DennyC's Profile

The systems in a box are ok, but I would suggest getting a component based system. Then slowly over time you can get some pretty nice items piece by piece. Save up for a while and then you can get a component (or upgrade an existing component). Its perhaps not the answer you want to hear (kinda like eating your vegetables, they might taste worse than pizza, but in the long term they are better for you).

Class 'T' amplifiers: they are cheap and on the lower volume settings produce very little distortion (very crisp sound). And they are tiny, I have one thats smaller than my hand. You can get good quality metal enclosed ones from china (hk) on ebay; I'm not lying I have one and the quality is great. On ebay search for TA2020.

Bigger amps: A new (non class t) amp would eat up most of your budget. I would suggest some sort of used amp. This could mean used, a trade in at a decent store, a store demo, dealer demo or used at a trade show. Sometimes you can be lucky on ebay. If you live in a city with a higher end stereo store, they might have trade in stuff for sale. Finally, occasionally audiogon.com has some cheaper items (look in the integrated section); I trust audiogon a fair bit more than ebay, and sometimes you can negotiate a bit on the price. (there is a nice LA Audio M3 tube amp on there right now for 395).

TurnTable: not all amps take turntable inputs directly. you may need to get a phono pre amp in such a case (so be aware). anyways, if you go for a dj style turntable (like a technics 1200) they are worth it since they are built like a tank and can last forever; they're sound quality isn't always the best (you can get one used on ebay). More serious hifi turntables can get better sound but aren't as much fun as a dj turntable. Audiogon you can search and get a used higher end one for a hundred.

Speakers: You can find plenty of speakers on ebay; I am looking at a pair of older KEF speakers for $30.

Speaker Wire: you can get alright speaker wire at home depot for like $10-15.