Lost

[Emma]

Hi, I was wondering if anybody could give me tips or a starting point for looking for a new hi-fi system. My Sony stereo recently broke and I am looking to invest in a new system with separate components. My budget would be €450-€500approx. Any advice on brands or beginners guide would be much appreciated.

[Claus]

Hi Emma,
Welcome to the forum! If I was looking for a new system for that price I would go for the little Cocktail Audio X10 music server. This would enable you to store music from your CDs and with the wifi dongle you can stream loads of internet radio stations. You could get a set of entry level bookshelf speakers if you don't already have speakers. The little Q Acoustic 1010i or 1020i would be ideal.





The Q Acoustics can be gotten from Richersounds.com and the little Cocktail from Kronosav.com both up in Belfast.

For a more traditional system from Peats something like Marantz amp and CD player along with Q Acoustics or Wharfedale Diamond 10.1 speakers.

If at all possible try to audition before you buy :)
Claus

[JFK]

Hi Emma , Welcome ..
Agree with Claus , Nice system ..
Don't forget to check the for sale section here and elsewhere , you can pick up some real bargains .. Only today i picked up a little pair of Mission M30i for 30 quid and they sound excellent ..
The Latest Denon mini system with Wharfdale 9.1s speakers would be nice too .
If your going for separate amp /CD , leave some budget for decent Speaker cable and Interconnects and speaker stands ..

Cheers
John

[Ivor]

If I was looking for a new system for that price I would go for the little Cocktail Audio X10 music server. This would enable you to store music from your CDs and with the wifi dongle you can stream loads of internet radio stations. ....... the little Cocktail from Kronosav.com .... in Belfast.

Yeah, a mate of mine bought one and loves it. (The guy we had coffee with Claus!). Kronosav, who are actually in Dungannon, do neat little speakers with that unit too... all cheap as chips.

Welcome to the forum Emma.

[Fran]

You're very welcome indeed Emma,

I'm assuming here that you want CD playback mainly.....

Right now there is a nice receiver (CDP player and amp all in one unit) for sale here by a decent gent:

viewtopic.php?f=11&t=1694

If you're not in a mad hurry, a decent set of speakers will probably turn up here, and you can always find some on adverts etc too. Just be careful buying on adverts - sometimes you see stuff on there for crazy money, or damaged etc. If you see something you can always come back here and either ask, or if you want you can PM too. I think I saw a set of Kef 104/2 on adverts recently - I think the fella was in Galway but I think they might be more money than your budget.

Tell us a bit more too - exactly what kind of system are you after? eg are you constrained by space, eg want bookshelf speakers only or could you take floorstanders etc.

Fran

[Ivor]

it'll be valves, vinyl and quads this time next year!

[Emma]

Thanks for all the replies :)  That Cocktail system sounds pretty cool Claus but yes I think I'd prefer a more traditional system.
I have been looking at this mini system that I think might be the one JFK mentioned?
http://www.peats.com/cgi-bin/catalog_v2 ... pe=product
I'm not sure though as I've always wanted to own a hi fi of seperate components.  So was thinking of maybe investing in 
http://www.peats.com/cgi-bin/catalog_v2 ... pe=product
http://www.peats.com/cgi-bin/catalog_v2 ... pe=product
My Dad recommended Pioneer to me but as far as I can see Peats don't stock Pioneer and I haven't got around to looking into Richer Sounds.  I have yet to look into speakers too!
Anyways very grateful for all your advice. Really excited about purchasing!!

[Gerry D]

Hi Emma.
Welcome aboard from me also.

Another idea: Cloney Audio usually have bits and pieces of traded-in Hi Fi that wouldn't be on their website.
Might be worth talking with Ivan there.

I recently picked up a lovely Arcam amp for a family member at a very reasonable price.
Tell them your budget and see if they come up with anything.
Mention this forum.
They're good folks and you'd have the assurance of a solid advice and back up going forward.

Happy hunting.
Gerry

[JFK]

Hi Emma , your more than welcome , best bet is to get a demo of anything you are planning to buy ,

Let me know if you interested in the receiver Fran highlighted and sure you can have a listen with no obligations whatsoever just to give you an idea of what type of sound can be had for a little money ..

Def keep an eye on the Cloney for sale section .. You cant beat them guys for solid customer service and even more important after sales ..

Cheers John

[jadarin]

Hi Emma,
Here's a nice little system.With plenty of cash spare for a set of speakers.
http://www.adverts.ie/home-audio/marantz-amp-cd/1847012.

http://www.audioreview.com/
Plenty of reviews here..