Help looking for new system.

Merle · « **on:** 22 Oct 2003, 01:22 pm »

I am interested in a small, all in one stereo system for my bedroom. My wife and I listen to classical music throughout the night as we drift off to sleep. I have been interested in something like the Linn Classic but find that's a little out of my price range. I've looked at the all in one NAD unit but want something a little better. We listen mostly to the tuner [we have a great classical station in Baltimore] and I do own a couple thousand cd's so the ability to plays redbook cd's well is also important. My speakers are System Audio 1110's. High quality, very small bookshelf speakers. [think ProAc/Spendor quality] I am aware that Sony now has digital receivers with built-in SACD players. I read through the thread on this site about the new digital receivers but have a couple other questions. How are the tuner units in these receivers? [very important to me] Are there any 2 channel models availible? [no interest in home theater] Last, my budget is < $1000.00. Anything else I should be looking at? I know I could find a used Linn if I look around but I would prefer to buy new.

tybee · « **Reply #1 on:** 22 Oct 2003, 05:20 pm »

I have owned the Linn Classik, and I was not impressed with the tuner or ability to pull in my local stations.

If you are only interested in FM, you might consider a classic receiver which would most certainly give you good sound for far below your budget. You might start looking at http://www.antennaperformance.com/. While Ed Hanlon modifies tuners, he also has several modded receivers on his website.

My $.02

_scotty_ · « **Reply #2 on:** 22 Oct 2003, 07:28 pm »

Merle, you could try the Panasonic XR45/XR25 for 30 days from BEST BUY
and see if it works for you. You would need a CD/DVDplayer to do CDs with some sort of Digital output to plug straight into the Panasonic Reciever. None of this would be state of the art but it might sound good enough for your application and not break the bank. The XR 25 I have has never failed to sound musical. I will have to try the tuner section, all they ship with the unit is a T type dipole antenna, not the best thing to pick up FM with.