Is there such a thing as a good compact stereo?
November 21, 2004 11:54 AM   Subscribe

Is there such a thing as a good compact stereo? Not a boombox, mind you. Just a small system that will neatly fit into the entertainment center beneath the TV. Something reliable that will play the radio and CDs. It would also be nice if I could route the TV audio through it. I am not an audiophile, and buying individual components scares me. But my budget is also only $200-$300ish. Any hope for me?
posted by piskycritter to Shopping (15 answers total)
 
denon has a good reputation.

at that price, philips make a very nice looking system (i have the same, but covered in red rubber - it's no longer listed on that site, might be sold out) (it sounds only average, in my opinion, a bit harsh, but the looks make up for it - i'm covinced it's a design classic).
posted by andrew cooke at 12:20 PM on November 21, 2004


I have a one of these, and like it. The only annoyance with it is that the bright-blue baclkighting on the display cannot be switched off by default. It looks like it's been discontinued, but that means you can get a better price on it. Also, I got to say that this Panasonic unit looks pretty nice - especially if you don't already have a DVD player hooked up..
posted by kickingtheground at 12:42 PM on November 21, 2004


You can't go wrong with Tivoli Audio, especially if you are looking for compact simplicity, great sound and excellent AM/FM tuning.

However, if you really think you need a ton of extra "features" (that you will probably use twice) or don't like the idea of a big fat analog tuning dial, then you prolly might want to look elsewhere.
posted by Boydrop at 1:18 PM on November 21, 2004


Oops, meant to add this link in my comment.

This is their stereo radio and CD player combo. A little bit over $300, but well worth it to me.
posted by Boydrop at 1:21 PM on November 21, 2004


I second the Tivoli recommendation. We received the Model One as a wedding present and love it. The sound from it is always impressive. I plug my iPod into it all the time apart from listening to the radio.
posted by stefnet at 1:42 PM on November 21, 2004


denon has a good reputation.

I have a Denon mini system with Mission speakers that I got around 5 years ago for less than $300 and am still very happy with it.
posted by gyc at 2:35 PM on November 21, 2004


At that price range, you can get a not-so-bad whole 5.1 system with a receiver and DVD player. For instance.
posted by smackfu at 2:37 PM on November 21, 2004


Is there such a thing as a good compact stereo?

Mini systems available at electronics stores are hit and miss. There are some good models, and lots of garbage. It isn't easy to predict what you are going to get. It doesn't make much difference who the manufacturer is, it is model specific, and the models change every year so it is really hard for anyone to keep track of.

Do you have a DVD player? If you do, I would get a cheap receiver from any major manufacturer and a pair of minimus 7s easily purchased through you know who. You will save a lot of money and the sound will be as good or better than any minisystem. You will also be able to add two/three more speakers to create a surround sound system when you feel like it. Or you could upgrade the two speakers to something better if you and your ears learn to get along a little better :)

Don't be scared, just post another askme question if you have trouble :)
posted by Chuckles at 3:45 PM on November 21, 2004


I'd recommend getting an amp/radio unit (sometimes called recievers). There are hundreds and hundreds to choose from, (like this) the key things to remember are:
  • Get a unit that takes multiple video signals. That way you can switch between your TV/Radio/DVD/Xbox/Etc. without having to hook up some convoluted hack.
  • Try and find a unit with optical inputs. Most DVD players these days have opti-outs that support full 5.1 sound to the receiver.
  • More power does not necessarily mean more volume. Most manufacturers overrate their output (significantly), but the big secret is that it's all in the speakers. Get a cheap receiver and a set of these beautiful, wonderful, amazing speakers, and it will sound glorious. Get a cheap set of speakers and hook it up to a Macintosh and it'll still sound like crap.
  • If you have any vinyl, you'll want to make sure the receiver has a phono input (most budget receivers are scrimping on the amplified phono input these days).
If you just want an all-in-one, pay-and-forget unit with built-in DVD and speakers, you should look at "home theater systems".
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 4:13 PM on November 21, 2004


Oh, and that's McIntosh, not Macintosh
posted by Civil_Disobedient at 4:18 PM on November 21, 2004


For a little more money you can get a JVC EX-A1 and it will blow your mind.
posted by orange clock at 4:50 PM on November 21, 2004


Cambridge Soundworks makes great-sounding, extremely compact all-in-one systems. The Model 88 Radio/CD player has been discounted to $199; their newer model (Radio CD 740) which retails for $300 also plays MP3's on CD.

A good friend has the Model 88 in his den, and it's almost unreal how a unit that small can make such a big, rich sound.
posted by enrevanche at 5:02 PM on November 21, 2004


I've been very happy with my Bose Wave Radio. I don't know what the built-in CD player sounds like, the an outboard one makes it sound amazingly good.
posted by ParisParamus at 6:25 PM on November 21, 2004


I recommend a glance at the Consumer Reports website for general suggestions on shopping for a minisystem. Look under "electronics."
posted by JDC8 at 7:12 PM on November 21, 2004


I, my brother and my parents all have the mini Dennon systems. We've all been very happy with them. They've got by far the best sound of any of the mini systems I've heard. They are about double the price range you're looking at though. Also, speakers are extra.
posted by bonehead at 9:15 AM on November 22, 2004


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