Butt ugly mini systems

[rs159]

Just an observation - most mini systems under $400 or so are butt ugly. They look like they were designed by ricers who want to take that "500 stickers, neon everywhere, and fake 2nd exhaust pipe" look into their homes. Is this supposed to be cool or something?

Excellent example:
http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/hires/jvc/PC.JVC.HXZ1.RT.JPG

[gidrah]

Yep! I think they went for the "Wow, that's cool" looking crowd and got carried away.

[rs159]

Actual review for the system pictured above:

"Coolest Looking Sound System Ever

The retro look of this little monster easily beats any other sound system out there - I was originally only planning to spend 100-150 dollars on a system, but after seeing this one I was sold. It doesn't have any fancy bells or whistles, but its verticallook is distincitively cool-looking - its almost identical to a vertical tower PC, but with a much flashier front. The sound quality is not amazing - at low volume you can barely hear the subwoofer. And it has some trouble driving my two 100 watt speakers (It has only somehting like 35 wattsx2 for the actual speakers, with over 100 watts for each subwoofer) but overall the system looks great on the ol' desk and, when cranked up, could easily be the center of a discotec -at high volumes the sound goes through walls like they were made of paper, and the subwoofer was rattling kitchen glass across the hall. Good times :)"

[Jstas]

If you get the higher end model of that one pictured, low end response at low listening levels goes up. Out of all of them though, Kenwood has the least flashiest and probably best performing etup but that is slowly becoming less true. They are going one of two ways: art-deco or ricer-gaudy. No nice, in-between deal. They are pretty good for a dorm room or an office or a bedroom system though.

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

you think thats bad...look at it in real life, it dosnt look all that bad -- its just real slinder. Looks like its on a subway diet and the man is 6 feet tall.

[rs159]

Originally posted by Jstas
They are going one of two ways: art-deco or ricer-gaudy. No nice, in-between deal. They are pretty good for a dorm room or an office or a bedroom system though.

Take THAT!
http://www.circuitcity.com/IMAGE/product/hires/onk/EC.ONK.MC35TECH.CN.JPG

'Course 300 dollars I think is the absolute limit that I would spend for an all in one deal. Anything above and you could do better with seperates I think.

[Jstas]

Ok that's nice and all, mind telling us what it is?

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

Man...thos JVC's...ugly or not. THEY CAN PACK SOME PUNCH! I've heard that 300 dollar model, and I swear to god the shelves shook at volume 8. They have the punch -- but for 400 bucks. You can buy a good 2 channel receiver, some cheap speakers and sub and have alot of upgrade room.....but a nice Shelf System in a garage didnt hurt no one -- except the neighbors.

[rs159]

Originally posted by Jstas
Ok that's nice and all, mind telling us what it is?

Onkyo shelf system w/ 3 disc changer and reciever. $400 at CC. Doesn't really look like a shelf system, probably a good thing.

[rs159]

Originally posted by MxStYlEpOlKmAn
Man...thos JVC's...ugly or not. THEY CAN PACK SOME PUNCH! I've heard that 300 dollar model, and I swear to god the shelves shook at volume 8. They have the punch -- but for 400 bucks. You can buy a good 2 channel receiver, some cheap speakers and sub and have alot of upgrade room.....but a nice Shelf System in a garage didnt hurt no one -- except the neighbors.

When I move the real system to the basement I'll need something better than the tv speakers in the bedroom. I'll probably buy JVC for bang for the buck. I hate the way they look, so I'll try hard to hide it between books or something. All the decent looking systems suck ass, and all the fugly ones are great. Figures...

[meestercleef]

Denon has some minisystems that use Mission bookshelfs. Can't say for sure, but I expect that'd be the way to go if you're wanting minisytem. NAD may still have one with a CD player/receiver single unit & some PSB spkrs. Onkyo used to have one w/Polk spkrs, but not any more.

[Jstas]

Originally posted by rs159


Onkyo shelf system w/ 3 disc changer and reciever. $400 at CC. Doesn't really look like a shelf system, probably a good thing.

