I have recently read a lot about how Bose systems are nothing but $200 systems with fancy marketing, and that technically, they blow. They phyiscally do not play about 1/3 of the audible spectrum. I have now seen the light, and sold my Bose system. I’m looking for a replacement, and hoping that some audiophiles can recommend a new setup for me.
Criteria:
Total price - absolutely no more than $1500, shooting for ~ $1000 or less
What I use it for - watching Tivo-recorded programs, watching live TV (digital cable), playing MP3 from my computer, listening to streaming audio from my computer
What I don’t use it for - radio, movies (very rare)
What I value - sound quality, decent styling
What I hate - expensive and extensive cabling, speaker stands, giant speaker enclosures
What frequencies I use already (for those contemplating wireless rear speakers) - 900Mhz phone, 2.4Ghz 802.11b/Bluetooth, 91.9FM (wireless speaker outside)
I personally would recommend a used Linn Classik and a set of bookshelf speakers, but that’d mean you’d need speaker stands. The Classik is a good entry step into real hi-fi.
If your’e willing to put up with speaker stands, Paradigm Atom speakers are surprisingly good for the price.
You might also want to check into Rotel gear–they’re known for good equipment at a good price.
Since it looks like most of your listening is from relatively lo-fi sources (TV/MP3), you might even want to look at some of the little Denon shelf systems.
You gotta go and test-drive a variety of systems and speakers to find what you like.
For instance, I own an older Adcom system (with paradigm and infinity speakers) which I think rocks, though I’ve heard mixed reviews about their equipment.
Sites like this may help you to narrow down your search.
Something to keep in mind when purchasing; electronic equipment works to the level of the lowest quality component. So its usually a good idea to keep everything around the same quality and upgrade each component in steps.
Also check out the low end B&W speakers. B&W makes some of the better speakers on the market (their high-end units are about $40K a pair). I put in a Yamaha amp and five B&W speakers and a subwoofer for right around what you are looking at.
