Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with system and audio

Playing records and listening to my iMac through one system

Foam Pants — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 01:32:39 -0800

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. This is the junk I have:
1. iMac
2. Pioneer belt-driven turntable with audio out hardwired and no amplifier
3. a super crappy stereo with half of the speakers missing. Funny story, I had to toss one because a mouse made a nest in it. I want to make this ugly, usable-space-sucker go away.
4. Basic Airport
5. Record collection that I like to play AS RECORDS
6. a sizable MP3 collection that I play through iTunes

Stuff I am willing to purchase
1. New turntable, even though my current one sports a kick-ass sticker collection
2. amplifier
3. Another Airport
4. Sweet speakers
5. Something else a dunder head like me doesn't realize she needs.
6. The services of a male escort.

While I love my music, I am an idiot who doesn't know jack about setting up an audio system. Please advise me, you can be condescending if it helps it come out.

Good micro stereo system?

DLWM — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 09:00:54 -0800

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? I'm also toying with the idea of getting a cheap powered subwoofer, like the Polk PSW10, to go along with whatever system I get -- thoughts?

Best places to talk Home Audio?

Phyltre — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 20:42:05 -0800

What and where are the best audio/home theater discussion groups/forums for someone wanting to learn about said items? I'm working in big-box retail (and loving it, thank you very much), and there are some extremely tempting Employee Accommodations available to me. I've been looking at home audio a lot recently, and this cements it--I'm definitely buying when the components cost between 50 and 75% less than retail.

The catch is, I don't know very much about home audio. I've googled the models, and gotten some information. I've googled for audio and home theater forums as well (with tons of results), but I don't know who to trust or respect. That's where I need your help. What and where are the best audio/home theater discussion groups and forums, so I can get good advice and not waste my once-a-year accommodations purchase or, at worst, buy the wrong thing and burn the house down?

(Because I know you'll ask: My preliminary plan is to get a Harman Kardon AVR-144 receiver with two Klipsch RF-82 floorstanders and an RW10d sub. Price to me: roughly $700 for everything. Yes, this will be an ad-hoc 2.1 system on a 5.1 receiver, but I'm not buying everything at once for budgeting reasons.)

Help me find a simple speaker solution!

kmtiszen — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 19:01:29 -0800

Looking to get some decent sound out of my DVD player on the cheap. I'm a complete idiot when it comes to things with wires. So, I'm not an audiophile by any means. I just want to get some decent sound out of my DVD player. I don't want to fiddle with rear speakers or anything. I'll end up pulling my hair out/putting unnecessary holes in walls messing with those things.

Basically, I'm wondering whether or not I can just get a couple of floor/shelf speakers and maybe a center speaker, and hook them directly to my DVD player? Like with an audio-in (out?) connection. Nothing complicated and preferably nothing too pricey. I'm completely clueless! Any suggestions?

Home theater assistance

Nihility — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 18:14:30 -0800

What sort of speakers/setup should I go with for my home theater? I am looking to purchase a decent audio system for my home. It will be going in a relatively small area but the area is open to the living room below (it is an open upstairs landing above the living room).

I've been looking at some reviews on CNET Reviews and found this set to be highly recommended. I'm trying to keep it under $500.

I will primarily be using this for movie watching, playing video games, listening to music. I'm more than willing to consider a non HTIB set but I feel that it would be less of a hassle to stay with this sort of bundle. I'm certainly not limiting my options to Onkyo either, but I have heard good things about them from multiple sources.

Am I on the right track here or are there better options in my price range? Should I go with an HTIB or buy individual components? Is Onkyo really as good as I've been hearing?

What sort of receiver/speakers to buy?

weretable and the undead chairs — Mon, 12 Sep 2005 16:49:42 -0800

I have a decent DVD player and television but now I need to get a new receiver and speaker system. The more I look, the more confused I am. Whatever I end up getting will be used for both DVDs and listening to CDs/radio.

I have a stereo system but it is at least 10 years old (maybe more, hard to recall) and takes up too much room, the two front speakers are four feet tall and over one foot deep and wide.

I bought this speaker system for my computer and it sounds tons better than my existing stereo system, but I don’t suppose I can use it for my home theater and computer both. Well, actually I guess since the optical input is not being used a 12 ft optical cable could work... only able to use one at a time of course. It might not be appropriate for a home theater system anyway.

I want to spend as little as possible right now. If that means getting a pretty good receiver and just the front speakers and adding later, or getting a good receiver and some so-so speakers that can be upgraded later, fine. But there are too many choices and I have no idea what to look for.