Cheap CD Set-up [Archive]

chasing_8

07-01-2003, 09:58 PM

Okay, my budget is so low that I'd rather not say. Think as cheap as possible. I live in a small apartment (and probably will for a while), can't jack up the volume as high as I'd like, so wonderfully loud speakers aren't necessary. I'm currently using just a generic Sony stereo all-in-one system that I've had for 7 or 8 years now. It doesn't even have RCA outputs. I just want something that... well... sounds better.

I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile, obviously. I can't afford to be one yet, really. But music is my passion, so, I figure I should hear it as well as I can right now.

Mayhaps I should read the thread regarding the setup for the 8 year old... heh...

Sckott

07-01-2003, 10:09 PM

Buy what you like in your price-range. You can buy things cheaply as long as it moves you.

If it doesn't, save your nickles until something happens.

Sorry to be so general. :( Since I've been down this road before I can't say it was all that bad, but it certainly wasn't amazing. Spend your dough on software for now. Get something second hand, affordable. Audiogon.com? Read reviews, listen before you buy.

Vedric

07-01-2003, 10:45 PM

Budget would help.

Used Rega Planet CD player would be hard to beat for redbook price/performance.

Maybe a Philips DVD963 combo player (CD,SACD,DVD) -haven't heard it yet myself but have heard good things about it.

A nice used integrated of some sort. Ask around on this one.

A nice pair of 2-way monitors with quality stands.

Tributaries OFHC 12gauge speaker wire OR some solid core copper speaker wire and interconnects.

Vedric

audio

07-02-2003, 12:34 AM

Originally posted by Vedric
Budget would help.

Used Rega Planet CD player would be hard to beat for redbook price/performance.

Maybe a Philips DVD963 combo player (CD,SACD,DVD) -haven't heard it yet myself but have heard good things about it.

A nice used integrated of some sort. Ask around on this one.

A nice pair of 2-way monitors with quality stands.

Tributaries OFHC 12gauge speaker wire OR some solid core copper speaker wire and interconnects.

Vedric

Excellent advice!

Gary

07-02-2003, 05:47 AM

Chasing 8, you're in TO! That's good news!!!

I know of a place that can set you up with used components (receiver, speakers, TT) for about $200.00, depending on what you choose. Not sure about a CDP though.

Send me a PM and we'll "talk"!

GregY

07-02-2003, 06:17 AM

I'm in the same boat as chasing_8, sort of. Need a decent amp + 2 speakers for my office to go with my Sony SACD changer. Can't afford much these days and I don't know of any reliable used places.

Ere

07-02-2003, 06:24 AM

I agree with the suggestion to get a basic DVD player as this will play CDs and CDRs and allow for integration into the TV. Also, I'll keep singing the praises of Acoustic Energy's mini system w/ a powered sub and two satellite speakers, perfect for a small system. Eliminates the need for an amplifier and it sounds quite good. Check out the details in my earlier post (http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=275546&highlight=aego#post275546) on the Aego2. They're going for less than $400 now.

http://www.aegoproject.org/AegoBlackSmall.jpg

Ere

Shakey

07-02-2003, 07:05 AM

Originally posted by chasing_8
Okay, my budget is so low that I'd rather not say. Think as cheap as possible. I live in a small apartment (and probably will for a while), can't jack up the volume as high as I'd like, so wonderfully loud speakers aren't necessary. I'm currently using just a generic Sony stereo all-in-one system that I've had for 7 or 8 years now. It doesn't even have RCA outputs. I just want something that... well... sounds better.

I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile, obviously. I can't afford to be one yet, really. But music is my passion, so, I figure I should hear it as well as I can right now.

Mayhaps I should read the thread regarding the setup for the 8 year old... heh...

What isn't clear here is does this system not have RCA Outputs or does it not have RCA Inputs. If you are trying to salvage part of your present set-up this would certainly be important to know. Or maybe tell us what your set-up DOES have, RCA inputs or outputs.

I suspect it might have RCA inputs, allowing an auxiliary device like another CD player. If that is the case maybe a source component like some mentioned above.

Or on the other hand it has RCA outputs, less likely, you might then use the present set-up's sources and invest some money in amplification/speakers for now. Then as you put aside some more money get a decent cd/dvd player.

chasing_8

07-02-2003, 08:20 AM

Thanks for the replies.

Originally posted by Shakey

What isn't clear here is does this system not have RCA Outputs or does it not have RCA Inputs. If you are trying to salvage part of your present set-up this would certainly be important to know. Or maybe tell us what your set-up DOES have, RCA inputs or outputs.

I suspect it might have RCA inputs, allowing an auxiliary device like another CD player. If that is the case maybe a source component like some mentioned above.

Or on the other hand it has RCA outputs, less likely, you might then use the present set-up's sources and invest some money in amplification/speakers for now. Then as you put aside some more money get a decent cd/dvd player.

