-amp-W-Matrix-1E-speakers-for-sale) speakers also in the classifieds. You will also need a pair of solid 60cm speaker stands. You will get more bang for your buck buying second hand speakers and these little B&W monitors seem to have an air of real quality but I have not heard them. Altogether I imagine it would make for a very decent system.
you often get ex display models come up on ebay from fairly big audio shops where you will get a near as damn it new product for half price. i got my arcam that way.
can you tell me please the best way to search these e bay shops,
ive tried searching home and vision , then sub category and on the left you have new, refurbished and new other
do these bargain items come under the heading buy it now or a auction type sale
i can see some suppliers offering ex display is this what you mean by bargain
some are on make offer
how do you search the on line e bay hi fi shops
you just have to search manually . The amp and speakers mentioned for sale here (hermits post) are worthy of serious consideration and you can at least be sure of their condition coming from two top members. i had my eye on the speakers myself and are an absolute bargain.
Firebottle
14-12-2014, 16:38
Craig if you are willing to drive to the West Midlands I have some kit that will get you off the starting blocks for £40
http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?35462-Panasonic-amp-tuner-cassette-TT-system
That would be for the amp, tuner and cassette deck, as the turntable is spoken for.
All you would need to add to make a complete system would be a CD player and some speakers.
:cool: Alan
MikeMusic
14-12-2014, 16:44
Check out small complete systems *Collect only* on Ebay in Sheffield or close by - however far you are happy to travel
I got one for under £100
Record deck, Arcam Amp and CD, Sony Cassette deck, TDL speakers
Nice little system
do members think that cassette
tape player seperates are a dying breed? I see them for sale , and do see cassettes on e bay and in charity shops,
I do have this horrible memory of most tape players chewing the tapes up and untangling them with a pencil in the spool
I was going to concentrate on cd player/ tuner/ turntable
Most important of all: Do you require the use of a remote control ? :D
I know this is a "deal breaker" for many newcomers to this hobby.
A remote control is essential, I think, once youve had one it's hard to buy stuff that doesn't have one however I've just bought a Quad 304 which doesn't have a remote but I believe that you can 'add' one:eyebrows:
I can't comment on the CA stuff - I have no experience of it whatsoever!
Richer Sounds have always stocked last year's model of audio components from other manufacturers, Denon, Marantz and Pioneer being stuff they currently stock.
This year's model might be marketed as being superior, but in truth there will be little if anything in it.
There's a decent enough looking (spec wise) Denon amplifier (http://www.richersounds.com/product/amplifiers-receivers/denon/pma720ae/deno-pma720-sil) and Denon CD player (http://www.richersounds.com/product/cd-players/denon/dcd720ae/deno-dcd720-sil) and the price is lower if you go for the silver versions.
The amp even has a phono input, should you wish to get a turntable at some later point.
You could add some Mission M33i floorstanding speakers (http://www.richersounds.com/product/floorstanders/mission/m33i/miss-m33i-blk), a decent interconnect (http://www.richersounds.com/product/hi-fi-interconnects/cambridge-audio/aud500-1m/camb-aud500-1m), and some 2 core 6amp mains flex from B&Q (for speaker cabing), and you're sorted out in one hit.
If you went into Richer Sounds and asked about the stuff linked to they'll let you demo it, and also try alternatives within your price bracket.
You could of course gamble on Ebay. Sometimes you get bargains, other times it's a crapshoot.
I believe that there's one of those fine Denon amps in the classifieds at the moment, also believe that the seller is open to sensible offers:eyebrows:
I would go with Chris's proposed system above but I would buy the Denon amp second hand from the AOS classifieds here (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?35574-For-sale-Denon-PMA-720AE-integrated-amp-(silver)) and pair it with these (http://theartofsound.net/forum/showthread.php?35254-B-amp-W-Matrix-1E-speakers-for-sale) speakers also in the classifieds. You will also need a pair of solid 60cm speaker stands. You will get more bang for your buck buying second hand speakers and these little B&W monitors seem to have an air of real quality but I have not heard them. Altogether I imagine it would make for a very decent system.
Thanks Paul.
do members think that cassette
tape player seperates are a dying breed? I see them for sale , and do see cassettes on e bay and in charity shops,
I do have this horrible memory of most tape players chewing the tapes up and untangling them with a pencil in the spool
I was going to concentrate on cd player/ tuner/ turntable
It depends if you already have a lot of music on cassette. If not, then probably not worth starting now since most people think CD is a dying format, then there's little point in starting to collect cassettes!
So I suggets you should stick with your original intent of acquiring a CD player, an Amp and a pair of speakers. You will no doubt move to digital storage/DAC/Streamer etc. in time.
It depends if you already have a lot of music on cassette. If not, then probably not worth starting now since most people think CD is a dying format, then there's little point in starting to collect cassettes!
So I suggets you should stick with your original intent of acquiring a CD player, an Amp and a pair of speakers. You will no doubt move to digital storage/DAC/Streamer etc. in time.
Tell you something Denon does a network player DNP-720AE(I have one) which matches my amp and there's also a matching CD player but the network player is fantastic, you can listen to AM & FM radio, internet radio, airplay, USB sticks and music on your computer or laptop or phone.
There was a guy on the Wam selling one recently for about £120.
Tony
whats the difference between an amp a pre amp and an intergrated amp
walpurgis
16-12-2014, 18:02
An integrated amp does the combined work of a preamplifier and power amplifier as it has both in one box.
A preamplifier (sometimes known as a 'control amplifier') handles the low level input signals, allowing selection of inputs and controlling levels (volume). Some have tone controls, etc.
The power amplifier or power amplifiers in the case of monoblocks, provides the gain (power) to drive speakers.
walpurgis
16-12-2014, 18:42
do members think that cassette
tape player seperates are a dying breed? I see them for sale , and do see cassettes on e bay and in charity shops,
I do have this horrible memory of most tape players chewing the tapes up and untangling them with a pencil in the spool
I was going to concentrate on cd player/ tuner/ turntable
Some people still use cassettes (compact cassette) and there are some devotees here on AOS. I hate the things.
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