[ranmart]

I'am in the army and  need I really really  small system to play because I move a lot .so what should I get for a system.I have $6500+ to spend but could get more.Thanks

I was looking at the norh speakers but the 3.0's are too weak and bose are no good

[gotmikey]

With $6500 I could have a field day.  The only thing is that $6500 is yours and your ears.  I'd imagine you're gonna get about 25 replies with some mixed thoughts.  Lemme' think about it and I'll give you my $6500 worth... Such an odd number $6500.  Sounds like someone got a return of some sorts

[Jose Garcia]

Hola. I thought you were talking about a little inexpensive system but I see that your budget is high. A tiny system easy to move could be the NAD/PSB system that cost around $700. Other tiny pieces of equipment are the Teac, McCormack Micro series and some early Parasound system. Those are less than 10" wide.

But, seriously, for that $7K budget to be spread you need to tell us what brands are available where you recide right now(Europe maybe?).

Jose.

[BikeWNC]

I think some more info is needed before any suggestions can be given.  What kind of music do you listen to?  How important is really low (below 40 Hz) bass?  Is that $6500 Can. or US?  How's the weather up there?

[ranmart]

that's $10000+can to spend .I like all music but heavey mental.I can get anything,ship it to my parents house and pick it up next time I get to go home.

I like heavy bass if it sounds good But I have yet to here bass that sounds really good


I'am looking for the whole system not just the speakers.Thanks

[Jason1]

The AF has people come to my room, pack my stuff, and ship for free. Dosen't the Army do the same? I thought you guys used TMO as well?

[Andrew JC]

That’s a decent budget. I did not know the Army paid so well! Are you looking to build a home theater system or a 2-channel rig? Also are you going to live in barracks or off post housing?

[ranmart]

2 channel rig.I'am still in traing so I dont know what I will be living in yet it could be out to sea for all I know.

[Andrew JC]

I’m assuming you are single so more likely than not you will be in some type of barracks. If that were the case I would not spend a great deal of money on a setup. I would look at an integrated amp and a source. As for speakers I would look at bookshelves with sturdy stands. No sense having a drunken roommate knocks them over  . You also my want to look at a decent set of headphones.

[Hantra]

If it were me, and I needed something small, and I didn't know where I would be living, I would buy headphones.  

I would by a killer headphone setup with a headphone amp.  Maybe that Berning OTL 1 watt headphone amp would be cool.  As far as CD Players, I'd pick up an Audio Note CD-3.1x.  If you wanted to get better than that, you could go with the DAC 3, and the CDT-2 or something.  All are small components.  Get you some Aurios just in case you are stuck out at sea.  Get Audience AU24 cabling.

IMO, this would be a killer setup.  Save a bit of money, and when you figure out what is going to happen, and get in a house or something, pick up some speaks, and an amp.

HTH. .

B

[KevinW]

For your budget, you can get a really fantastic system.  However, you need to be more specific about size.  How small is small? Is weight a factor also? Or just bulk? What is the largest pair of speakers you would consider?

I would initially think that you can get pretty damn good sound from a small integrated amp, a single source (universal player: CD, DVD SACD, DVD-A), and a nice pair of monitor speakers.  If weight isn't a factor, then you might also want an ultra-small sub.

[Tonto Yoder]

One thing to consider might be amplified speakers to keep size under control. I heard Genelec monitors briefly at a local store, but the salesman "demonstrated" with TV source and dialogue.  I've READ good things about them: they're not inexpensive, but well within your budget.
I'm not familiar with their entire line, so wouldn't know which particular model to suggest but you might check out their site--
http://www.genelec.com/products/1030a/1030a.php
There seem to be some offered on eBay--
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=23786&item=2548787207

Maybe others can recommend different brands of similar speakers.

[8thnerve]

I'd pick the Resolution Audio Opus 21 CD Player and the new integrated from Resolution Audio.  3 VERY small boxes, 10" x 9.5" x 3" and they come in an indestructible, compact crate which makes moving it a breeze.  I have taken the one from the store home on many evenings and it takes all of 2 minutes to completely disconnect it and pack it up.  That amp is based on DNM designs and produces a very strong 35 Wpc, so you'll want fairly sensitive speakers.  Price tag of that combo is $6000, so you might need to strech your budget a bit, or get a deal.    They sound incredible, and it gives you 3 more inputs, one balanced and two single ended, and the CD Player has a digital in, so you could pump your MP3s through it as well.

As far as speakers...  At $500 I'd pick the Triangle Titus.  Great sound, very small, one box that's easy to pack.  If you can really stretch your budget, to $3500, check out the Acoustic Energy AE1 MkIII.  Unreal sound from a VERY small speaker.  With the AEs and the Res Audio gear, you would have the most portable, best sounding system period.  I would be willing to bet on it.

Then all you need is Audience speaker cable (you won't need interconnects since the Res Audio CD Player connects directly to the amp) which fortunately is very light and will fit in the Resolution Audio crate (I also know that from experience ).

$6500 or $9500 - Great system with electronics to keep and speakers to upgrade when you can afford it or stop moving - or - best small system out there.  Either way you can't lose.

Damn, I wish I was putting together this system...  Sounds like fun to pack up and listen to it in different rooms.

Best of luck.

[nathanm]

Mackie HR-824s with a CD player that has a digital volume control on it.  Not too bulky, and only three things to haul around. That and they really pack a punch.  They are adjustable to different positions as well.  They sound best at closer listening distances, and I would assume that army barracks aren't gonna be very large spaces.  I dunno, personally I don't correlate the word "small" with the word "$6500" so obviously you could go hog wild over and above this setup, but that's what I'd do in that 'frequent move' scenario.

[Tonto Yoder]

Mackie HR-824s with a CD player that has a digital volume control on it.  Not too bulky, and only three things to haul around. That and they really pack a punch.  They are adjustable to different positions as well.  They sound best at closer listening distances, and I would assume that army barracks aren't gonna be very large spaces.  I dunno, personally I don't correlate the word "small" with the word "$6500" so obviously you could go hog wild over and above this setup, but that's what I'd do in that 'frequent move' scenario.

http://www.musiciansbuy.com/mackie_hr824_monitor.htm

Hey, they sell these just like White Van speakers----$799 each.

[RHINO]

For a small size, I recommend the Linn Classik Music.  It's one box 12.6" x 3.1" x 12.8" that contains a 75W x 2 integrated amp, cd player, tuner and headphone jacks.  It lists for about $2000.  I've heard it demoed and it sounds pretty good.  http://www.classik.com/

A step up would be an integrated amp and separate cd player, something like the Musical Fidelity A3.2 dual-mono integrated amp and A3.2 CD player.  I have a friend who has the integrated amp and it sounds very good.  Each box is $1500 and is 440mm x 95mm x 400mm.  If you can't find a dealer, check at upscaleaudio.com.

There are a lot of great speakers out there in your price range.  A pair of fully assembled GR Research Diluceos with stands runs about $1900.

I can't recommend headphones as a main listening source.  They give me a headache after a few minutes, even the good ones.