budget system

[dav1e]

I am looking to spend 150 tops really. I have some old (probably 30 year old was my Grandads) kef speakers that should save me some money. I am considering this on ebay for 129 - ONKYO CR515. I have read a few threads on cheap systems and the idea seems to be to get a second hand separates off ebay. I am looking for a system with cd, cd mp3, and ipod connection and I want to try dab radio. Laptop connection would be good. Firstly will the ONKYO CR515 do all this? I would buy second hand separates if I knew what I was doing but I don't know an amplifier from a banana. What separates do I need to get everything I want? Do you think I should just get this system? Or this second hand system on ebay Denon DM35DAB bid is 100 pound atm + can I plug an ipod into this?

Thanks all

[Slimbert]

Most amplifiers have a few inputs you can use like "CD" "TAPE" PHONO" "AUX" etc and 99.9% of the time they will be 2xrca phono inputs, which are the standard one red one white inputs you'd find on any audio equipment.

You can buy just about any lead/cable you can think of with one end the red and white rca phono to plug into an amp and with anything you like on the other. So to connect an ipod etc you just need a lead with the red and white phonos on one end and the ipod connection on the other, which I think would be some sort of mini stereo jack plug.

I would definately recommend buying second hand. And stick to the big brand names. Sony are always a safe bet as they seem to last a lifetime. But all brands have ups and downs and buying on ebay you will generally get what you pay for. The best bit is that you can upgrade one piece at a time should you feel like you need to!

All you need really, asuming your using the old KEFs you mentioned, is a stereo amp, and a decent DVD player which will probably play any kind of disc you throw at it. All you need for the ipod and computer is the cables/leads to connect them to your amp. Oh and you'll obviously need some speaker cables!

Good Luck!!

[dav1e]

many thanks slimbert. The amp needs to be 'stereo' or it won't do? Does the stereo amp need to be quite new in order to hook up a dvd player to it? There are sooo many on ebay its hard to know whats going to best. Can there be some crap ones or are they all good sounding?

[dablk]

The onkyo is a nice little solution if you want everything in one box..including at cost and addtional ipod dock..the draw back however is its not the most powerful of amplifiers.

20w into 4ohms...which means its even less into 8 ohms (what most speakers are built to).

You need to check, what the ratings of your kef speakers are. It should be on the back where you connect the cabels too. You might find that they are simply too big for the little box and wont go very loud or will die trying.

[Slimbert]

Qualityof equipment varies massively! But if you see something you like the look of do a little research. Have a look for some reviews by doing a google search. If you can't find anything out about the amp your looking at and are unsure whether to buy it or not then don't. Simply wait and see what else comes up. There is always loads of choice on ebay and items change everyday. Don't buy the first thing you see!!

On the stereo thing, stereo means the amp has left and right channels. i.e. two speakers, a bit like a pair of headphones i guess, just one speaker on the left and one on the right. Your DVD player(if you have one!) should have "L + R out" phono sockets on the back, one white and one red. You can use these outs to wire into a stereo amp and it will play music just fine.

Your DVD player should also have an orange phono socket labelled "Coaxial" or maybe a black square looking thing possibly labelled "optical". Don't worry if not, all DVD players are different. If you want proper surround sound for your DVDs (although you might be looking at spending more money!) look at buying an "AV" amplifier/receiver. These can be used as stereo amplifiers too but are designed to create a "cinema at home" sound effect. Please note if you choose this option you will need to spend a lot more money buying extra speakers and a lot more cabling.

I'd recommend you stick to the 2 channel stereo system to start with. Much easier to get to grips with and a lot cheaper too. I'll have a quick look on ebay for the sort of things you'd need and post the links on here.

[Slimbert]

Quite a nice starter stereo amp: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Cambridge-Audi...QQcmdZViewItem

Nice DVD player and very good for audio too: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Marantz-DV4610...QQcmdZViewItem

And this is the lead you'll need to plug in your laptop (I use one of these for the same thing!): http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Vivanco-PROWIR...QQcmdZViewItem

You'll also needs some speaker cable but this can be quite cheap. Under a pound a meter.

Like I said earlier, you don't have to buy these exact items and don't worry if they sell before you get chance to buy them. There will always be other items you can buy. Maybe even better ones!

[majorwedgy]

check this out:

http://www.morgancomputers.com/shop/...ProductID=4565

got pretty decent reviews and much cheaper than anywhere else

[scorpion88]

I am fairly new around here but noticed this link and have passed it on to another recent thread seeking 'system advice'. It looks like an excellent deal.

Hope etiquette is OK!!