Well, in the past 2 years, that has to be the ONLY decent looking system I have seen. Have you listened to it? Does it sound any good? Onkyo makes decent electronics for the price, I imagine that it would be acceptable. I wonder what kind of speaker leads it has and what the impedance range is? If the speakers are junk but the electronics are decent, a pair of Polk RTi38's might go well with it and look a hell of alot better than whats there.


MxStYlEpOlKmAn,
I agree with you that the reciever and speakers would be just as good a deal for 400 bucks but, add a CD player (changer in most cases) dual tape decks, a radio with presets and in some cases CD-R and MD drives and your simple reciever and speakers far exceeds 400 bucks. If you want something for an office or a kid and you aren't being a stickler for anything, these kinds of systems will be adequate. Also, add on top of the electrical features, portability, compactness and ease of use and setup and they pretty much blow away any component based system that you could dream up. If you, by some stretch of the imagination, happen to piece something together for 400 bucks then I'm willing to bet that the little shelf system would actually win the SQ test.

[shack]

Like Meestercleef said, there are several good looking and good sounding Denon Mini systems available like the Denon M-30 and the Denon M-100 with Mission speaker shown below:

http://64.95.118.51/images/opti/ca/6a/513664-elec_lg.jpg


http://64.95.118.51/images/opti/fc/ef/513669-elec_lg.jpg

Plus Meestercleef alsom mentioned the NAD L-40 which is a CD-receiver that is excellent and looks nice. Pick it up and pair it with a nice set of bookshelf speakers and you have an excellent desktop system:

http://www.audio-ideas.com/reviews/receivers/graphics/nad_l-40.jpg

And if you want a really quality desktop stereo system there is the Linn Classik:

http://www.enjoythemusic.com/magazine/equipment/0400/classik.jpg

This also comes in blue, white, silver and green. Theis is a wonderful little system. I heard it mated with a pair of Linn Katan bookshelf speakers and it was sweet. Of course this one will set you back $2,000 or so before speakers.

There are lots of good quality and good looking mini systems out there. You could even go for the retro look with the Tivoli Audio Henry Kloss Model Two Table Radio with CD player. This too sounds and looks nice.


http://www.tivoliaudio.com/images/pradcmbobig.jpg

I know the original thread said the "Under $400" was his criteria. Three of the 5 listed above can be found for under $400 and the other is close with only the Linn significantly higher.

[RuSsMaN]

Nice post shack, I was un-aware that the Kloss/Tivoli rig offered a cd player.

As far as that Denon/Mission systems goes. I have a pair of those little m-50 speakers. If you need a small speaker, beit rears, office rig, whatever, YOU NEED TO HEAR THESE.

I can't stress the FULL SOUND that they produce. The bass is nothing short of AMAZING for a speaker of this size. They truely sound MUCH bigger than they look.

Cheers,
Russ

[meestercleef]

Just to clarify--the NAD is offered not just as a CD/receiver unit, but also as part of an NAD "music system" with 2 small PSB spkrs & some Phoenix Gold spkr cables. I don't know how it compares to others in value per dollar. I don't think PSB makes those particular spkrs anymore, so it may be that it's a soon to be discontinued package.

[shack]

The NAD Music System is still avaliable with the PSB Alpha Mini speakers.

[faster100]

Ok apples to oranges need i say, Lets not compare walmarts mini system equip with the futuristic look, to a Onkyo, denon or nad
it's just not the same nor do the same type people buy these systems, are we putting it in juniors room, or in the all cherry finished fancy Den down stairs, ya know what i mean?? That wasn't geared towards anyone if they happen to have a cherry den or kid with a mini system, :)

[Jstas]

Russ, I am told that the Tivoli has line level inputs and I am told that it will accept any component with compatable inputs. You don't need to get the CD player. I may be wrong but I have a memory of that when I was looking for a system for work. But then I went and got the tube amp kit and built my own amp.

faster100, are you looking for a mini system or a shelf system?

If you want a shelf system for a kid's room, i'd go with the JVC stuff. Kids will like it because it looks cool and it should service thier LOUD needs for years to come without having to replace it. Unless it breaks of course. Also, it is the most powerful thing in its class, on the market. While it may not win any sound quality contests, who needs quality sound when it reaches ear bleeding volume levels?