Sorry, will clarify. No RCA inputs or outputs. It's crap. ;)

chasing_8

07-02-2003, 08:22 AM

Originally posted by Ere
I agree with the suggestion to get a basic DVD player as this will play CDs and CDRs and allow for integration into the TV. Also, I'll keep singing the praises of Acoustic Energy's mini system w/ a powered sub and two satellite speakers, perfect for a small system. Eliminates the need for an amplifier and it sounds quite good. Check out the details in my earlier post (http://www.stevehoffman.tv/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=275546&highlight=aego#post275546) on the Aego2. They're going for less than $400 now.

http://www.aegoproject.org/AegoBlackSmall.jpg

Ere

I do have a cheap DVD player. Doesn't play CDR's, but, I wouldn't mind reserving them for my current CD player (which, surprisingly, plays CDRs fine). The DVD player does however play CD's, so, if I could use that in a cheap setup, that'd be great. Suggestion noted.

chasing_8

07-02-2003, 08:28 AM

RDK

07-02-2003, 09:31 AM

First of all, forget about name brand cables/wires at that budget. Just about anything other than zip cord should do you fine.

If you want new gear, check out http://www.audioadvisor.com. They often have some good (and cheap) gear in their clearance section, but it changes all the time. (I'm fond of their Cambridge products.)

DanG

07-02-2003, 09:36 AM

TDK DA-3826 CDR

Got this deck because I read a recommendation from Tom Port's catalog, Better Records (http://www.betterrecords.com). I'd already bought a Yamaha CD player/recorder from Sound Advice, but took a chance and got this. Definitely better in an A/B comparison. $280 or so from Best Buy. Can't find Tom's recommendation online, but memory tells me he felt it compared very favorably with more expensive units.

Ere

07-02-2003, 10:39 AM

One of the benefits of the Aego2 setup is that it is self-contained, so you wouldn' t need any cables or wires besides what you probably already have for your CD player. Also, it has a headphone jack which might come in handy in an apartment living situation. The back of the subwoofer has adjustable gain on the bass setting, I usually just leave it flat.

Ere

Shakey

07-02-2003, 12:00 PM

Originally posted by chasing_8
Thanks for the replies.

Sorry, will clarify. No RCA inputs or outputs. It's crap. ;)

Well if ain't made in Scotland, It's Krap!

Sorry I had to do that.

Jeffrey

07-02-2003, 01:48 PM

Hi,

Buy used. Ebay sometimes has great deals...... it's hit or miss. Pawn shops may also be a nice choice.

-Jeffrey

RDK

07-02-2003, 01:55 PM

What Jeffrey said. Thrift stores often have some outstanding bargains if you know what to look for. You can pick up a name brand CD player (say Sony or Panasonic) for $20-30 used (just make sure that it actually works). And if you look around you can find old 70's or early 80's receivers like Pioneer, Sansui, or Marantz that will give the new stuff a run for its money. (Again, just make sure that they work; sticky pots can be cleaned and bulbs replaced, but other problems could be expensive to fix). I wouldn't worry about expensive cables, but would instead put the bulk of my budget into speakers. Speakers with higher sensitivity ratings will allow you to get bigger sound out of a smaller amp source, which could also save you some money.

mudbone

07-02-2003, 01:58 PM

Another place to look is the Classfied ads in your local newspaper.

mud-

Jeffrey

07-02-2003, 02:18 PM

Originally posted by RDK
Thrift stores often have some outstanding bargains if you know what to look for. You can pick up a name brand CD player (say Sony or Panasonic) for $20-30 used (just make sure that it actually works). And if you look around you can find old 70's or early 80's receivers like Pioneer, Sansui, or Marantz that will give the new stuff a run for its money. (Again, just make sure that they work; sticky pots can be cleaned and bulbs replaced, but other problems could be expensive to fix). I wouldn't worry about expensive cables, but would instead put the bulk of my budget into speakers. Speakers with higher sensitivity ratings will allow you to get bigger sound out of a smaller amp source, which could also save you some money.

What Ray said! :)

-Jeffrey

Gary

07-02-2003, 02:43 PM

Don't forget garage sales....

Vedric

07-02-2003, 05:15 PM

Originally posted by chasing_8

Budget would be low-mid hundreds, actually.

I would seriously suggest building a system over time. There are excellent buys out there but getting into something good can be difficult when trying to get everything at once. These aren't my listings, just a couple examples..

Used Vandersteen 1C's. 2-way floor standers from a company with an excellent reputation. $475.00
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?spkrfull&1060542992

Philips 963SA DVD,CD,SACD player $330.00
http://cgi.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cl.pl?dgtlplay&1062107784

Vedric

BradOlson

07-02-2003, 06:49 PM

Or get the Sony MXD-D40 which does have a very good CD player and an excellent MiniDisc recorder, this should only cost you approx. $300