My amplifier/receiver died. I need something inexpensive (~$200) but powerful to replace it. I am not an audiophile but like my music to sound good. Should I get a simple amplifier and an HD radio tuner or troll eBay for a used receiver? I have two sets of speakers plus woofer and need about 100W per channel. Need three or four inputs. Don't need fancy 5.1 or anything. Recommendations? [more inside]
posted by misterpatrick on Dec 10, 2009 - 5 answers

Please help me choose an inexpensive home stereo for a teenager. I'm overwhelmed! [more inside]
posted by notashroom on Dec 3, 2009 - 10 answers

Home amp filter: Shallow cabinet, 5.1-channel, three-input-HDMI, two-zone, good-quality amplifier-receiver -- does it exist? [more inside]
posted by rleamon on Nov 15, 2009 - 2 answers

Can you help me connect my optical-out DVD players to my new HDMI-in HDTV? [more inside]
posted by Dr. Wu on Sep 22, 2009 - 12 answers

I'm on a budget and want to upgrade my audio system. What receiver/speakers I should purchase to get the most for my money? [more inside]
posted by vmrob on Sep 22, 2009 - 24 answers

I like my vinyl records. I want to make digital files out of them. What are my options ... which don't include a new turntable and, preferably but not absolutely, don't require my computer and stereo to be in the same room? I'm on a Mac.
posted by You Should See the Other Guy on Sep 2, 2009 - 19 answers

What is this mystery spindle that came with the turntable I just got? [more inside]
posted by kid_dynamite on Aug 8, 2009 - 10 answers

Is the practice of "seasoning" headphones just supersition? [more inside]
posted by rwhe on Jun 15, 2009 - 47 answers

Do I really need two or three separate boxes for just-OK computer audio? I need some kind of speaker to hook up to my laptop-used-as-a-desktop, but having three or even two separate components is cumbersome. I also don't think I really need an expensive, fancy system. [more inside]
posted by amtho on Mar 12, 2009 - 12 answers

What's so special about speaker cloth? Can I replace it with regular fabric? [more inside]
posted by missuswayne on Jan 16, 2009 - 12 answers

(Electronics|Stereo)filter: What is causing this infuriating noise in my preamp and how do I fix it? Links to sound files and long list of symptoms in extended. [more inside]
posted by strangecargo on Jan 15, 2009 - 6 answers

How to place a good speaker in a corner? After investing in some decent audio gear, I find that I cannot avoid placing the left speaker in a corner due to space constraints. As expected, this emphasizes low the frequencies on that side and makes the sound stage a bit wonky. Short of moving the speaker, is there any way to mitigate this somewhat?
posted by aladfar on Jan 6, 2009 - 7 answers

I would like to set up a system where my turntable and my iMac all flow out of a nice set of speakers. I have no idea where to start. [more inside]
posted by Foam Pants on Dec 14, 2008 - 9 answers

What's a good iPhone car charger that won't make my music noisy? [more inside]
posted by olinerd on Nov 18, 2008 - 3 answers

I'm moving and starting over just about from scratch. I'd like people's input on what I should do about setting up nifty integrated audio/visual/computing stuff in my new place. [more inside]
posted by Echidna882003 on Oct 19, 2008 - 3 answers

I am confused about assembling a relatively budget, quality home stereo system. (long) [more inside]
posted by Marquis on Oct 13, 2008 - 14 answers

I'm going to be relying on my iMac and the music stored on it for a while. I would like to get a set of speakers so that the computer sounds better. What reasonably-priced powered speakers have folks had success with? I'd rather not get a separate subwoofer. I'd be willing to get a small amp and use my small stereo speakers if all the other options are too crappy. Thanks.
posted by OmieWise on Aug 7, 2008 - 9 answers

I'm looking for a cheap (about $200) and compact stereo system for my apartment. Mainly it'd be for playing CD's and streaming audio via my Airport Express. I'm interested in the Onkyo CS-315S, CS-325 and CS-415 units, but I can't for the life of my figure out what the hell the difference is. Does anyone know about these systems, or have any other recommendations? [more inside]
posted by DLWM on Aug 6, 2008 - 6 answers

Help improve my sound! After listening to some pristine, rich & dynamic music at a friend's studio, I've decided to improve my own setup. The catch? I don't want to spend thousands and have no interest in audiophile snake oil. Recommendations? Details on my existing gear inside. [more inside]
posted by aladfar on Jul 9, 2008 - 13 answers

Car stereo solution for someone non-technical. [more inside]
posted by ObscureReferenceMan on Jun 23, 2008 - 6 answers

What and where are the best audio/home theater discussion groups/forums for someone wanting to learn about said items? [more inside]
posted by Phyltre on Feb 25, 2008 - 10 answers

I, like many others, am trying to get the perfect setup for my iPhone in my car. Are there any solutions? [more inside]
posted by jpcody on Feb 5, 2008 - 8 answers

Old-skool AmpFilter: Who can provide links and/or guidance for us to find manuals / technical info for an older Technics amp and 5-CD changer? [more inside]
posted by lonefrontranger on Jan 6, 2008 - 8 answers

I'm looking for a record player for my parents for Christmas, the highest quality within a budget of $400-$500. This has been addressed in the past, but that was a year ago, and my budget is greater. Can any audiophiles give me recommendations on equipment? [more inside]
posted by Braeog on Dec 6, 2007 - 10 answers

