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system for a 12 year old

I'm going to assemble my 12 year old son's first system.

OK, so he doesn't know the difference between a woofer and a tweeter. Still, there are decisions to be made....so I request your comments and observations.

I bought a vintage yamaha CR-420 receiver for a pittance on ebay and plan to build from there. I have not received the Yamaha yet, but when I do I will either assign it direct to my son's new system or replace my vintage NAD 7020 receiver in my 2 channel a/v system and donate the NAD to my son instead.

Next, my plan is to add a pair of Klipsch RB-51 monitor series bookshelf speakers, which I've heard at BEst Buy and was very impressed with for the price. This will settle my yearning to gain exposure to a pair of horn based speakers at low cost and risk initially. I can then either dedicate the Klipsch's to my son's system with the Yamaha or NAD or replace my Triangle Titus's or Ohm L's and moved one of these to my son's system which will go in his modest sized bedroom.

Not sure which way this will pan out yet at this point, but I welcome any comments or observations.

Thanks.
128x128mapman
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,341 posts
 
Yes, he is into music and asked for a stereo.

But of course I did not require much convincing to volunteer put something together...
larryken
537 posts
 
I did a system for my son when he was about that age and it never got used...he listens strictly through the computer....then I bought a receiver that interfaced with the computer and then he started listening....the cd player and amp when into a box...times have changed.
Larry
cwlondon
1,210 posts
 
Mapman

I think your idea is a very nice one, and your son is lucky to have such a thoughtful Dad.

Larryken does have a point, and perhaps there is a way to dovetail an interest in audio with all the more contemporary multi media stuff.

Among other ideas, here is an easy way to connect a computer:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=248-599

and any kid has to be able to appreciate an amp and decent speakers compared to plastic computer speakers.

As for age questions, I credit my parents for giving me my first "stereo" (an all in one unit with record changer) when I was 6 as being one of the keys to my lifelong interest in music.

It was proceeds from delivering newspapers that had me buying my first real gear when I was only 13 - a Techics receiver and Infinity speakers, leading to Hafler amps, an SME tonearm, Grado Signature and Magneplanars before I was even 15.

So I think it is a great idea and a great age and wish you the best of luck.

cwlondon
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,341 posts
 
cwlondon,

Thanks for the tip on the Behringer interface. I hadn't seen this particular gadget before.

My parents bought me a Sanyo integrated compact system (radio, tt, cassette, amp, speakers)which was a common entry level system back in the day ( early 70's) and I developed my love of music and appreciation of good sound from there.

It's definitely a different age now. My boy is into music and uses a shared family laptop for other interests.
This system would be for his room. I'm not sold on providing a 12 year old with a computer and internet access in his room at this point though. He said he would take me up on the offer of a "stereo system" though.

We'll see how it goes. Should be fun!
mapman's avatar
mapman OP
22,341 posts
 
Here's an update.

The Yamaha CR-420 is cleaned up, working good, and sounds great with the Triangle Titus' in my 2nd A/V system.

I'd account for the synergy of the Yamaha with the Triangles as a result of a combination of low distortion that these vintage Yamaha units are known for combined with the re-knowned clarity and detail of the Triangles.

This system sounds the most transparent, clear and detailed at present as it ever had with either prior receivers: a Tandberg TR 2080, which sounded quite sweet in it's own right when I had it, or the NAD 7020 I called into duty to fill in for the Tandberg.

I was never really very pleased with this particular NAD in this system. The sound had a nice warmth and good dynamics, but lacked in clarity and detail, particularly at lower volumes. The Yamaha really shines at lower to moderate listening volumes which is typically how this system is used.

So it looks like the NAD 7020 is probably heading eventually into the system for my boy, whenever that comes to fruition.
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