Info on a starter good stereo system

[coooltrane]

Any recs on where to look (either message boards or websites)? Am thinking about upgrading to a nice decent system. Don't have thousands to spend. But figured since I keep buying cds, might want to upgrade my sound system.

thanks in advance

[GA Russell]

Cadence Magazine used to sell stereo equipment by mail order. You might use google to see if you can track down the current info.

[GA Russell]

Here you go. Their stereo system arm was called North Country Audio.

http://cadencebuilding.com/northcountry-audio.html

[.:.impossible]

I'd suggest buying used. Lots of great equipment available!

[niels]

Yep, buying used is the way to go I think when wanting a great system, but not having thousands of dollars!

I think for the U.S. the Audiokarma forum is a very informative an usefull site. And offcourse when you know what you want, ebay can be your friend (well, it was mine when putting together my system).

[jazzbo]

Here's a good forum for tube gear:

http://www.decware.com/cgi-bin/yabb22/YaBB.pl

[mjzee]

I've just started reading this book, and it seems very useful:

Amazon

[BeBop]

Some fine advice already offered, but I would have to add: think about what you want. Audio is really changing, and you should ensure you're getting something that will serve your desires (we aren't really talking "needs" here, right? -smiley here- )

Sources:

CD?

Mass storage (from download, burn or "local creation"/recording)?

LP (who know how long the fad will last)

Streaming?

Amplification:

Phono input needed? Or "line" only?

Digital only?

Analog and digital sources?

Output:

Speakers?

Headphones?

Depending on those "desires", you might avoid entire components you don't need. An amplifier, a phono input, component CD player, A/D converter...

Edited January 27, 2013 by BeBop

[EyeSpeech]

I've just started reading this book, and it seems very useful:

Amazon

I'm not a fan of Harley, but ironically he chooses my speakers for his cover art.

[Tom in RI]

I would recommend a few hours studying at AudioKarma.org. Would second the idea that you will do much better looking for used equipment.

[CJ Shearn]

How does one go about finding used equipment? Right now I'm just using my Onkyo TXSR304 Amp and Audio Technica ATHM40FS headphones at the moment. I've been ripping CD's to my external HD for convienience sake.

[Stefan Wood]

Check out audiogon.com

Edited February 1, 2013 by Stefan Wood

[EyeSpeech]

Also check out craigslist for local deals (I have sold an Oppo BDP-83SE and my previous left/right speakers the N802s on CL--good deals on great gear is possible).

You can also get great deals, including used deals, on Amazon. For example, these decent Polk bookshelf speakers for under $200 (list price is nearly twice that). http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B0018QRO9A/?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393193&linkCode=shr&tag=eyes0bf-20&=electronics&qid=1360181122&sr=1-3&keywords=polk+audio+speakers&condition=used

[coooltrane]

Thank you all for the great advice.

Looks like I have some research to do.