# What Kind Of Stereo Do You Own? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 12, 2001, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178 "2001-07-12T03:34:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![King\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/7bcc69/32.png) [@King\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/King_Rat)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2001, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/1 "2001-07-12T03:34:45Z")
A [thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?threadid=77359) about costly, questionable accessories prompts this poll. I think that high end audio is a great hobby that is in a state of flux. Some would say doldrums; but you can get an incredible stereo these days for a modest investment. The poliferation of tweaks like incredibly expensive speaker cables and interconnects tells me that something is amiss in the hobby. My first stereo in the mid 1980’s was a Yamaha integrated amplifier, a Yamaha CD player, and some Genesis Physics Corporation (now defunct) speakers. God I loved that stereo. I replaced the Yamaha CD player with a Rotel and noticed a definate improvement. I replaced the Genesis Physics speakers with Monitor Audio and I remain a fan of Monitor Audio speakers to this day. My next system was: Arcam integrated amplifier, Magnum Dynalab tuner, California Audio Labs CD transport & processor, Magnepan Speakers, Denon Cassette Deck, Transparent speaker cable, Audioquest interconnects, Sanus rack, Noisetrapper power conditioner. I started to get involved with tweaks as well, you can see. I also think that my money would have been better spent on a more powerful amp for the Maggies, rather than going from the Rotel to the California Audio Labs. Anyway, I had to sell my beloved stereo in a moving sale and am in between systems. Right now I think that my next system will be made up entirely of used gear. Here in NYC there are a couple of high end stores with wonderful buys on used gear. The kind of stuff that is made to last a lifetime. P.S. If there are any former Genesis Physics speakers owners out there (not to be confused with the present speaker company Genesis Technologies, co-founded by Arnie Nudell, himself the founder and former owner of Infinity) you might get some nostalgia [here](http://www.humanspeakers.com/genesis.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2001, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/2 "2001-07-12T04:00:35Z")
Marantz Receiver ( soon to be replaced with a Rotel integrated amp and a tuner - Magnum Dynalab if I have the cash ) B&W 805 speakers AMC CD-8a cd-player NAD 616 dual-well tapedeck for cheap dubbing purposes Music Hall ( basically a Projet ) turntable Sennheiser 580 headphones fairly generic interconnects ( I can’t even recall the brand off-hand - but a step up from bailing wire 😃 ) - Tamerlane ---
**Author:** ![Homer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/df788c/32.png) [@Homer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Homer)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2001, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/3 "2001-07-12T04:08:37Z")
In my car I have a Kenwood 8717 mp3/cd player feeding an Alpine 5-channel (100wx4+200x1) amp powering MB Quart components (2 6" mid-woofers, 2 4" midrange, 2 1" titanium dome tweeters) through MB Quart MUSiCOMP crossovers and a JL12w3 in a custom box. –Tim ---
**Author:** ![Labdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/439d5e/32.png) [@Labdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labdad)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2001, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/4 "2001-07-12T19:40:33Z")
Carver M1.0t amp (1989) Carver C-1 preamp (1990) Proton 440 tuner (1988) Denon DR-M2 cassette Deck (1985) Nakamichi DR-8 cassette deck (1991) California Audio Labs DX-1 cd player (1994) Phillips CDC 735 cd changer (1989) Kenwood KD 550 turntable (1978) w/ Ortofon tonearm and Shure V-15 cartridge) (1986) DCM Time Window loudspeakers (1986) I see a lot of these components are available right now on e-Bay. ---
**Author:** ![bughunter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/aeb1de/32.png) [@bughunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bughunter)\ **Post date:** [July 12, 2001, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/5 "2001-07-12T20:56:46Z")
I just recently bought a Bose Acoustic Wave system. On impulse. An expensive impulse. Anyway, I already knew how good it sounded but I was still impressed with how it handled the extreme ends of its dynamic range. I can crank the volume up to max, and it just will not distort. And at very low volumes, the sound is still clear. I played some of my most loud and bass-heavy music, Guano Apes, The Matrix Soundrtack, and a bunch of reggae, and I _could not_ get the thing to distort. The only complaint I have is that there’s no equalizer, not even treble and bass adjustments. They say it’s tuned at the factory. But not for my living room! Its a minor annoyance sometimes - female vocals resonate a bit too much. I know, I know… tune the room. ---
**Author:** ![Anti\_Pro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Anti\_Pro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anti_Pro)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2001, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/6 "2001-07-13T03:30:24Z")
I own a Aiwa, but my son owns the cool set in the house, it’s a Sony with dual tape decks, radio, and holds FIFTY ONE cds. He holds that over my head all the time!! [Just don’t drop it on my head, DJ!!] ---
