It doesn't have much Bluetooth.
Posted on 06/03/2019 8:17:21 PM PDT by lee martell
As the headline states, I'm looking to buy a very basic home stereo system with speakers, fm/am radio, and CD ability. I'm not tech savy, nor all that interested in delving into it, but I may not have a choice anymore. Most stereo systems sold today are intermeshed with Bluetooth. I have budgeted up to $250. for it, but hope I needn't go that high.
The model I own right now is that way, but I am able to use the CD player and the radio without going through a lot of intricate hooking up. I only plan to change because this current model is rather small, and does not provide a fuller sound of music. I'll listen to various CDs from Issac Hayes to my collection of Harp Concertos. I can tell somethings missing.
So is this just the way things are now? If you want a home stereo, you will have to deal with the fiddling it takes to connect with Bluetooth. I tried searching for 'Analog stereo systems' or 'Without Bluetooth', but it keeps coming up, unwanted, unbeckoned.
I received advice her on FR a few years ago, when I was seeking a radio with a physical Tuner knob for fm and am. I wasn't able to retrieve that posting to review for now, so here I am again. If all else fails, I'll just get one and mess around with it until I get some results. Same technique as usual. I was just hoping there was an easier more direct way to obtain what I prefer.
I have a non-digital stereo system that I need to liquidate because I am moving to Panama. It has an AM/FM tuner, ceramic turntable, equalizer and cassette deck. There’s also a stand to house it on rollers. Speakers were sold with last move.
I live in San Antonio and am not really trying to sell it as much as save it from the junkyard.
If you live somewhere in Texas, private e-mail me if you are interested.
Orangehoof
I wish I were in Texas for that stereo, but I’m out here in Northern California. Thanks anyway.
Craigslist. Goodwill, Salvation Army and other thrifts in your area. Garage sales are hit-or-miss, but might yield some gems for peanuts. If you go the Craigslist route, meet at some neutral location, or check out the area before heading there and tell someone where you’re going. If you carry, bring it, and a friend who also carries, if you’re heading to someone’s home. I once headed to someone’s home, but I vetted the location beforehand. Avoid heading to someone’s home over a Craigslist item if it’s located near MLK or Malcolm X Boulevard. It’s just not worth the trouble, if things go south.
I agree. I don’t do big dollar transactions via Craiglist anymore. Not where I have to meet up with people. Things have changed in the last 20 years. Muchos desperados these days.
Lee — you are being given a lot of good advice but many are missing the most important element of a stereo system — the speakers.
You mentioned something was missing. Yep. My recommendation is to get a used stereo system on ebay and some good separate speakers.
I would check craigslist in your area. Look for ‘78 through mid 80’s receiver and some good bookshelf speakers. the best stuff was made during the stereo wars from around ‘76 through mid 80’s. Speakers can be newer. Try to find one in really good original condition. Pioneer, Marantz, Technics, JBL or JVC, Sony ect...A receiver and speakers and a cd player could all be found for around $250 and all in good working shape with a little luck.
Yes. Hopefully, all I need will be found together. We’ll see.
Thank you! Have one playing in my left ear, and the other in my right. Ha! Great music.
If you want it new with a warranty, I would try an audiophile store, not a regular one.
I am an audiophile, have owned very expensive systems, and worked with a stereo company that showed at CES.
There are reasons one might want to avoid wireless hookups that do not necessarily make one a Luddite.
There are not many physical stores like that left to visit.
Radio Shack is gone, Circuit City is gone, the neighborhood Sears and Kmarts and Mervyn’s and Crowley’s have all closed.
But there are some.
Maybe even with knowledgeable (or at least polite) salespeople.
Best Buy or Kohl’s, for instance.
eBay? Find it at your local Goodwill or Salvation Army store.
Just ask some neighborhood third grader and they will have you hooked up in no time.
Best Buy does not have one. For make do until find what you want used, don’t laugh, Big Lots has a AM, FM, Cd player for 20 $.
I have one on my office snd another at one of v my snobby kid’s house because they have a Bose I can’t listen to Rush on.
Bluetooth is just an additional input method for modern stereos. It’s not “YOU HAVE TO USE BLUETOOTH TO LISTEN TO RADIO OR CD” - not at all. If you don’t want to use Bluetooth to connect to an iPhone or other device to play music over your audio system, you don’t have to. It’s another input - like phono or tape or that *horribly* advanced technology that you probably also abhor, CD!
Hm. We have one here that’s just collecting dust. I’ll let it go for $50 plus shipping if you become desperate.
CD (5-disc tray), radio, tape deck (2 slots), 3.5mm for external devices like phones and mp3 players. I’m 31, and I prefer most of my stuff without unnecessary tech. I do have a Bluetooth speaker that is pretty awesome and comes with a 3.5mm cable to connect to non-Bluetooth devices. Made by DKnight. On my phone, it comes up named, “Magic Box”. It’s a bit heavy on the bass, but really projects the sound as a result.
I also purposefully bought a truck with a tape deck. I’m lame, but also on purpose.
Just because it has Bluetooth or other wireless connectivity doesn’t mean you are forced to use it.
You might inquire what’s available at the old folks home.
“try craigslist”
Hell yeah. If you’re patient enough, you might find exactly what you’re looking for and a pair of real speakers too.
It doesn't have much Bluetooth.
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