24-03-2005 04:45									#1
	Recommend Provost A New Hi Fi System. Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations: Deluxe Edition

Yep, my old system has died so I need a new one. Well we seem to have enthusiasts for just about everything so I would expect this is no exception. I am not too sure of what my budget is but don't go too extreme...

	24-03-2005 04:47									#2
	Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

Richer Sounds!

	24-03-2005 04:47									#3
	Support Apolyton, buy GURPS/ Alpha Centauri

They have lots of good DVD players out these days that are also receivers, CD players, and tuners that come with complete surround sound speaker packages.

	24-03-2005 04:48									#4
	Enter the AD-FREE zone

PC? Buy some decent speakers and you're all set to go.

	24-03-2005 04:51									#5
	Support Apolyton buy from Amazon

Panasonic 800W 5.1-Ch. Home Theater System with 5-Disc DVD/CD/MP3 Player

Model: SC-HT720



This home theater system offers a 5-disc DVD player with cutting-edge multiformat support and a 260W powered subwoofer.


Complete home theater system includes 5.1-channel amplifier with built-in surround sound decoders, DVD/CD/MP3 player, digital AM/FM tuner, 5 satellite speakers and a subwoofer


Progressive-scan video output maximizes DVD picture quality when used with a digital TV or monitor


Built-in Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic II and DTS surround sound decoders. Learn more about surround sound home theater


Total output: 800W (receiver: 540W @ 4 ohms, 1kHz, 10% THD; subwoofer: 260W @ 4 ohms, 100Hz, 10% THD)

DVD player plays CD, CD-R/RW, DVD-Video, DVD-R/RAM, DVD/Audio, HighMAT Level 2, WMA, MP3, JPEG and HDCD formats

6 DSP soundfields and center focus multichannel soundfield function

DVD player features progressive-scan (4:4:4 signal processing; 4:3 shrink; letterbox zoom and shift), depth enhancer, variable zoom, monitor select, dialogue enhancer and cinema mode

Quartz-synthesized digital AM/FM tuner with 30 station presets

5 compact satellite speakers with mounting holes and built-in nuts

6-3/4" cone subwoofer with built-in 260W amplifier for immersive low-range sound; 4-step subwoofer level control on remote

Inputs: 3 stereo audio, 3 rear A/V, 1 RF antenna

Outputs: 1 stereo audio, 1 rear A/V, 1 S-video, 1 component video, 1 composite video, headphone jack

Universal remote included

ENERGY STAR compliant


On sale for $299.00

	24-03-2005 05:02									#6
	Suffering from ads?

arcam (arcam.co.uk) make really nice stuff that is affordable. I have an old alpha series CD player and amp and they still sound pretty good.

Worth trying out.

http://www.castle.uk.com/ make really nice speakers that aren't too dear either.

Try those out at your local audiophile store.

	24-03-2005 05:12									#7
	Full PM-box? Change here!

Go for the best speakers and component-level receiver you can afford (in that order!), and patch it into your computer.

Add other components as need or fancy strikes you, but don't skimp on that core, and you will never regret it.

	24-03-2005 06:48									#8
	Increase Your PM Length

Like Agathon said:

quote: Try those out at your local audiophile store.

I have the same problem. I have one of those cheap Sony all-in-one systems, with 3 CD changer. The damn Cd's are always skipping... Man, I barely listen to music anymore, it's depressing. Unfortunately, I can't afford a new system. So I'll probably get either an Ipod Mini or a Zen Micro.

	24-03-2005 06:53									#9
	Lose 30 kilos (of popups)

Do you need to buy new speakers? If not, an option would be too plug your PC to a good DAC and a good amplifier and your all set. Voilà, you have transformed your PC in a high fi ipod! With a good DAC, your soundcard doesn't matter, since it overrides the soundcard.

	24-03-2005 06:57									#10
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

If you buy separates, and you should PH, make sure to set aside money for decent cabling.

	24-03-2005 07:00									#11
	Avatar Enlargement: We've got the solution

quote: If you buy separates, and you should PH, make sure to set aside money for decent cabling.

True. I know someone who spent 100 bucks for cables. He says it makes a huge difference. But you don't have to go that far, 40$ cables will do the trick.

	24-03-2005 07:10									#12
	Browse Apolyton AD-FREE

$100? Is that all? I spent more than that on interconnects.

	24-03-2005 07:10									#13
	Support Apolyton, buy Alpha Centauri

quote: Originally posted by Agathon arcam (arcam.co.uk) make really nice stuff that is affordable. I have an old alpha series CD player and amp and they still sound pretty good. Worth trying out. http://www.castle.uk.com/ make really nice speakers that aren't too dear either. Try those out at your local audiophile store.

I'd agree completely, except on the affordable stakes. NAD make decent stuff that's a bit cheaper than Arcam, and Denon and Marantz cheaper still. These aren't exactly 'cheap', but they are affordable, and going second hand you can get a nice bargain. Much Yamaha stuff is good, but you have to make sure it's their audiophile stuff rather than the mass market crap they spew.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...5761870235&rd=1 is a great amp. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...5762078414&rd=1 is the old version, and what I have. Paid £150 for it and *very* happy with it, both hooked up to CD player and to PC. It's generally pretty positively reviewed too: http://www.epinions.com/pr-NAD_C340...isplay_~reviews

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...7501974967&rd=1 is a really good CD player.

