Hi Fi advice please

[vas930]

The old Hi Fi has had its day and its time for a new one.
I know nothing about them, but use it every day.
I am happy to spend up to $1500 US.
I have a good turn table that I would like to run with it for old records.
Most of the time I just play CDs.
Four speakers would be nice to fill the room.

I dont need it to do anything but play music.



Can anyone help with some info/feed back .
Can I get something good for that price?
Be nice to get 10 years out of it.
Thanks

[ckelly78z]

Bang & Olufsen component systems

[kach22i]

Your choices in Australia will be a little different than what we have in the USA.

The suggestion of B&O as given above is a good one because they offer some compact "life style" decor products which sound good and look good (high points on Industrial Design aspect or "wife factor"). I own some B&O speakers and have enjoyed them for many years (serving duty as part of my office system and in Home Theater).

Stay away from Bose, not much value for the price fixed money.

[billybek]

One of the members here directed me to Focal speakers and I am very happy with them!

[cairns]

It sounds like all you're looking for is an integrated amp and speakers. There's the NAD C-326BEE that got rave reviews available in the US for about $550. This is a very highly rated integrated amp; it has plenty of inputs, tone bypasses and can be used solely as a pre amp in the event you want to upgrade the amp itself. That leaves you plenty of $ for speakers and you can find some very nice bookshelf or floor standing speakers for $900-1000. I hesitate to recommend as speakers are very personal and are dependent on room size how you intend to use them etc. but keep in mind that the amp puts out 50W per channel so you'll want higher efficency speakers that work with that. I would strongly recommend getting two good speakers rather than four mediocre ones.

The link below contains some suggestions for $1,000 speakers. Any two of these would more than fill an average size room with 50WPC. And this list is jkust a start.

Editor’s Choice Best Floorstanding Speakers Under $1000 | Audioreview

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by cairns

I hesitate to recommend as speakers are very personal and are dependent on room size how you intend to use them etc. .......... I would strongly recommend getting two good speakers rather than four mediocre ones.

It is important to determine if he/she wants background music while they clean house, move about or read a book verses siting in a triangulated sweet-spot for a captivating stereophonic experience.

We need more information.

I encourage the 2-speaker, 2-channel experience first and foremost. One can always add more speakers, even remote or in-wall speakers later on.

The traditional route already mentioned offers the best choice for future upgrades, however there are quality alternate choices available today.

Audioengine 5+ (A5+) Premium Powered Speakers
http://audioengineusa.com/Store/Audioengine-A5plus#.UN2n4eRi7oI

Easy
SetupBuilt-in power amplifiers save space and eliminate the need to connect Audioengine 5+ to a stereo receiver or external power amp. Simply plug the left speaker into an AC outlet and connect the included speaker wire from the left to right speaker. All internal components of the A5+ are tuned together, providing a more efficient system requiring less power than passive speakers and amplifiers. With superior stereo separation and incredible imaging, A5+ has a clear sonic advantage over boomboxes or all-in-one systems.

You can hook speakers like these (above) up to a CD player/changer which has variable output (volume control). However, if you want radio, you will need a tuner and a preamp or an all-in-one receiver.

You could blow your whole budget on mini-maggies but it would be well worth it.
http://www.magnepan.com/model_mini_maggie


I've heard them with the bass panel, and all I can say is WOW.
http://www.magnepan.com/DWM_and_DW_1_Woofers

[imcarthur]

Aside from the turntable (which will require a built-in or outboard phono stage which is absent in many components now) what do you want top listen to? CD player? Streaming from a pute or device? Online music services? Tuner - outboard or built-in?

Ian

[kiwiokie]

Also what genres of music do you listen too? Rock vs classical vs speed metal vs....

[Nostril Cheese]

focal and b&o are really good. Bose is garbage.

[vas930]

Hey, thanks guys.
As some have said "more info".
I dont need it for radio or streaming.
I just listen to CDs and old records.
I listen to everything from classic country, Elvis, rock n roll, rockabilly, ska and metal. Lots of blues (muddy waters)
So a bit of everything.

I would like to keep my turn table, but a new one would not hurt.
May need to up the budget ?
From what you are saying, it sounds like the speakers are the most important.
Thanks again.

[Rot 911]

I'd look for some vintage equipment from the 70's. Some very nice stuff out there for really reasonable prices.

[imcarthur]

(((Insert bias alert)))

If you want new electronics have a look at the Cambridge Audio AM10 integrated amp. It has a good phono stage, 35W (real watts btw) etc etc. Probably $500AUS or so (edit: $399 AUS). Mate that with a reasonably efficient <90dB speaker of your choice & you will have a nice sounding system.

If you need a where to buy in Aus, just PM me & I will direct to the distributor who I know well.

Ian

[kiwiokie]

ARCAM amps and CD players should be readily available downunder and are good value for money.