If you want a mini system for the den, I listened to this one at a local SEARS.

http://pix.crutchfield.com/products/2003/113/l113HM335S-f.jpeg

I can't walk through a department store without visiting the electronics department. Anyway, this Kenwood unit is alot more potent than it seems, has gobs of versatility with the CD-R and CD-RW capabilities. It doesn't read MP3's but with a 180 dollar price tag, grabbing an MP3 player or hooking it up to a line out on a sound card to this system's auxiliary input is fairly inexpensive and a total breeze. It has a remote and even an alarm clock system. There is alot of value there for 180 bucks. The sound isn't quite as powerful as some of the other systems but if you are looking for something cheap but pleasing to the ear and eye, this is probably one of teh best ways to go. It's small so it will easily fit in a book shelf shelf. Also, it looks shiney in this picture but it doesn't have that much glare in reality. I guess the flash was turned up too bright for this picture.

If you want more oomph or a larger more capable system then I suggest taking a harder hit to the pocket book and going with the Denon or Onkyo units posted above. Anything in the 300-450 dollar range is either a moon-unit or from Sony and really not worth the money.

Unless you goto WAL*MART for real. Then you have a selection of AIWA, Panasonic, the JVC stuff, RCA, Emerson and GPX. I think the box most of those come in is worth more than the actual unit. I also hold AIWA in the same regard as BOSE. In other words, don't believe the hype. They sound cool in the store where wide open spaces diffuse heavy bass and extreme highs so you don't realize how unbalanced the system sounds until you get it home.

[shack]

Ok apples to oranges need i say, Lets not compare walmarts mini system equip with the futuristic look, to a Onkyo, denon or nad

That is exactly what we are doing based upon the post that started this tread.


Just an observation - most mini systems under $400 or so are butt ugly. They look like they were designed by ricers who want to take that "500 stickers, neon everywhere, and fake 2nd exhaust pipe" look into their homes. Is this supposed to be cool or something?

What I attempted to do is to show that there are indeed systems in the $400 range that look good. If your point is that young people don't buy nice equipment...look at what is in their cars. I think the sets like the one in rs159's original post may be sold more to the pre-teen market and those that don't have a clue and buy based on the fact that something that "looks" hi-tech...must be. On the flip side I think that the Mfgs are playing to that market. If they think it looks hi-tech they will assume it is high tech even if it sound like $hit. There are several "hi-tech" looking systems that are actually pretty good. Lets use Denon again as an example:

$700 MSRP

http://pix.crutchfield.com/products/2002/033/h033D107-f.jpeg

$300 MSRP

http://pix.crutchfield.com/products/2002/033/h033DA03-f.jpeg

As I understand these are quite good and have a nice modern look without being FAKE hi-tech.

[shack]

Anything in the 300-450 dollar range is either a moon-unit or from Sony and really not worth the money.

Every Denon system except one can be had in that price range.

Here is one from Yamaha

http://64.95.118.51/images/opti/2a/0c/617329-elec_lg.jpg

From Onkyo (same system rs159 posted)

http://im1.onecall.com/Image%5fProducts%2fonkyo%2fmc35tech%2ejpg

There are several very nice systems in the sub $500 range. I know this because I've been looking for something for my daughter for when she goes to college next year.

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

Id take a JVC neday really - Those drivers can play loud, and still sound good -- only thing I dont like about them is the tweeters, they need alot of distance from one another or their really harsh

[rs159]

Originally posted by shack


I think the sets like the one in rs159's original post may be sold more to the pre-teen market and those that don't have a clue and buy based on the fact that something that "looks" hi-tech...must be.