If you can afford and have room for them, these are a great set of speakers: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...ssPageName=WDVW

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...bayphotohosting are like the ones I have, though maybe something with a little more base end is better.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...5761867061&rd=1 is an excellent pair of speakers. A little more vibrant and lively than the Castles, and while possibly less detailed, more engaging and fun.

Hi-fi store special offers and ex-dem/used stuff is always worth a look. I can thoroughally recommend Audio Excellence, they're nice to deal with and usually have some really good deals over the net. I bought half my system from them in the end

All in all, you should be able to find a really decent system second hand for under £400. If you don't mind using your PC as the CD/MP3 player, you could get away with £250-300 and add a CD player later.

	24-03-2005 07:14									#14
	Increase the size of your Attachments

quote: Originally posted by Agathon $100? Is that all? I spent more than that on interconnects.

As you should. In blind tests, the difference between decent, non-branded thick cable and the 10 times the price Monster cable is negligable. However decent interconnects last many times longer than cheaper ones.

I spent ~$40 on interconnects, to get gold plated ones, but the wire came free with the speakers, as they were bought from a private seller. It's good wire, and he'd upgraded to bi-wire speakers so hadn't a need for it, but it's nothing branded or horrendously expensive.

Speaker wire is easy to get for relatively cheap money, just make sure it's thick copper wiring or a decent weight and quality.

	24-03-2005 07:15									#15
	Support Apolyton, pre-order Civilization IV

quote: Originally posted by The Mad Monk Go for the best speakers and component-level receiver you can afford (in that order!), and patch it into your computer.

You mean speakers and an amp, don't you?

	24-03-2005 07:17									#16
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

Yes. A receiver is an amp and tuner in one.

	24-03-2005 07:19									#17
	Suffering from ads?

I see - really never had any use for a tuner in a hi fi system. Cheapo radios are $10 (1 USD = 7.8 HKD) each these days.

	24-03-2005 07:22									#18
	Help yourself to an AD-FREE life

Cheapo ones are. Decent ones cost a little more, generally. At least here. I want a DAB radio soon, that would be nice

	24-03-2005 07:23									#19
	Full PM-box? Change here!

OK calm down! I'm thinking...

	24-03-2005 07:24									#20
	Increase the size of your Attachments

quote: Originally posted by Drogue As you should. In blind tests, the difference between decent, non-branded thick cable and the 10 times the price Monster cable is negligable. However decent interconnects last many times longer than cheaper ones.

Oh yeah. I was reading the JREF website, and some of the stuff being peddled to audiophiles are unbelivable. Worse than snake oil, I tell you. Just read the commentary section for a chuckle.

	24-03-2005 07:24									#21
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization III: Complete

quote: Originally posted by Provost Harrison OK calm down! I'm thinking...

Takes a while

	24-03-2005 07:30									#22
	Remove this text

quote: Originally posted by Urban Ranger Oh yeah. I was reading the JREF website, and some of the stuff being peddled to audiophiles are unbelivable. Worse than snake oil, I tell you. Just read the commentary section for a chuckle.

Yes, there is also a certain issue of diminishing returns...

	24-03-2005 07:39									#23
	Suffering from ads?

quote: Originally posted by Drogue As you should. In blind tests, the difference between decent, non-branded thick cable and the 10 times the price Monster cable is negligable. However decent interconnects last many times longer than cheaper ones.

Utter bollocks. I've done it myself on numerous and you can really tell the difference - especially with interconnects.

I had some Monster cables, but I didn't like them. I forget what I have now (it's back home anyway).

	24-03-2005 09:19									#24
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations: Deluxe Edition

Aggie - you can't beat a double blind test for objectivity. If you don't believe, it's easy to set one up.

	24-03-2005 09:58									#25
	Support Apolyton, buy Civilization 2

quote: Aggie - you can't beat a double blind test for objectivity. If you don't believe, it's easy to set one up.

I was referring to the claim that cabling makes no difference. Believe me, it does. I was astonished at how much difference it can make, especially with interconnects.

	24-03-2005 10:14									#26
	Put an end to popups!

This one fits your style and shouldn't be too expensive

Attachment: hello_kitty_portable_radio_2001_picture.jpg
This has been downloaded 54 time(s).

	24-03-2005 10:43									#27
	Support Apolyton, buy Galactic Civilizations

Or, for 36 000 $, he could have this:

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This has been downloaded 53 time(s).

	24-03-2005 15:36									#28
	Increase Your PM Length

Yeah nostromo, I'll have one for each room

	24-03-2005 17:29									#29
	Support Apolyton

quote: Originally posted by Agathon quote: Aggie - you can't beat a double blind test for objectivity. If you don't believe, it's easy to set one up. I was referring to the claim that cabling makes no difference. Believe me, it does. I was astonished at how much difference it can make, especially with interconnects.

I never said cabling makes no difference. I said comparing good quality cabling of the same thickness, one non-branded and the other branded and costing 10 times as much, non of the testers heard a negligable difference. I've seen this repeated in several hi-fi mags, all with the same result. Very few people can hear any difference, and those that do hear a negligable one.

If you compare really cheap, thin crap with decent branded wire, you get a difference, similarly if you compare it to decent thick non-branded wire. What I'm saying is you can get good wire for not too much money that has virtually no difference in sound from spending hundreds of dollars.

	24-03-2005 18:29									#30
	Full PM-box? Change here!

quote: I've seen this repeated in several hi-fi mags, all with the same result. Very few people can hear any difference, and those that do hear a negligable one.

If they're using shite speakers like yours, then of course they're not going to hear a difference . Use high quality cables on Q7's for instance, and the difference will be distinct.