**Author:** ![mdf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dbc845/32.png) [@mdf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mdf)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2001, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/7 "2001-07-13T04:52:21Z")
…but couldn’t find it. (Still afraid to search _too_ exhaustively - even though things seem to be running smoother?) This subject came up in the last several weeks, but I’ll be glad to post my antiques again. * * * [ul] [li]preamp: Yamaha C-4 (1981) - this is a full control amp - switchable filters, semi-parametric tone controls, switchable phono pre-amp[/li][li]power amp: Carver M-400 (1981) - makes soft purring sounds - normal[/li][li]CD: Sony CDP 215 (1997)[/li][li]tuner: Sony ST-S500ES (1989?)[/li][li]cassette: Fisher CR4029 (1980) - an oddball - 2 speed cassette,1 7/8 ips and 3 3/4[/li][li]turntable: Pioneer PLL-1000 (1981) (overseas model, sold here as Phase Linear PL-1000) massive, and currently dusty. I drug it out to transfer some vinyl to CD[/li][li]phono cartridge; Ortofon LM20, Ortofon Concorde, and an Audio-Technica of unknown parentage. (1981)[/li][li]speakers: Acoustic Research AR93 (1981) - the foam bass driver surrounds are shredded - really need new drivers. They still work, but they don’t have the clarity in the low end that they used to.[/li][/ul] I put the basics together when I was stationed in Alaska in the AF (1981) - gotta love overseas Exchange pricing. The cassette, tuner and CD have come in the intervening years. On the subject of overkill, I roomed with a guy when I was stationed in Tacoma who had a pair of Klipsch LaScalas in our dorm room. Very nice, even in the small space. Don’t remember what was driving them, but it was sufficient to occasionally annoy the MP squadron in the dorm next door. * * * My wife would like us to get something smaller, which I would readily agree to if we could keep the quality of what we already have. She especially would like to lose the “bachelor speakers” that occupy unaviodably prominent positions in our living room. I certainly don’t need 200 W per side anymore - haven’t hauled everything to a garage party in a very long time. We would probably keep the CD and tuner but replace everything else with a receiver and a sub/satellite system. Anyone have suggestions? I am not as well acquainted with home audio as I once was. -mdf ---
**Author:** ![Studi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Studi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Studi)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2001, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/8 "2001-07-13T05:08:46Z")
Receiver: Technics SA-6000XC 2/4 channel (1975?) CD player: Sony CDP-M19 (1991) Turntables: two Technics SL-23s (1977) Cassette: Akai GXD-710D (late 1970s, I think) Speakers: Angstrom Legatos (2000) Studi ---
**Author:** ![renigademaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/71c47a/32.png) [@renigademaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/renigademaster)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2001, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/9 "2001-07-13T05:41:53Z")
NAD 312 integrated Amplifier Sony CA70ES CD Changer Paradigm Mini Monitors Ixos Interconnects. Soon to be… B&K 1400 Amp Creek OP12 PreAmp Paradigm Studio 20s Anyone want to buy any of the above? ---
**Author:** ![King\_Rat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/7bcc69/32.png) [@King\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/King_Rat)\ **Post date:** [July 13, 2001, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/10 "2001-07-13T06:06:22Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by mdf \* > **…but couldn’t find it. (Still afraid to search _too_ exhaustively - even though things seem to be running smoother?) This subject came up in the last several weeks, but I’ll be glad to post my antiques again.** I searched to see if this had been done before and I couldn’t find anything. The thread you are referring to is hiding out somewhere! > [@](#): > > **I put the basics together when I was stationed in Alaska in the AF (1981) - gotta love overseas Exchange pricing.** This brings back some memories of being in Japan in the early eighties and watching my buddies by equipment. Carver amps and Bose 901’s were all the rage. I didn’t get any thing, but got my parents a a stereo that they have to this day. Kenwood receiver, Technics cassette deck, Technics turntable, Fisher speakers. Later I bought them a $100 Sony CD player which sounds fine. > [@](#): > > **On the subject of overkill, I roomed with a guy when I was stationed in Tacoma who had a pair of Klipsch LaScalas in our dorm room. Very nice, even in the small space. Don’t remember what was driving them, but it was sufficient to occasionally annoy the MP squadron in the dorm next door** Horn speakers like Klipsch are incredibly efficient. They can fill a room using a ten watt amp. From reading people’s responses I am amazed at how durable audio gear is. DCM time window speakers - that brings back some memories. As to new speakers **mdf** I agree that they way they look in one’s home is very important. **Tamerlane** ’s B&W’s would be an excellent choice. There is a new speaker out from [PSB](http://www.psbspeakers.com/s/newAlphaFamily.html) that I haven’t heard yet but costs under $600 and looks great. I love the [Magnepans](http://www.magnepan.com/1-800-474-1646/index.html), and they have an under $600 speaker as well. Now I love mini-monitors (“bookshelf speakers”) as well. B&W, PSB, and Paradigm