HELP! Bookshelf system wanted...

[Habib]

My god-sister just asked me for advice on bookshelf stereo systems. She thinks I am an expert because of my headphone system. But in reality I dont know crap. Please help, so I can uphold my stereo guru image

The whole story goes like this, she heard the Bose bookshelf speakers at a friend's house. So she has her heart set on those. But she doesn't even know that she still need a CD player and an amp/receiver....

So if you can beat those sound quality at a lower price let's hear it!

 

[Ticky]

Which Bose system was she looking at? That'll help us determine the budget amount we are going against.

Assuming that that she has around $500 to spend, I would recommend listening to the Denon mini-systems. They have Mission Made speakers.

Alternatively, if you prefer to go the separate component route, get some mass market receiver and cd player (Sony, Pioneer, Kenwood, etc) and pair em up with a good budget speaker. But for this route, your sister might need slightly more money. You could get decent stereo receiver for $200 and a cd player for $100+. That leaves some $200-300 for a pair of entry level speakers like the Whafedale Diamonds 8.1, B&W 300, Acoustic Engery Aegis Evo 1, which are all really good speakers for their price. This should come out to around $600 - $700.

Also, Cambridge Soundworks makes some decent and cheap 2.1 speakers. Not exactly audiophile stuff but they beat the Bose price wise.

 

[HD-5000]

If you want to make her really happy, just tell her to get the exact same Bose speakers, which should satisfy her.

Or, you can make a system similar to the one in my signature, which I think is great.

 

[FrostyMMB]

The Swans M-200 are active multimedia speakers in bookshelf size. The amp is internal, so all you need is a CD player. If she's no audiophile, pair them with a decent PCDP with a line out and you can keep the cost just above $300.

 

[Habib]

She was pointing at the 301/201 Direct/Reflecting speakers. She had budgeted to go just under $500 but obviously less is better. Right now I am leaning on the 201s (because she as a medium size room) or the Tivoli Radio Combo here. Anyone has experience with the Tivoli?

 

[Bill Ward]

You might look at this shelf system. I head it at a friend's house and was very impressed.

ONKYO MC35TECH

Circuit City carries it. Check their web site.

BW

 

[jefemeister]

I really like the Denon/Mission bookshelf systems.
http://www.usa.denon.com/catalog/pdfs/df101mb.pdf

 

[Ticky]

I would go for the Denons. They have a classy and stylish look. Plus I think they have some of best stock mini system speakers.

But of course, at the end of the day, it your god sister's money. Let her choose what she likes best. We're just here to offer her more choices to pick from.

 

[kentamcolin]

I have the Tivoli system in my office, and like it a lot. I have gotten lots of admiring comments from others who have mini systems in their cubes. There were some initial quality problems with the Model CD Player, and that would be my only concern. I am using a sony PCDP with mine. It also depends on what she'll be using this for. If she wants to fill the room with sound for a party, better look elsewhere. Where this system excels is in lower level listening or background music. The Model two's speakers image really well, FM reception is fantastic, better by far than several receivers I have tried in the same space. The Model Subwoofer adds a bit of weight to the sound, but its no window shaker. I like detail in my music, and that's where this system excels over the Bose or other mini systems. Just remember, most women listen to music differently than us boys. There could be any number of reasons why she likes the Bose system so much, none of which might have anything to do with how it sounds. Don't push her in a direction she does not want to go. My wife likes her tiny little Best Buy earbuds because they're cheap and cute. She'd pick them up every time over my HD650's, and I've learned to stop trying to figure that one out.

 

[kartik]

You might want to consider the Denon D107 system. Looks cool, hangs on the wall and sounds surprisingly good. Should be anywhere from $200 (refurb) to $500 for new.

 

[Mr.PD]

I've got the older Denon M30 system with Mission speakers. It is rather good. Major vloume and kick butt bass.

 

[kartik]

Quote:

Originally posted by Mr.PD I've got the older Denon M30 system with Mission speakers. It is rather good. Major vloume and kick butt bass.

Yeah, but this is for a GIRL!

 

[Habib]

She likes how the Tivolis look. We are going to go check them out so she can compare them to the Bose. She really liked how the Bose sound but she think the Tivoli is very cute. Plus it's a nice package and it matches better/easier.

Girls...

 

[kentamcolin]

Steer her towards good quality products and pay attention to which ones she likes, for whatever reason. If looks are most important, she's the one who will be looking at it every day. The Tivoli is cool, looks classy, sounds good, works great. She can't go wrong there if she doesn't want loud music. If your auditioning in a large open room with lots of distractions, see if they'll set it up in a smaller listening room, so you can hear it in the environment it is intended for. Many stores would have a return/trial period as well.

 

[lextek]

Quote:

Originally posted by Habib She likes how the Tivolis look. We are going to go check them out so she can compare them to the Bose. She really liked how the Bose sound but she think the Tivoli is very cute. Plus it's a nice package and it matches better/easier. Girls...

Go for the Tivoli. You won't be sorry. Well made nice sounding.