You sir, are correct. Seems like uneducated folk will buy whatever has "da big bass" and all kinds of flashy lights and things that are easy to break. Perfect example here - people that don't know what a port does don't know that many speakers have them, so JVC decided to appeal to the uneducated market by putting the ports on the OUTSIDE, and then saying that they are revolutionary and give the system "super duper ultra mega bass" or something like that.

http://store6.yimg.com/I/letsgodigital_1726_372109217

[rs159]

All this is so confusing, why not just buy one of these? Big speaker sound from a small enclosure! You have to buy the separate pedistal to connect extra components, but it's only an extra $150. :D
http://www.bose.com/home_audio/wave_systems/awms/images/pi_awms.jpg

(Being sarcastic here if you can't tell)

[Jstas]

Originally posted by shack


Every Denon system except one can be had in that price range.

Here is one from Yamaha
From Onkyo (same system rs159 posted)]

There are several very nice systems in the sub $500 range. I know this because I've been looking for something for my daughter for when she goes to college next year.

Sub 500$ range is not his specified range though. It's sub 400$ and of all the Denon systems I have seen, only 1 fits that category. The Onkyo and Yamaha ones are on the very teetering edge of his price range. I suppose they are acceptable candidates but they aren't the sparkling bargains you are making them out to be. They offer a large amount of functionality for a fairly large price.

I'm not trying to take a slam at anyone. He just said sub $400 range and all but 2 of the items you mentioned don't fit that criteria.

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

HAHAHAHHAHAHA! THose ports are cool, if ur wearing a hat -- and turn it up it'll fly off. Its cool. Those ports go straight to the sub so it moves so major air. LOL! Personally I didnt like those lights......I was seriously thinking about ripping the buttons off and taking the lights away

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

Awesome System -- some KLH 3-way bookshelf speakers, a cheap receiver, a cheap cd player....
bang for the buck there

[rs159]

Whoa... this kinda grew to a size a didn't expect it to so I guess I should lay down some hard and fast rules for what I want.

1) Under ~300-400 dollars
2) Not ugly (duh)
3) Powerful sound. Must extend to ~50hz or lower, and can't skimp on maximum volume
4) Clarity. Can't be muddy, but can't be bright. I like a slightly warm but not muffled sound.
5) CDR/RW support.
6) Can't be HUGE. Seperate components in the same system are acceptable, as long as they aren't as big as a sony megachanger
7) Good remote. Should be able to control EVERYTHING on the system from the remote. Doesn't have to be universal, just not your typical ho-hum little remote that only controls the CD player.
8) Expandability. If I don't like the speakers I should be able to change them and being able to hook up a sub wouldn't hurt. Need inputs for TV/VCR.
9) MP3 support. I could burn off 50 CDs, but that's a pain in the ass.
10) Dependability. Can't break in 3 years.
11) Easy to get. Can't be some rare product you can only find as used and you have to really look for it.

What I don't care about:
1) Infinity+1 capacity disc changer. Actually, I prefer one for reliability.
2) (Multiple) Tape deck(s). Who cares? That's why I have a CD burner.
3) Headphone jack quality. Who cares?
4) FM reception. There's what? 2 "cultured" radio stations where I live. I don't need something that can pick up signals from outer space or anything.

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

Check out the Philips line.....seriously......

Go to walmart.com and check em out - they sound relatively clean, and have tight bass for the $$ and hit $250

[Jstas]

Well, try some of these.

This is a Sanyo unit. I know, Sanyo, it's like the cheap Sony ripoff. I actually have an old Sanyo boom box. I've had it for about 13-14 years now and everything still works. It's been on camping trips and to the races too. Pretty reliable and dirt cheap. This Sanyo system sounded pretty nice in WAL*MART and I believe that it would perform well in a small bedroom. I couldn't pull it off the shelf and see but if it is like any other Sanyo product I have seen, it has quick clips for the speakers. It'll accept any speakers you want to throw on there.

It's a Sanyo AWM-2700
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/08/64/83/04/0008648304320_215X215.jpg

Here are the Phillips systems Mx was talking about:

Phillips FWC555-37
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/03/78/49/91/0003784991867_215X215.jpg

Phillips FWR33-37
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/03/78/49/90/0003784990931_215X215.jpg


This Panasonic one looks the same but has 3 different trim levels:

Panasonic SC-AK110
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/03/79/88/40/0003798840658_215X215.jpg

You can check out these systems here: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product_listing.gsp?cat=4479&path=0%3A3944%3A3987%3A96890%3A4479

Also, they have mini-systems that you can see here: http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product_listing.gsp?cat=96891&path=0%3A3944%3A3987%3A96890%3A96891

But nothing real thrilling in that respect.

