Reccomendations for a good sound system

[LMT]

I listen to a lot of music from my ipod and the radio. Finally tired of the small sound from my laptop, the cheap external computer speakers or the iHome radio.

Looking for a good, reasonably priced shelf unit. I have a small place (550sf) and don't need a home AV system with surround sound.

Been looking at Amazon, but there are too many choices!

Willing to get a used or factory refurbished unit too.

[kopfjäger]

Can of worms opened.  Choices are endless. You're gonna hear a bunch of 'personal' opinions. My advice (not worth shit) is to decide what your price limit is, then go out and start listening to systems in your price range. Have fun. 

[ducpainter]

Can of worms opened.  Choices are endless. You're gonna hear a bunch of 'personal' opinions. My advice (not worth shit) is to decide what your price limit is, then go out and start listening to systems in your price range. Have fun. 

...not horrible advice.

[the_Journeyman]

Put your preferred music on a MP3 player, CD etc to your local electronics store.  Listen to what is on display, hopefully they'll let you play your own stuff.  Decide on what sounds the best to your ear.  I will however give some general thoughts.

Brands I like that seem to work well and stand the test of time:
Onkyo, Harmon Kardon, Pioneer, Sony, KLH.

Brands I would avoid:
Most 'house' brands, Kenwood, Pyle, Pyramid.

Brands that I think are overpriced but good:
Polk, Bose.

Personally, I would go with Pioneer or Onkyo.  I've used and abused the same Pioneer receiver for over 20 years.  It never misses a beat and has enough power (150 watts x 4 channels with KLH speakers with 15" Woofers) to entertain the entire block if necessary.  My current setup is an Onkyo receiver (70 watts x 5 channels + powered subwoofer) and it is plenty for a good sized living room.  Lots of sound, clarity etc.  Can't really complain about it at all.

JM

[ZLTFUL]

Depending on your budget, Sonos Play3 or Play5. Both offer very good sound from small packages and are controllable via smart phone/tablet and can stream from any number of internet sources and your own music library.

[cokey]

I've always liked sound systems but never dived into the tech much.  What's it mean again when it's 4 or 5 channel?

[kopfjäger]

I've always liked sound systems but never dived into the tech much.  What's it mean again when it's 4 or 5 channel?

Each speaker can be indivualy wired. In a car front and back with 4 channel. The 5 channel will allow you to wire a subwoofer separately. I'm sure there's more to it.

[DarkMonster620]

LMT, all of the stereos here alone are under $500 . . You can get a wide stage by separating the speakers as much as you can and it will fill your apartment like a much larger system and to any of these systems you can add the Polk Audio Sub and have that extra thump !!!

I have one of this, http://www.onkyousa.com/Products/model.php?m=CS-345&class=Audiosys&source=prodClass and  http://www.polkaudio.com/psw10/d/1007  barely above $500 and I do make a lot of noise . ..

or you could go this way, I also considered it, http://usa.yamaha.com/products/audio-visual/hifi-systems/

Also, http://usa.denon.com/us/product/compactsystems/allinonesystems/dm40 or http://usa.denon.com/us/product/compactsystems/allinonesystems/microcomponentsystem

[MendoDave]

Kopf had a real good suggestion.

I have FHE with this. They cost about $500, have real good sound for the size, and Bose will let you make payments on it for 6 months. Yes even you. I have one with a bluetooth adapter which was extra, but now I think those are built in to the unit.

This one is $349 and has the Bluetooth, but lacks a CD slot. there are several models to choose from.
Stop by 600 Pine Street and listen to some of them.

https://www.bose.com/products/speakers/cd_radio/wave-radio-iii-with-bluetooth-music-adapter.html

[LMT]

Good ideas! I am going to listen to a couple of systems this weekend. 

[LMT]

No one had the units I wanted to hear    I did pick up a pair of Bose computer speakers for $50! Used, but like new. Stop gab till I find something else.

[the_Journeyman]

No one had the units I wanted to hear  \

What brands were you wanting to hear?  Maybe people can give some input.  I also sold home electronics for a couple years for a major retailer.  I'll add my input as to what is overpriced versus what is reasonable. 

JM

[MotoPsycho]

We use an old iphone at work to stream pandora 24/7 in our control room/lab though a set of these:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrkGvfIq6Io

Best bang for the buck I saw while shopping and they sound incredible. I listen to a lot of death metal that really needs a little EQ and performance is not lacking with those guys. Had them for about 6 months and I'm ready to get some for my house.