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9.3 How should I go about selecting a system?




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This article is from the rec.audio.* FAQ, by with numerous contributions by Bob Neidorff others.

9.3 How should I go about selecting a system?

If you're looking to buy something, the first step is to figure
out what you can spend. If you're looking for a whole system,
this gets tricky, because you have to allocate amounts for the
different components. The most popular current rule-of-thumb
for a single source system (speakers, amp, 1 something-player)
is to divide the money about equally among the three parts. If
you want several players, you'll have to decide whether they are
all equally important, and so deserve the same amount of money;
or whether some are less important, in which case you can spend
less on them and put the savings elsewhere.

This rule isn't hard-and-fast. It's just meant as a starting
point so you don't have to listen to every possible combination
of equipment. If you are building around a CD player, you might
spend a bit less on the player and a bit more on the speakers.
If you are buying turntable (or something else which plays by
physical contact) on the other hand, it might be good idea to
put a bit extra into the player. The reason for this is that if
you skimp on the turntable, then when you come to buy a better
one you may find that your records have been worn out by the
cheap player. If you skimp on the speakers, on the other hand,
then when you can afford better speakers the music will still be
there on your records.

Another perspective says that you should spend the most you
can on your source, as the sound can never be better than
what you get off of the record/CD.

See also 12.1, 12.2, and 10.1 for information on what to listen
to and what to listen for when evaluating speakers, turntables,
CD players, tape recorders, and systems in general.

 

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