That is about the bottom of the barrel. The Phillips stuff is ok. I can personally vouch for the durability of the Sanyo stuff and the Panasonic is about the same level as Sony only cheaper. There is stuff a bit lower that you can find at Kmart but I seriously would not waste your time if I were you.

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

no....thats not it -- its the 250 unit -- it has 2 subs, a tweeter, a super tweeter, and a woofer

here ya go, walmart dont carry it nemore i guess.....

http://www.consumer.philips.com/global/b2c/ce/catalog/product.jhtml;jsessionid=UCYUZNVWO1GXKCRQNE2RX1YKG BUCWHAW?divId=0&groupId=AUDIO_GR&catId=HOME_AUDIO_CA&subCatId=MINI_SYSTEMS_SU&productId=FW-C788_17

[shack]

Here are the prices of all of the units I posted from a quick scan. Better prices may be available.

Tivoli Audio Henry Kloss Model Two Table Radio w/CD - $359
Denon D-M30 - $295
DenonD-M50 - $385
Denon D-M100 - $550
Denon D-107 - $485
Denon D-A03 - $215
Yamaha MCR E150 - $399
Onkyo MC35-Tech - $399


I was not referring to rs159's post but your comment that I quoted:

Anything in the 300-450 dollar range is either a moon-unit or from Sony and really not worth the money
That is of course is subjective and we obviously disagree. None the less all but 2 meet his criteria and the other 2 aren't far off (Especially the Denon D-107 which includes a subwoofer).
Since you don't like people putting words in your mouth please don't do so to me:

they aren't the sparkling bargains you are making them out to be.
I never said they were "sparkling bargains" or bargains at all...just that they were good looking units (as opposed to butt ugly) from good companies that were in the general price range.

[Jstas]

Target has some fancier stuff here: http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=sc_bb_br/602-9574686-3907820?node=1042098

They carry some Sharp stuff which has gotten better in the past few years. Worth looking at.

They have this Kenwood unit:

Kenwood XD-A75
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005OTFT.16._SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

It's about the same as the JVC units only not as flashy. It's 170 bucks too.

Stay away from Target's Scott and GPX stuff. they are cheap ripoffs of already cheap stuff to begin with. The Audiovox deal isn't so great either. It has a real Mickey Mouse feel to it.

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

heres a pic for the lazy folk

[Jstas]

Originally posted by shack
Here are the prices of all of the units I posted from a quick scan. Better prices may be available.

Tivoli Audio Henry Kloss Model Two Table Radio w/CD - $359
Denon D-M30 - $295
DenonD-M50 - $385
Denon D-M100 - $550
Denon D-107 - $485
Denon D-A03 - $215
Yamaha MCR E150 - $399
Onkyo MC35-Tech - $399


I was not referring to rs159's post but your comment that I quoted:

I never said they were "sparkling bargains" or bargains at all...just that they were good looking units (as opposed to butt ugly) from good companies that were in the general price range.

Where have you seen those prices? I have only seen prices at least 10% higher on all of them.


And no one was putting words in your mouth. I merely made a statement that was contradictory to yours and pointed out that you missed his price range by at least 50 bucks on 75% of your selections. At least from the prices I found.

[rs159]

Originally posted by Jstas


Well, in the past 2 years, that has to be the ONLY decent looking system I have seen. Have you listened to it? Does it sound any good? Onkyo makes decent electronics for the price, I imagine that it would be acceptable. I wonder what kind of speaker leads it has and what the impedance range is? If the speakers are junk but the electronics are decent, a pair of Polk RTi38's might go well with it and look a hell of alot better than whats there.

Actually, that pic doesn't do it justice. Need to be on an angle in better light to make it look right.

