[xtremerunnerars]

Hey guys, so I've learned the error of my ways and am going to get rid of the Logitech Z2300s I'm currently rolling with. For headphones, I have a pair of Audio Technica ES7s and some Etymotic ER6is.

I'm using an Asus M2N-E motherboard with onboard audio. It has s/pdif but I've never used it.

Basically, as a college student, I sit at my desk quite a bit and I need speakers+a receiver that'll be good at a distance of ~3 feet. Room isn't much of an issue; I'm pretty creative and will build shelves if I need to. I've done a lot of digging on craigslist and found the following receivers:

Obviously, I can probably haggle these prices down.

Sony STR-DE485 $85
OnkyoTX-DS555???
TechnicsSA-AX610$75
YamahaRX-V659$100
SherwoodS-7450$20
RCA STAV-3860$55
MarantzTA-100$99
MarantzSR2000$60
Marantz2100 $99
Marantz2015 $75
PioneerR50 100$75
PioneerVSX-D711$70
PioneerVSX-401$40
PioneerVSX-D409$50
PioneerVSX-9300$35
PioneerSX 780$20
PioneerVSX-9500S$25
PioneerQX-949$75
PioneerVSX-D701$55
PioneerVSX D411 $75
PioneerVSX-415 $100
PioneerVSX D5035$75
PioneerSX535$90
PioneerSA5500 II$60
PioneerVSX 4509S $100
PioneerVSX-D503S$100

As for speakers:

Klipsch Synergy B2 $150
Denon USC-20F $85
PioneerS-H153-B-K $45
B&W DM110 $100


I'm not against buying online although it seems like I should be able to do pretty well (at least in the receiver aspect) locally.

I was hoping you guys could tell me what the best deal was? I'm looking to spend <=$200 total including speakers.

I play games occasionally but primarily listen to music and watch online TV. I listen mostly to classical, lo-fi, trance, progressive, and a little rock now and then. I don't particularly care for booming bass or crave massive volume. I'm in a dorm building and want something that sounds great when I'm studying or working on stuff. I never listen to pop, country, or rap so don't worry about that


Thanks again!

 

[Menisk]

If you can find one, the old NAD integrateds are still a good choice. They might be difficult to come across because they seem to be the type of item that are held onto even after they've been replaced, just as a 'spare'. There's a reason for it too..

 

[sonci]

If you cant test those with your ears, just go secure, buy one of the Marantz and the B&W,

 

[Menisk]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonci /img/forum/go_quote.gif If you cant test those with your ears, just go secure, buy one of the Marantz and the B&W,

There'd be a lot of people that'd say NAD would be a safe choice for a good inexpensive integrated amp. Mine beat the pants of the similar priced Marantz.

 

[sonci]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Menisk /img/forum/go_quote.gif There'd be a lot of people that'd say NAD would be a safe choice for a good inexpensive integrated amp. Mine beat the pants of the similar priced Marantz.

I sugested Marantz because it was on his list,
dont want to enter fanboy vicious circle,
but calling NAD inexpensive amp is strange

there are a lot of brands out there better than M or NAD

 

[xtremerunnerars]

So any suggestions model wise for what I have up there?

 

[userlander]

you need my atoms and a marantz, pioneer, or sansui.

http://www.head-fi.org/forums/f44/fs...eakers-446114/

seriously, joking aside I would recommend along those lines even if that weren't my sale. As your list shows, you can easily get a good vintage receiver under $100 to be well within your budget and you would have a killer bookshelf system. good luck whatever you decide.

 

[xtremerunnerars]

Those look pretty nice userlander! For now I'm primarily concerned with finding a receiver that's good with headphones and will be good with whatever speakers I decide to go with. Video handling of the receiver is a nonissue.

 

[MikeW]

out of the above list, I'd definatly go with marantz & b&W, the klipsch speakers arnt bad either, if you like klispch high's. As to what model marantz, that's harder i'd look up each model on google and see which one has the features you want.

 

[xtremerunnerars]

I'm going to contact the marantz owners and see what the conditions are like. B&W (not necessarily these ones in particular) seems to keep coming up as quality speakers.


Any opinions on the Yamaha? I've heard quite a bit of good things about it online.

 

[driftingbunnies]

pioneer QX-949 or the sx 780 would be nice. they would definitely produce enough power for a lot of speakers. Maybe you can find a good deal on audiogon for the speakers. If not, just list any other speakers you find on craigslist on here for more suggestions

 

[xtremerunnerars]

the guys on audiokarma suggested the sx780 as well. It's over 60 bucks cheaper than the yamaha, so I could afford to put that money into a nice set new B&W speakers.

 

[MadMan007]

Just FYI nothing with video capabilities is truly vintage

although late 80s/ early 90s might seem so to some youngins.

 

[xtremerunnerars]

Yeah, I was just making sure people knew I wasn't looking for video.

Anyone against the sx780 and B&W setup?

 

[crazyjeeper]

I agree with the SX-780. Vintage stereo receivers are epic.