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Bedroom listening, $1k

post #1 of 8
3/15/08 at 1:13am
Thread Starter 
I'd like to stay under $1k if possible
Need speakers and power.
Source will more than likely be my computer via optical out w/ my mp3 player as a secondary.

I have no preference to towers or bookshelfs, I have stands if needed.
Sub is fine if needed but needs to be in the budget.
I would prefer something in a natural wood color but black is fine.

100% music. I listen to all styles of music but my favorite instruments are piano, violin, acoustic guitar.

Room dimentions: LxWxH = 16x11.5x10
Average listening distance: 3-5ft
Listening level: moderate to loud

I'll admit up front that I'm not an audiophile. My HT in the living room is composed of a pair of klipsch RF-3s, an RC-3, Outlaw LFM-1, and a pioneer vsx 1014. To my ears it sounds really good. A friend of mine has a set of Energy C-500s and in his room they sound really good too. Maybe I just don't have the ear for it , but I like to relax and just melt away in the sound.
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post #2 of 8
3/15/08 at 5:00am
If you like the Klipsch Sound try this little system out!

FatMan iTube Integrated Amp- AudioAdvisor.com, It takes 2 inputs and you wouldn't have to use the iPod dock if you don't have an iPod.
Firestone Audio Fubar2 USB DAC- www.firestone-audio.com, Nice D-A for Computer
Klipsch RB-61 or RB-51...

I don't have this system, but it should come in at your $1k price and by all accounts would sound really good..

For different amp combination look at the Jolida JD1301A, www.jolida.com.


Good E-Zine for "budget" gear:
www.affordableaudio.org

Good luck.
Charlie
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post #3 of 8
3/15/08 at 11:39am
I'm using a Jolida 102b tube amp with a set of Usher S520 with great results in a smallish office. Room is about 12 x 14 give or take and the Jolida will drive them to 100db SPL easily.

You would need to use the analog out on your computer or iPod (the headphone jack) unless you get an external DAC. The Jolida only has Analog inputs.

The amp + speakers would be right at around $1k.

There are a TON of options out there in your price range. So go listen to some speakers. Just checkout the threads on monitor or bookshelf speakers for a good starting point.
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post #4 of 8
3/19/08 at 8:38pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the pointers.

Those Jolida amps look really nice, but I've never owned a tube amp before. Is there anything special I need to know about them?
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post #5 of 8
3/19/08 at 10:39pm
Not really. You do need to bias the tubes (basically balance the output stage) that takes about 1 minute and a digital voltmeter. The tubes need to be replaced every now and then. But typical use will make them last at least a few years. Oh, and they do get warmer than your typical solid state amp.

The Jolida 102b is my first tube amp and I've not no issues with it or using it.
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post #6 of 8
3/20/08 at 5:47am
I use one of the Panasonic XR-55 digital receivers in my bedroom and I STILL think it's a good-sounding unit. In fact, I compared it head-to-head to a 1014 like you have and preferred the Panasonic - although the Panasonic has less features and doesn't look as beefy.

And, it fits right in with your needs because it will play very nicely with the digital signals directly from your computer or mp3 player. Think of the whole receiver as one big DAC where an incoming digital signal isn't converted back to analog until (essentially) the signal hits the speakers.

Speakers are harder because they influence the sound so much more than electronics, IMO. In any case, the Panasonic would leave you with most of your money remaining for speakers.
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post #7 of 8
3/22/08 at 1:25pm
Thread Starter 
I have an older Panasonic XR-10 around here somewhere, how would that compare to the XR-55?
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post #8 of 8
3/22/08 at 1:50pm
Another vote for the panasonic XR55. It is a cool running unit, has reasonable features, and can be found pretty discounted on amazon.
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