C:\ForumPics\Onkyo.bmp

(If the pic doesn't show, I'm working on it)

[Jstas]

Originally posted by MxStYlEpOlKmAn
heres a pic for the lazy folk

AH! The XOOM TOOBZ! Yeah, I think it's actually discontinued. At least that is what the guy at WAL*MART was telling the lady who was asking for it. Maybe WAL*MART just discontinued it? I don't know. The other Phillips units are ok too. I think the appearance leaves something to be desired though.

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

I agree, but for a shelf system that philips system can do some tunes, and do em pretty good -- it has a some tighter bass and a little bit more accurate approach for it. The looks look cheap and plasticy -- I like that......4 piece system, with the Sats -- man I bet that can jam, you can probally find that system else where

[shack]

Every price I quoted was from a reputable e-tailer.


I merely made a statement that was contradictory to yours and pointed out that you missed his price range by at least 50 bucks on 75% of your selections. At least from the prices I found.

Then you were wrong or uninformed.

[rs159]

Originally posted by MxStYlEpOlKmAn
I agree, but for a shelf system that philips system can do some tunes, and do em pretty good -- it has a some tighter bass and a little bit more accurate approach for it.
Wudya know, MX is talking like a real live audiophile!


Originally posted by MxStYlEpOlKmAn
The looks look cheap and plasticy -- I like that......

I take that back.

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

Originally posted by rs159


I take that back.

i dunno if to laugh or argue....lol -- however....u missread my response, I said I like that.......4 piece system.....I dont like the cheap plastic look.....thats why I have polk....and real wood

[rs159]

yesum...

me -->http://www.gamers-forums.com/smilies/contrib/ruinkai/dazeda.gif

[rs159]

Originally posted by MxStYlEpOlKmAn
I agree, but for a shelf system that philips system can do some tunes, and do em pretty good -- it has a some tighter bass and a little bit more accurate approach for it. The looks look cheap and plasticy -- I like that......4 piece system, with the Sats -- man I bet that can jam, you can probally find that system else where


Actually, the way you used the dashes and dots, it looks like you say "cheap plastic look - I like that" and then dots to separate that from "4 piece system, I bet that can jam". But let's not beat a dead horse.

[MxStYlEpOlKmAn]

sorry my current response was misleading, i will try to refrain from doing so :lol:

[Jstas]

Originally posted by shack
Every price I quoted was from a reputable e-tailer.



Then you were wrong or uninformed.

If you are going to insist on being a jerk about this please go and look up the definitions of wrong and uninformed. I am not wrong given the information I have. You have yet to furnish any proof of your prices other than "a reputable e-tailer". However, I will tell you that I found all my prices at One Call or Crutchfield. How that makes me uniformed, I do not understand because clearly I did take the time to inform myself. Just because it was not the same information that you have expounded upon does not make me uninformed. It doesn't even make me misinformed. It just means that I am not privy to the same information as you. Therefore, if you are going to claim that I am uninformed and wrong then you clearly have asumed the burden of not only furnishing proof but also educating the rest of us on where you found your information.

As to how I was wrong, I cannot be considered wrong until you furnish your proof of the prices you have quoted. Why not give the rest of us the same "e-tailer" site that you used so maybe we can look for ourselves and those interested in buying could share the same discounted prices that you have?

Now please, if you are going to get sand in your shorts and try to give snide arguments, at least give us some basis for your statements. Otherwise you are just going to aggravate people. I have done nothing wrong. All I did was say that I didn't believe your prices, offered proof and then brought up the point that you did not answer the question given but rather applied your own criteria and selected products to match your criteria. You have done a disservice to rs159 by not answering his question and totally ignoring his needs. You offered an answer for a question that wasn't asked. Now you are starting an arguement over it when all that was needed was a website where you found teh prices. That's all. That's all I asked for and all anyone else in this thread asked for. You have information that obviously others here don't. The whole point of a forum like this is the free exchange of information.

[shack]

Jstas, I've wasted my last keystroke on you! See ya!

Anyone else, It took me about 10 min. to come up with the prices of the various systems. You're welcome to e-mail me for a specific item but it would probably be quicker to to do a search.

[Jstas]

So you are just going to run home and cry and not share your website with anyone unless they contact you personally? Gee, thanks guy. Thanks for all your help.

