My First HiFi

[mattieb]

Though I probably can't actually afford one right now, I'm beginning to get interested in proper HiFi... My Sony bookshelf thing appears to be on the way out, and I think I need something decent to replace it...

Though, if I did get anything I'd have to start out cheap... What I would like to know is: Would there be any problem plugging my existing Sony speakers into a proper, powerful amp... They're rated 6 Ohm... There's no power specification, except that the unit outputs 2x35 W???

Thanks,
- Matt

[peter rh]

Matt - you should consider reading a few HiFi magazines such as
hi-fi world and Hi-Fi Choice (there are a lot similar) - these also
have some details on the net at :
http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/
http://www.hifichoice.co.uk/
you can get ideas on prices, possible combinations and also take
a look at secondhand prices.
Your Sony speakers may be usable, but it very much depends on
what you intend to buy.
There are a lot of HiFi sites on the internet for advice etc, but it can be too much info if you're just starting

[mattieb]

Thanks for those links. I've read some reviews in What HiFi, but that's about it... What with me being a poor student, it might be just wishful thinking at this point...

[Tenorman]

Being that you are in the UK. Check out Richer Sounds -- a Google search will find them and they are bound to have something near you. They sell end of line and over-production stuff at rock-bottom prices.

Can you replace your Sony gradually? For example buy a cd deck and plug it into the auxilliary of the Sony, or use the sony as the player and into a separate amp.

If not Richer do some good sets for less than £200 with speakers

BTW 6 ohm is a little strange - it is usually 4 or 8

e.g Marantz CD player £60 cambridge Audio amp £60. Speakers can be got from£40 upwards. Check them out their stock changes all the time

[mattieb]

Hmm... Perhaps it *was* eight... I suppose new speakers aren't really that expensive, plus I could probably try and sell my old system to raise some cash... It was just that they're not **proper** speakers, they're the cheapo, hard-wired type (with clip connections on the back of my unit)... I read that it's OK to over power speakers as long as you don't underpower them? Just that they seemed **really** low power compared to stuff (like 100W amps, or stuff) so I didn't know if they'd dissappear in a cloud of smoke. I guess I'll just have to keep looking. Thanks for the tips!

Actually there's a RicherSounds in Guildford; kept wondering past, but it's tiny and usually packed with customers... Anyway...

Cheers!

[Tenorman]

Hi Mattlieb,
Richer Sounds is always queued out, but they turn over the customers very quickly. You should not have to queue very long. It is a warehousing operation, but unlike Dixons, Comet, etc. their staff are all trained and (the ones I have come across) do know what they are talking about. You can always buy over the web-site, but some of the best bargains are only available at the shops. It is probably the best, cheapest, and safest way to build a budget Hi-Fi system

[mattieb]

Hmm... At the moment, the only combination of good reviews and low cost looks like:

Marantz CD5400 CD Player
Denon TU260L Mk2 Tuner
Cambridge Azur 540 Amp

Which is about £400 from Richer Sounds... Good combination?

** Though clearly I also need speakers...

[Lonson]

Matt, just for grins, check out the tube amps, players and speakers and the forum at:

www.decware.com

I stumbled onto Decware about seven years ago. . . and it revolutionized my whole system and listening. I'm sold on their products and will hardly consider anything else.

[jaz_zak]

Nad and Proton (similar product) make an excellent 40 watt integrated amplifer (power amp and preamp). This puts out clean power and with a good pair of speakers will keep you happy until you can afford a better system.

I have a Proton D540 Integrated Amp and Klipsch Kg2 speakers - in use since 1990 and am presently upgrading to a better system. It was the first quality audio system that I've owned. They served us very well.

[peter rh]

I hope mattieb wasn't waiting for jaz_zak's advice

[jaz_zak]

I hope mattieb wasn't waiting for jaz_zak's advice


:gavel:


:lol: