Any audiophiles out there? - Online Consumer Forums Digital-Boards.com The Consumer Network

Cobalt · 03-03-2007

I'm looking at buying a new stereo system in a couple of months time and I'm looking for a few recommendations. My budget is somewhere around the equivalent of $500, which should give you some idea as to the level of system I can afford.

I've had my current system for around 3 or 4 years now and it's never let me down, though having heard one or two newer ones, I can definitely hear a positive difference in sound quality.

Sound quality is my biggest interest - it doesn't need to be the loudest or have the most features. A single CD player would suffice, though digital radio would be a bonus as well as something to hook my MP3 player up to. A tape deck isn't essential but nice, as is a record player - I don't play them all that much though I do have a stack of them that could use a dust off from time to time.

Any suggestions on manufacturer or perhaps even a model?

Exitium · 03-10-2007

If you want true sound quality I would suggest using a computer setup. If you have a budget of $500 With a budget of $500 you could purchase a pretty decent sound system, but I recommend purchasing a sound card and not just use the onboard audio on most motherboards. The Creative GigaWorks S750 700 Watts 7.1 Speaker goes for about $450 and it is the speaker system I use myself. So far I have had no problems with it and the sound is superb with 7.1 channels.

On the other hand if you do not have a pretty good sound card that can handle this system, the X-Fi series by Creative would be the best choice. They have a feature called CMSS-3D that can basically take any stereo sound and convert it to surround. Also the x-fi crystalizer really helps improve sound quality of mp3's and old tapes. The price range of the series is $80-$400, and I really can't tell the difference between each one in sound quality so the xtreme music would be suffice, and they all support 7.1 channels of audio. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

randle · 03-13-2007

ok so are you talking about a system for your computer? i was thinking like a regular sound system. You may have to do some real good research to find one for that pric. that isnt cheap but its seen as a bargain though.

Cobalt · 04-09-2007

I was actually referring to a standalone setup - My PC is already equipped with an Audigy 2 Platinum and a Creative 5.1 speaker system which I use for recording guitar. I'm not a professional player or producer by a long chalk, but I am a keen enthusiast if that counts for anything.

lalajean · 05-09-2007

A system that runs through your computer. That is what i am using, you can hookup some nice surround sound to the computer, I do not own a regular stereo system anymore. the quality with the computer is far more superior than any regular system that I have heard recently.

03-03-2007	#1 (permalink)
Cobalt Consumer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 50	Any audiophiles out there? I'm looking at buying a new stereo system in a couple of months time and I'm looking for a few recommendations. My budget is somewhere around the equivalent of $500, which should give you some idea as to the level of system I can afford. I've had my current system for around 3 or 4 years now and it's never let me down, though having heard one or two newer ones, I can definitely hear a positive difference in sound quality. Sound quality is my biggest interest - it doesn't need to be the loudest or have the most features. A single CD player would suffice, though digital radio would be a bonus as well as something to hook my MP3 player up to. A tape deck isn't essential but nice, as is a record player - I don't play them all that much though I do have a stack of them that could use a dust off from time to time. Any suggestions on manufacturer or perhaps even a model?

03-13-2007	#3 (permalink)
randle Consumer Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 35	what? ok so are you talking about a system for your computer? i was thinking like a regular sound system. You may have to do some real good research to find one for that pric. that isnt cheap but its seen as a bargain though.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

03-10-2007	#2 (permalink)
Exitium Consumer Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 20	If you want true sound quality I would suggest using a computer setup. If you have a budget of $500 With a budget of $500 you could purchase a pretty decent sound system, but I recommend purchasing a sound card and not just use the onboard audio on most motherboards. The Creative GigaWorks S750 700 Watts 7.1 Speaker goes for about $450 and it is the speaker system I use myself. So far I have had no problems with it and the sound is superb with 7.1 channels. On the other hand if you do not have a pretty good sound card that can handle this system, the X-Fi series by Creative would be the best choice. They have a feature called CMSS-3D that can basically take any stereo sound and convert it to surround. Also the x-fi crystalizer really helps improve sound quality of mp3's and old tapes. The price range of the series is $80-$400, and I really can't tell the difference between each one in sound quality so the xtreme music would be suffice, and they all support 7.1 channels of audio. Feel free to PM me with any questions.

04-09-2007	#4 (permalink)
Cobalt Consumer Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 50	I was actually referring to a standalone setup - My PC is already equipped with an Audigy 2 Platinum and a Creative 5.1 speaker system which I use for recording guitar. I'm not a professional player or producer by a long chalk, but I am a keen enthusiast if that counts for anything.

05-09-2007	#5 (permalink)
lalajean Consumer Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 34	A system that runs through your computer. That is what i am using, you can hookup some nice surround sound to the computer, I do not own a regular stereo system anymore. the quality with the computer is far more superior than any regular system that I have heard recently.