Need recommendation for new stereo (minisystem or components)

Me

[GB]

Can any of my Freeper brethren help me out here?

[puppypusher]

I purchased a Yamaha Bookshelf Audio system and its Plays AM/FM Stereo,DVD’s,CD’s and its got many jacks that you can connect other components too like for say My Sirius Satelite Radio receiver.

The sound is out of this world.

Like I said it fits on a book shelf. The individual Tuner and Receiver are about the size of two shoeboxes stacked one on top of the other.

The Unit was’nt cheap but you get what you pay for.

[Cvengr]

Plug your iPod into these...

[JRios1968]

[scott says]

I would recommend going to best Buy,Circuit City,Sears, whatever stores are in your area and see if they have any "open box" specials. These are items that are brand new that have been returned because the customer got it home and realized they wanted something else. The item is returned to the store and then are sold at fire sale price because the box has been "opened". They are in perfect condition and come with the full warranty and you can usually save about 30 to 40 percent off the price!
Obviously you need to check out what is available and make the best choice for you---
A cheap way to go that would cover most of your options is this-- Sony-GFDG505
I have the model from a couple of years ago and it is EXCELLENT. It has just about everything you want and only costs $120. The sound is unbelievably good, it has a built in subwoofer that really kicks out the bass. CD player, am/fm,cassette,input for mp3 player, ect. It has a pre set EQ with four settings NOT an adjustable EQ you set ,that is the only thing I see that you said you wanted that this does not have.
I have a huge music collection and have been very happy with this unit. I have a $ 10,000 home stereo and this little $ 120 boombox sounds great to me, I am an audiophile and know my stuff with a very discerning ear--this boombox passes my very high standards for a small unit.
I built a box for it so I can take it outside and crank it up while I'm in the pool hanging out---It sounds fantastic--very clear and stellar sound separation and the subwoofer is truly excellent. If you put it in a small room it is plenty loud....
This may be a good choice for you, its not expensive and pretty much has all the features you are looking for-.

[Cvengr]

For the living room...

[Swordmaker]

Plug your iPod into these...

The only guy who ever bought that system was never heard from again...

[JRios1968]

Perfect for this...

[scott says]

"Just buy the most awesome pair of headphones you can find. Done."

I have the Sennheiser HD 650 , awesome sound and unbeleivably comfortable.

[Cvengr]

Sennheiser 280HD Pros are an excellent headphone set for about $70 on ebay. Top of the line Sennheisers approach $560, but the $70 pair above provide astonishing bass and easy to wear sealing outside noise out.

Used stereo gear on craig's list can provide outstanding value.

Reconed JBL speakers from the 80s and earlier can be had for very reasonable prices and they were also used in most sound editing booths for most recordings in the 60s-80s. They keep their value and consume less power than many competitors.

Here's a sweet pair that are being offered at a fair price.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180216305371&ssPageName=MERCOSI_VI_ROSI_PR4_PCN_BIX&refitem=180214366225&itemcount=4&refwidgetloc=closed_view_item&refwidgettype=osi_widget&_trksid=p284.m185&_trkparms=algo%3DSI%26its%3DI%252BIA%26itu%3DIA%252BUCI%26otn%3D4%26ps%3D42

Here's a well built sample similar to a pair I'm in the middle of rebuilding,

[Yardstick]

Your recommendation seems to match the original poster's requirements nicely. From the Amazon description:

Sony CFD-G505 Xplod Boombox - With a modern and aggressive style, the Xplod boombox lets you take your audio entertainment with you wherever you go. It features a single CD player, single cassette player, and a digital AM/FM tuner. If those 3 listening options aren't enough for you, this boombox also features a PC/Audio In jack. This lets you connect a portable digital music player and feed those tunes through the Xplod's speakers. A remote control is included to make operating the Xplod boombox much more convenient. Single Cassette Player/Recorder Synchronized CD/Cassette Dubbing Digital AM/FM Stereo Tuner 30 Station Memory Presets PC/Audio In Jack - for connecting a portable digital audio player 4 Preset Sound Modes - Rock / Pop / Jazz / Vocal 20 Track RMS Programming CD Play Modes (Program / Shuffle / Repeat) Powered by AC 120V or 8 D batteries (not included) Remote is powered by 2 AAA batteries (not included) Color - Black Unit Dimensions - 20 13/15 x 12 7/8 x 9 1/2 Unit Weight - 7lbs. 4oz.