are all good names. I think that finding a good dealer is important. **renigademaster** I like your new system! It’s going to sing! ---
**Author:** ![Pushkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ee59a6/32.png) [@Pushkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pushkin)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2001, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/11 "2001-07-14T18:50:47Z")
I 've owned a selection of Japanese rubbish over the years but the one I’m still sticking with is my Grandfather’s **Telefunken Andante Stereo**. Its from Europe somewhere (by the name Germany, Holland I’m guessing,) and there is absolutely nothing fancy about it. Bass, treble, volume and balance and of course the tuner are the only knobs attached. It probably uses valve technology for all I know, the reason I like it so much is that it gives a rich quality of sound and picks up signal better than other stereos I’ve had. Best of all is the retro styling. Its totally subtle and refined looking, run of the mill for its day I guess but it looks so cool right now alongside my silver and grey plastic trash machine. ---
**Author:** ![Ad\_Noctum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b19c9b/32.png) [@Ad\_Noctum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ad_Noctum)\ **Post date:** [July 14, 2001, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/12 "2001-07-14T19:21:27Z")
in my room I have a 100 watt Philips Magnavox (FW540C) 4-speaker system. it has 2 main speakers, and 2 surround-sound speakers. Not expensive, but the sound-quality is absolutely amazing. Hooked up to that is a 30 watt powered subwoofer (also Philips Magnavox). ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2001, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/13 "2001-07-15T02:28:58Z")
Current System Onkyo TX-747 Receiver-Amp Infinity Kappa 8.1’s Infinity B2 Sub-woofer Sony CDP-220 CD Player Toshiba 3109 DVD Player College System Circa 1976-1980 Phillips Turntable (forget model #) Akai 4000D reel to reel deck Harmon Kardon 430 Receiver Nakamichi BX-150 cassette tape deck Speakers- EPI 100’s ---
**Author:** ![BabaBooey](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/dfb087/32.png) [@BabaBooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BabaBooey)\ **Post date:** [July 15, 2001, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/14 "2001-07-15T02:59:57Z")
Not much into home audio, but for car audio, I used to have: Kenwood X711 Diamond HEX S600S Arc 2100 2 12" JL W0’s MMATS D300HC Sold all that so that I could pay for insurance. Next setup, assuming I get a good deal from my uncle on his Lexus (I’m not going to bother putting anything in the Civic, the damn thing rattles like no other). Stock HU PG 4600 Dynaudio 360’s or Utopia 165W3’s JBL 1200.1 1 15" ID MAX or Audiomobile MASS 3000 (was thinking about a Stryke HE15, but the recommended passive radiator setup will take up too much room). ---
**Author:** ![Tamerlane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tamerlane/32/7602_2.png) [@Tamerlane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tamerlane)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2001, 6:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/15 "2001-07-16T06:25:21Z")
Now, I was just perusing this thread for the new posts, when I noticed something. I lied. I don’t have B & W 805’s. I have 602(s2)'s 😉 . Why the hell I said 805 is beyond me. I’ve been doing this a lot lately. Mind must be going 😃 . - Tamerlane ---
**Author:** ![BunnyGirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@BunnyGirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BunnyGirl)\ **Post date:** [July 16, 2001, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/16 "2001-07-16T20:58:31Z")
A 12-year old Pioneer rack system. Still works great, except that it desperately needs to be cleaned (static when you turn up the volume) and the tape deck doesn’t record or play stereo anymore. Bummer. ---
**Author:** ![Studi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Studi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Studi)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2001, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/17 "2001-07-18T05:20:54Z")
Hmmm…I get that too, static when the volume is turned up. What’s the best way to fix this problem (what method of cleaning, etc.)? Studi ---
**Author:** ![MikeG](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mikeg/32/4329_2.png) [@MikeG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeG)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2001, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/18 "2001-07-18T05:54:25Z")
I used to have a killer system but now I have a Bose Waveradio CD. For my use and space it is amazingly perfect. ---
**Author:** ![Coldfire](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a587f6/32.png) [@Coldfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Coldfire)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2001, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-stereo-do-you-own/72178/19 "2001-07-18T11:50:47Z")
[Rotel RA 971 Integrated Amp](http://www.audioreview.com/reviews/Integrated/product_3360.shtml) [Rotel RCD 950 CD Player](http://www.audioreview.com/reviews/CDPlayer/product_4618.shtml) [Tannoy Mercury M3 Speakers](http://www.audioreview.com/reviews/Speaker/product_8473.shtml) Some decent cables between the amp and the cd player as well as above-average quality speaker wiring, but nothing too fancy. I bought the entire set in 1998 for about USD 1200, and have been delighted with it ever since.