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Affordable Two Channel Audio

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Despite the waves SACD and DVD-A made a few years ago, it never really gained mainstream adoption like the conventional redbook CD. Outside of a small group of audiophiles, very few people listen to multi-channel music, and the slim offerings make it even more evident. Nevertheless, people still listen to music the old fashioned way, in stereo.

For many, listening to music is done passively. It’s something they do on their daily commute with an ipod, or as background music. For others, listening to music is an active endeavor. They want to sit down and actively listen to the music. High resolution and lossless audio like FLAC no doubt renewed the interest in actively listening to music. With more detailed music, you are almost left with no choice other than to sit down and listen.

The problem is that many people feel that getting a quality two channel rig is expensive. No doubt about it, it can be. However, the definition of an audiophile is someone who loves music, not someone with the deepest pockets. You can still enjoy quality stereo playback without spending a fortune.

First you need speakers. If you want to assemble a quality two channel rig, then I would recommend tower speakers over monitor or bookshelves. Bookshelves will struggle on lower frequencies and bass response. Now, it’s not an issue across the board with monitor or bookshelf speakers, but we are going for affordable and bang for the buck here. Monitor and bookshelf speakers that have great lower frequency response also have the high price figures to match. Like the superb sounding, but astronomically priced Sonus Faber Guarneri Memento.

Polk AM6202

The Polk Audio AM6202-A TSI 400 is a great bang for the buck speaker that should be more than enough for those on a limited budget.

Next you need a receiver. Generally speaking, most audiophiles prefer to have a separate pre-amplifier and amplifier than just a receiver because they offer more flexibility, but we are looking to build something affordable, so in this application, a stereo receiver will suffice.

Harman Kardon 3490

I really like the Harman Kardon HK 3490 Stereo Receiver. Apart from the fact that it has an ample 120 Watts per channel, it also has a phono input so you should be able to add a turntable if you desire. Many modern receivers have completely abandoned phono inputs. Any product with a phono input is always a plus.

Denon DCM290

Finally you need your source components like a CD player and a turntable if you want to include vinyl playback. A CD player like the Denon DCM290 5-Disc CD Changer Player would be a great addition on a budget.

Music Hall 2.2

The Music Hall MMF2.2 turntable is an excellent entry-level turntable that is sure to provide hours of satisfaction.

There you have it. An entry level two channel system that will not break the bank. You don’t need to spend an exorbitant amount to enjoy high quality sound.

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Published by on July 16th, 2008 and listed in Home Entertainment.

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  • Michael Ely

    You write of an affordable system that will not break the bank, and provide no price information.

  • http://123 Captain Obvious

    How about clicking the links of the products to see the prices?

  • http://n/a Don Eylat

    both Mixhael and Captain obvious are right: what is “affordable” to a zealot can and often isincredibly ruinous to an audiophile of modest financial needs.It reminds me if the coffee zalot who disparaged another for chhossin a $400 grinder that had been tested the equal of the $6600+ kig of th gill; grinder because said he if you set a cost reatraint you’ll rue itlater and you wasted the initial investment money, he then proceeded to state that he had chose a $1000 artisan produced machine that he improved(at cst of $600 more..)to absolute state of the art.I’m certain that neither Bill Gates, David rockeffeller and certainly not warren Buffet woud rush to buy a $1600 coffee grinder or home use although it would only be pocket change to any of this select group of super billionairesMycontention is tht cost is alwaysusually not by choice) th primary consideration uless one is a zealot whose ideology transcends logic and good sense.I too would love to listen to my music via a pair of 7 foot tall Infinities modified by Sam Levinson in a living room the siz of a small auditorium (in a ouse worthy of such auditory munificence…)But I have no desire to expend a fortune of what will also be second best to the live performance of the atistLike the ultra wealthy rulers of Europe,Id want to host Ivan Moravec when I wanted to listen to Chopin, Alicia de larocha for Mozart’s piano works, etc… butI’ll have to continue listening via my old KLH spekerrs powered by a kit-buit Dynaco power amp, fed by once Sota Apt/Holman preamp,O well, next time I get born,I want Ingvar Kamprad* to be my godfther….*owner of Ikea and world’s wealtiest man

  • Lauren House

    Long overdue- great recommendations! Providing info to access quality audio reproductoion is sereiously needed.

    The unlimited budget folks may sniff at the thought of systems under $250K however the vast majority of folks want to be able to enjoy music without having to sell the farm!

  • http://www.jr.com Atane

    Lauren, it’s all about the music, not the depth of the pocket. I’ve seen modest set-ups outshine really high end set-ups due to paying attention to details, room treatments and proper speaker positioning. I keep scratching my head when I see people post pictures on Audiogon of set-ups that no doubt cost upwards of half a million dollars in a room with hardwood floors, no room treatments, speakers close to the wall and hard surfaces all around. Surely, with pockets that deep, they can afford to treat their room or at the very least toss a couple of area rugs to deal with harshness and reflections.

    It’s fairly evident who the people are that take listening to music seriously and those that buy expensive gear because it’s expensive. Kind of like people who only have to wear designer clothing not because it’s better quality, but because it is designer clothing.

  • http://web.me.com/nicholsloy/ sloy nichols

    I actually have purchased the harmon kardon receiver to pair with the polk audio TSi's and find them aesthetic on all grounds. the turntable
    interests me, but i cannot find reviews from those who own it or from independent review sources. Can anyone tell me more about the
    The Music Hall MMF2.2 turntable?

  • Atane

    What would you like to know about the mmf 2.2? I know quite a bit about it. One of my first TT's was a Musichall, but an mmf 5.1. So the mmf line is familiar territory for me.

  • Trægulv

    that is so awesome.

  • Abby

    The HK 3490 offers very good audio performance, especially in the mid to high frequencies. Its sound is very detailed and open with excellent vocal qualities.

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    The problem is that many people feel that getting a quality two channel rig is expensive.

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