The only thing it doesn't have is tone controls/equalizer (it has 4 EQ presets). But if the sound is as good as you and the reviewers at Amazon say it is, maybe it doesn't need them.

[scott says]

I never pay retail on audio equipment, what a waste of money. I researched headphones awhile before I settled on the 650’s. I got them on ebay for $ 350 (RETAIL-$600 at the time) after exchanging email and a phone call to the seller.
They were heralded as the best headphones on the market, its all subjective I suppose....all I can say is I am very happy with them. They sound absolutely fantastic and are a real joy to listen to, really comfortable, feels like wearing a pillow on your ears, LOL.
I highly recommend the 650’s.

[Yardstick]

I'm keeping my eye out for one. I love that brushed aluminum look. It's funny how it went out of style but now it looks so cool.

[Cvengr]

good buy and a good set of phones. I had some Sennheiser 560s or similar number for a number of years till they rotted out, then picked up the 280s just for a spare set, but have been remarkably happy with them, granted they’re a lot heavier than the 650s. Next spare $400 I’ll probbaly pickup a set.

[scott says]

Yeah, thats why I sent him the link. I noted that it has the 4 preset EQ, NOT an adjustable EQ, the only thing it does not have that he requested. ;)
It really is an excellent little unit—I actually use it to rate my very large bootleg recordings—I can give a petty accurate rating using the boombox because the sound is really good.
The box I built is very similar to a speaker cabinet, made out of plywood with a screen door that I can open to access the thing. It really enhances the sound, particularly the built in subwoofer. When I crank it up when I’m in the pool pounding down the beers—it fills the whole back yard up with excellent sound, to the point I need to be careful not to piss of the neighbors! LOL
For $ 120 it is a bargain!

[Yardstick]

Yeah, I pretty much repeated everything you had already said. Let’s hear it for careful reading LOL!

Anyway, yeah, it sounds like a good little box. I’m actually feeling tempted to try to find one.

[scott says]

I got mine 3 years ago so its an older model, the new one might even be a little better. I paid $ 100 for it at Sears. I love the thing and really enjoy dragging it out to the pool on a hot summer day. I’m telling you—placed in the “speaker cabinet” box I built—this thing really cranks out EXCELLENT sound—very rich, full clear sound.Deep, harmonic, accurate bass,thanks in part to the cabinet box—
I have a blast sitting in the pool -- pounding down the ice cold beer cranking out the tunes—it sounds great!
I really do have a very expensive home stereo that is absolutely high end...this little boom box is worthy of my praise and meets my high standards—
Go buy one! Use your “tax rebate” from Congress, LOL.
Damn thing is made in China but is actually a quality piece of equipment.....bastards ;) LOL

[pissant]

SO you are the rotten scoundrel who stole my stereo in college!!

[dickmc]

Probably your most reliable source is user ratings at Audio Review which is at http://www.audioreview.com/cat/other/mini-systems/PLS_2749_913crx.aspx
for ‘mini’ systems. Generally amazon will be the cheapest, most reliable source for a www purchase.

If it is only a bad amp, you might be able to patch in a T-amp which is both cheap and spectacular. A review source is at: http://www.tnt-audio.com/ampli/t-amp_e.html

Good luck.

[Harold Shea]

Yeah,thats an excellent table, I`ve got one that needs a new belt tho

Hard to beat those Pioneer `tables

Love my KEF C speakers,have been a joy for 20+ yrs

[Daffynition]

Tivoli will beat the pants off a Bose system. Period.

Compact, economical and terrific for the BR.