Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Stereo Sterio Setup advice for newbie

I am very new to hifi speakers, and want to build a good 2.1 system for my bedroom. I'm looking at using the m3ti's. What equipment would you recomend? I need advice on everything, from the CD player to the reciever etc.

Thanks
Josh

Josh,

It would help if we knew what kind of budget you have to work with. Do you plan to use a subwoofer?

I would either buy a sub initially or add one later one, but in the end I will definately end up with one.

Say around a $600-800 budget, if that would be enough. I could always spend more if I need to, but that's what I'd like to spend.

Thanks

Also when people say "amp" I am assuming they are refering to a reciever?

no.. not necesaraly.( i know thats spelled wrong BTW )Most of the time people say amp they mean either a power amp or integrated amplifier. One thing you need to deceide on is if you want a reciever or an amplifier. If you do not need the radio it would be best to get a amp not reciever. And even if you do want a tuner you can get one used for fairly cheap.

Ok with just a budget of 6-800 this is the system i would probbly get...

Axiom M3ti $275

Cambridge Audio A300 integrated amp $200
Cambridge A300

NAD C-521i cdp $300
NAD C521i

Used tuner off ebay/Agon

I would have suggested the cambridge audio D300se cd player but it seems that audio advisor is sold out of them. It was on sale at 200 which is a good deal. Im sure you can find all of these componets on Audiogon.com for cheaper but this would be a great bedroom system for less than 800. Add in 50 bucks for speaker cables and interconnects from radio shack and your set!

If I were to get a sub, would I be better off going with the M2ti's? What subs would you recomend?

Thanks
Josh

you werent planning on getting the sub with everything else for 800 were you?

how much were you thinking of spending on a sub would be the first place to start.

Like I said I'm really new to this so I don't really have any idea what to spend. One thing I didn't think would cost so much is the CD player. Does the CD player really make that much difference?

On to subs, what would be a good match for the m2tis or m3tis?

Thanks
Josh

No offense Josh, but it's hard to answer this type of question without knowing more info. But, just as an example, let me tell you what my bedroom system consists of, and you can take it for what it's worth. And, by the way, my bedroom system was not purchased specifically for the bedroom, but it is primarily made up of equipment that I once used in my main system and replaced with better stuff. Anyway, here is my bedroom system.

Pair of Axiom M3ti's. I bought these before they came out with the M2i's, otherwise I may have gone with the M2's.

Velodyne VX-10 sub (about $150 from 6ave.com). Very capable performer for a great price.

Kenwood VR-509 receiver. You can get a good budget receiver from Harman Kardon, Panasonic, etc. for around $200-$300.

Toshiba SD-5700 DVD/CD player. I use this for both DVD's and CD's and it works fine. Obviously, any decent DVD player can be substituted for this for around $100-$200 with fine results.

Well, that's my bedroom system along with a 27" Sony Wega and cable box. Works great for me, and is not a really expensive system. Good luck.

You haven't provided a clear goal or budget on this one, so it's really hard. If you want "budget" - that's something I'm good at

If you are just looking for stereo, and are on a budget... I would suggest M3 or M2s for speakers (which one is mostly personal preference - you might want to order both and listen to them).

For a sub I might suggest the $125 Dayton subwoofer from partsxpress.com (cheap option) - or the $350 Vance Dickasson model from the same place ($350 with rave reviews all over).

For a receiver - a really nice inexpensive and well regarded vintage model is the H/K 730 or 930. The 730 is more widely available and does ~45 watts/channel - the 930 is the same thing, just more powerful. They are both dual-mono designs, for what it's worth. One of those will set you back more or less $50 on eBay.

Then you've got your CD player - that one I can't really help you with, since I don't really listen to CDs much any more (I'm a vinyl junkie).

With this scenario, you could have a really nice system for <$1000, or if you go more budget, maybe even < $700.

Like I said, though - I don't know your budget or particular tastes. This is just the kind of things I might choose in your shoes.

Here's what I'd do for a nice bedroom 2.1 setup.

Rotel RA-02 integrated amp $499
Axiom M22ti $400
Hsu STF-1 $299

These are of course full retail prices, and as we all know retail is for suckers.

Ahhh.... the RA-02 is one of the nicest looking pieces of audio gear I've seen in ages. It's out of my price range, though... but you had to remind me of it, didn't you!!

As for retail being for suckers. Rotel dealers in my area WILL NOT come down on there prices one bit.And I'm glad I got my RB1080 from an authorized Rotel dealer or I would have been s**t out of luck when my amp crapped out on me.

Hmmm...most Rotel dealers will go at least 10-15% off. Too bad your guys are so stingy. At least you know you're still getting a good "bang for your buck" product from Rotel. Likewise, although I bought nearly all my Axioms from their outlet, I paid full price for my M2i's and still feel I got a good "deal".

I found a Pioneer Elite Integrated Amp A-35R (45W X2) for $160. Does anyone have any thoughts on this amp to go along with the 2i's?