Please help my girlfriend buy a cheap mp3 player for a 16-year-old girl in foster care she's "adopted" for the holidays. [more inside]
posted by Ian A.T. on Dec 1, 2007 - 30 answers

Got great new speakers for my stereo. Now comes the hard part: I need to find a particular kind of stand, and my satellite radio sounds funny. Suggestions? [more inside]
posted by werty on Nov 22, 2007 - 6 answers

What components do I need to buy to have a solid stereo system for my home? [more inside]
posted by 10ch on Nov 20, 2007 - 19 answers

automatic audio switch: Does it exist? (Two computers, One pair of speakers). (an automatic switch, not a manual one) [more inside]
posted by jak68 on Aug 12, 2007 - 17 answers

Tell me how much I need to spend on audio preamp(s) and amplifier(s) to make my home stereo system sound jaw-droppingly great. [more inside]
posted by FelliniBlank on Jul 27, 2007 - 7 answers

I'd like to modernize my 2001 Honda Accord's audio system -- satellite, HD Radio, Bluetooth handsfree, and on-screen iPod controls/track display. Help! [more inside]
posted by CommonSense on Jun 26, 2007 - 10 answers

Do car audio amplifiers sound any good using speaker level inputs? [more inside]
posted by knave on Apr 23, 2007 - 5 answers

I just tore through yet another set of traditional speakers DJing and am ready to try something new. What are my options MeFi? [more inside]
posted by phixed on Apr 7, 2007 - 2 answers

How do I install these speakers on the front doors of my 1999 Honda Accord? Should I even try to do it myself? [more inside]
posted by lou on Mar 17, 2007 - 10 answers

Help me replace my big ugly speakers with smaller, out-of-the-way ones. [more inside]
posted by Gilbert on Feb 25, 2007 - 10 answers

I have a passive NHT SW2 subwoofer being driven by an NHT SA-2 amplifier that is supposed to control the volume. Lately, however, the volume for the sub plays at full, irrespective of the actual volume setting on the knob. When it first started, tinkering with the volume control could sometimes get the correct volume, but now it's just at max all the time. [more inside]
posted by Gamblor on Dec 18, 2006 - 2 answers

Will two different pairs of speakers work and play well with my new Onkyo receiver? [more inside]
posted by ObscureReferenceMan on Sep 24, 2006 - 4 answers

Surround Sound 2.0 setup: What do I do w/ my new amp and old speakers? [more inside]
posted by daver on Sep 10, 2006 - 6 answers

Do iPod-compatible car decks sound THAT much better than using a cassette adapter? Also, will a new deck interface with my steering-wheel controls and factory cd-changer? [more inside]
posted by neilkod on Sep 5, 2006 - 9 answers

I've lost my hair, I've lost my youth and now it's time for my hearing to follow. recommend a stereo system, please. [more inside]
posted by krautland on Sep 4, 2006 - 14 answers

Very strange electrical noise getting into radio on newly imported 1997 JDM Toyota Tercel hatchback. Radio replacement is imminent, but there's [more inside]
posted by toxic on Aug 29, 2006 - 5 answers

Why don't more songs use total stereo seperation of different instruments? It worked for the Beatles. Why did they use it so extensively when few others seem to have?
posted by riotgrrl69 on Aug 23, 2006 - 36 answers

So, the stereo I won on Jeopardy is about to break...what should I replace it with? [more inside]
posted by exceptinsects on Aug 8, 2006 - 17 answers

Oh, how I wish I could record in stereo, but as things stand, it's looking like it's going to have to be a mono-podcast. Help me get into both channels. [more inside]
posted by featherboa on Aug 4, 2006 - 13 answers

Help me inexpensively and at least somewhat discreetly wire my place for surround. The problem: Really challenging room layout and a tight budget. [more inside]
posted by twiggy on Jun 26, 2006 - 16 answers

Speaker/ReceiverFilter: I have a recently acquired NAD 7240PE receiver, and a pair of older but fairly decent (I think) floorstanding speakers. The input source is clean (its a CD player that has its own headphones jack, and that's clean), but I'm running into a problem with the speakers + receiver. [more inside]
posted by devilsbrigade on May 23, 2006 - 10 answers

I need help figuring out which audio amplifier I should buy. [more inside]
posted by bubukaba on Mar 28, 2006 - 11 answers

When I have my integrated amplifier set on "phono", I get an annoying 60 cycle hum buzzing out my speakers. [more inside]
posted by Ber on Mar 14, 2006 - 7 answers

So, I'm gonna DJ tonight using my 12" PowerBook as the source. I know the mixer requires mono--the question is how to do it. I don't want to ignore the right stereo channel. But do I use a stereo-mono adapter? Stereo-mono cable? Software? [more inside]
posted by kenneth on Jan 18, 2006 - 7 answers

i just bought a tivoli system (kloss model 2, extra speaker and cd) and have it on the bookshelf but some questions: [more inside]
posted by luriete on Jan 7, 2006 - 10 answers

Recommendations for a decent surround sound + DVD setup between $250-350? [more inside]
posted by Rothko on Jan 2, 2006 - 5 answers