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Looking to get started. please help

Hi everyone. I am new here. I had a friend suggest I check this site out. I am really new to higher end audio and am looking for some help!

For years I have been listening to music on a crappy surround sound system and I feel it's time to move on.

I know I am at the VERY low end, but right now I would like to spend about $1500 on speakers and amp at the most to move on to something better. Over time, I'd invest more money, but that's my max at the moment.

My main sources for listening to music would be a record player, my iPod, computer and occasionally my TV. Because I am not really into movies or anything like that, I've definitely decided I don't need anything more than a 2-channel system.

I went to a local shop and this was what was recommended to me...

Receiver - Onkyo
http://us.onkyo.com/Products/model.php?m=TX-8050&class=Receiver&source=prodClass

Speakers - PSB
http://www.wwstereo.com/PSB/IMAGINEBBA

But, then someone told me to come to this site and ask for advice. I was also told that I really shouldn't get a receiver, but instead get an integrated amp.

I really need help! Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
rootsrockreggae
rlwainwright
1,904 posts
 
Tekton speakers - VERY efficient, a 50 watt amp will blow you out of the room...

-RW-
sebrof's avatar
sebrof
837 posts
 
I like RW's Tekton recommendation. I've had 2 pairs, Lores and Katz Meow and still have the Katz. You get a lot for the money, I think much more than those $1,100 PSBs.
http://www.tektondesign.com/

Here's a link to some highly rated sub-$1,000 integrated amps.
http://www.theabsolutesound.com/articles/2013-tas-editors-choice-awards-integrated-amplifiers-under-1000/?utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_source=email-118
rootsrockreggae OP
18 posts
 
You know... maybe I would be interested in doing 2.1 over time. If I was to do 2.1, I wouldn't want an integrated amp like this, right...
http://nadelectronics.com/products/hifi-amplifiers/C-316BEE-Stereo-Integrated-Amplifier

This one is highly rated.
thesaint519
162 posts
 
When I got started, I spent a lot of money trying different things. Once I determined what the ultimate goal was, I was able to buy in line with that goal. What is your ultimate goal? Home theater? Two channel? What size is your room? What is your budget? I think you'll get more appropriate advice once these questions are answered.
mechans
3,048 posts
 
I agree that you have to really think through your prorities. If you want uncomplicated 2 channel sound that will sound superb as your budget allows then good advice for that will follow. A budget is critical. You want a turntable and that alone involves a bit more these days. You need a good and appropriate cartridge and an amp or phono stage that can work with it. Your budget can be blown real fast with that stuff. I recommend an entry level integrated amp a simple turntable with a MM cart a inexpensive phono stage and speakers you like . All this bought used will make it more affordable. I would worry about the TV later. If you are a bass freak then bookshelf speakers with a subwoofer may be your thing, but I would stay away from receivers. Good luck
If you really really want a sub woofer and flexability for TV and movies a different type of system might be best.Then and only then would I even dare think receiver ugh!
P.S. My first venture after a long absence from the hobby was a small tube amp a music hall turntable and CD player and entry level Von Swcheickert VR2s (no lomger avail) but you can find something similiar.
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