[GB]

Shortest version, I have a four-year old AIWA bookshelf mini-stereo that's on the blink, $150 Wal-Mart special, nothing special. I've always hated the thing, regretted buying it pretty much from the moment I got it and I'm not inclined to get it fixed because it will cost more than it's worth to do so.

So, I'm looking for (a.) recommendations for an integrated bookshelf mini- or micro-stereo that I can buy off the shelf or (b.) recommendations for a set of components (receiver or amp, decks, speakers, etc.) that I can put together and build a system.

I'll say up front that I don't have a mint right now to put into this (tuition went up at my kids' Christian private school so we've got the "shorts"), probably a couple hundred, $250 at absolute most (I realize up front I won't get audiophile sound for that and that's not a big deal to my rapidly aging ears, plus I know if I go the component route I'll probably have to search out used stuff).

I don't need a jillion watts (this is for the bedroom) or capability to load 20 CDs. Bottom line, I need something with reasonably decent sound (which I know is subjective, but it doesn't have to be audiophile quality) ... I need something to play CDs, CD-Rs and MP3 CDs (have a lot of old-time radio files on MP3 that I play on my stereo in the bedroom) ... I need something with at least one cassette deck (I still have TONS of music on cassette, I know how to convert it to CD but it's just so time-intensive, and I don't have the disposable income to buy CDs of everything I've got on cassette) ... I need something with equalizer and tone controls to adjust the sound (the AIWA did have this, one of the reasons I bought it, so many things today have non-adjustable pre-settings). Anything else, like an input for an MP3 player (I have three portable digital audio players and I love them, but being that I'm a music junkie with a few thousand CDs, it's unlikely I will be able to convert all my CDs to a compressed format, Ogg being my format of choice, any time before retirement age) would be hunky-dory, but I need the bottom line things.

Thanks in advance for any help here.

[jdm]

I don't need a jillion watts (this is for the bedroom)

[buccaneer81]

One word as far as speakers go: Bose. In fact, a Bose music system may work well for you.

[ovrtaxt]

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

[buccaneer81]

http://www.bose.com/controller?event=VIEW_STATIC_PAGE_EVENT&url=/home_entertainment/music_systems/wave/wrcd/index.jsp

[Mr. Mojo]

Get a late 70s Marantz receiver (minimum 50 watts), an old Thorens TD 124 turntable, and a couple of Dynaco A25 speakers.

[ThomasThomas]

I listen to my CD’s off by computer now. I have 3days worth with out repeats. I spend about $50 on speaker, sounds great.

[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.

[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-.

[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.

[Daffynition]

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

Compact, economical and terrific for the BR.