Hello All,
We're in the market for a budget (beginning) audiophile 2-channel set-up for our "smallish" living room. No video/TV hook-up; just music. It's got to be "wife-friendly", as well (sorry gals, no offense).
We're in the NYC metro area, so there are quite a few shops we can visit; I've gone to a few, and the more I look and listen, the more indecisive I become. Some of the sales reps have conflicting opinions and pitches. Countless online reviews aren't helping, either.
We listen to the full gamut of genres -- classical (both orchestration and chamber), jazz/blues (both instrumental and vocal), classic and indie rock -- no heavy metal.
Speakers must be bookshelf due to space considerations. Also, we're not sure what power limits we need to look at for amplifiers (integrated and/or 2-channel receiver) -- room is about 9 x 14 feet with connection to dining area and entrance foyer. We listen at lower to moderate levels.
We're looking for speakers, amplification (we also listen a lot to FM radio -- NPR, Classical/WQXR, and Jazz/WBGO), and CD player, with the option of someday adding a turntable to the mix. And, good cables.
Any starter recommendations are appreciated as a research and auditioning starting point. What are some of your experiences and preferences?
Our budget is $3,000 - 3,500.
Thank much.
We're in the market for a budget (beginning) audiophile 2-channel set-up for our "smallish" living room. No video/TV hook-up; just music. It's got to be "wife-friendly", as well (sorry gals, no offense).
We're in the NYC metro area, so there are quite a few shops we can visit; I've gone to a few, and the more I look and listen, the more indecisive I become. Some of the sales reps have conflicting opinions and pitches. Countless online reviews aren't helping, either.
We listen to the full gamut of genres -- classical (both orchestration and chamber), jazz/blues (both instrumental and vocal), classic and indie rock -- no heavy metal.
Speakers must be bookshelf due to space considerations. Also, we're not sure what power limits we need to look at for amplifiers (integrated and/or 2-channel receiver) -- room is about 9 x 14 feet with connection to dining area and entrance foyer. We listen at lower to moderate levels.
We're looking for speakers, amplification (we also listen a lot to FM radio -- NPR, Classical/WQXR, and Jazz/WBGO), and CD player, with the option of someday adding a turntable to the mix. And, good cables.
Any starter recommendations are appreciated as a research and auditioning starting point. What are some of your experiences and preferences?
Our budget is $3,000 - 3,500.
Thank much.