[TroyD]

Just doing a Yahoo search I found pretty much the same prices shack did.

Goodness, I didn't realize that there were other retailers online other than One Call or Crutchfield :rolleyes:

BDT

[Jstas]

Why are you going to stick your nose in now? It obvious you don't like me so stay the hell away from me. All I did was say that I did not find the same prices as shack did. I gave my references and I gave One Call and Crutchfield because they were the cheapest prices I found. All I was looking for was a website. I didn't see a need to go searching when it was clear that shack already had the website listed. Instead I was told I was wrong and uninformed. Forgive me for being so bold as to actually think someone else would be interested in helping a guy out.

[TroyD]

Well you know, there is that pesky ol' first ammendment and all that.

Second, I think it's HILARIOUS that you get so fired up over essentially nothing.

Third, I never said I didn't like you, in fact, I have no opinion of you at all. I'm sure that you are a great guy.

Fourth, it took me all of about a minute to do a simple search to find the prices that shack did. If I was interested in those systems and did a little research, well shoot, it wasn't all that difficult. I guess I just don't see what all the fuss is about.

The entertainment value is ASTRONOMICAL though.

If it makes you feel better though, I'll not post anything else in this thread.

BDT

[Jstas]

It doesn't make sense to me. You are the most vocal of everyone when it comes to people getting into arguments in posts. You are always the first one to chime in and tell everyone to settle down and not get too hasty. Yet every single time, you are the antagonist. When something is left alone and nothing else needs to be said, you stick your nose in and start rattling peoples cages. Then you have the audacity to get all flustered and bent out of shape at those involved who respond badly to your olive branch wrapped in thorns.

[TroyD]

Well, my first post, I thought the whole pissing contest was a little absurd, so a little absurdity, I thought, was in order.

My second post, sure, I don't enjoy personal attacks and so forth. I do however enjoy seeing people who are a little oversensitive get p.o'd.

I'll leave you alone though while I still have all my teeth firmly in place.

BDT

[meestercleef]

I read that Sony is going to try to "revitalize" the Aiwa brand this yr. I'm sure that once they do that, we'll stop all this nasty fighting, since we'll all agree that the latest Aiwa minisystem puts the rest to shame.;)

[faster100]

But why can't everyone know the secret "low price site" LOL :) :) :) Sure everyone can do research, But someone already did the leg work so give the effin site already!!!!!!!!!!

hEHE i am only kidding, oh and to an earlier post to me, i am not looking for a mini system, was just making a point... adding to the thread of which everyone always jumps on each other when they don't agree, I love this site and have thickened my skin to accomodate the "DRY" humor sometimes displayed here..

after all its a internet forum, lighten up right.. I have done so myself i must say, I know i am talking out my ass and derailing this dammed thread, :) :( sorry

[rs159]

Can't start a fire without a spark... guess I learned THAT the hard way :rolleyes:

[faster100]

I re-read the first post, no one actually ever wanted prices and comparisons did they, I think it said, why is all mini systems under 400 bucks ugly, Not where do i find a good one at a good price, sheesh and to think you all got in a argument over this...

[Jstas]

Originally posted by faster100
I re-read the first post, no one actually ever wanted prices and comparisons did they, I think it said, why is all mini systems under 400 bucks ugly, Not where do i find a good one at a good price, sheesh and to think you all got in a argument over this...

Didn't rs159 say he was looking for something for his daughter or something?


Oh and Troy, get bent.

[TroyD]

Such hostility......tisk tisk tisk.....

Big Dumb (but VERY intimidated) Troy

[TroyD]

Just an observation - most mini systems under $400 or so are butt ugly. They look like they were designed by ricers who want to take that "500 stickers, neon everywhere, and fake 2nd exhaust pipe" look into their homes. Is this supposed to be cool or something?

There is the original post, just in case you missed it.......

Just seemed to be a general comment about mini systems under 400 bones to me, but what do I know?

Hey, my back hurts from bending over, can I stand up now??

BDT;)

[rs159]

Originally posted by Jstas
Didn't rs159 say he was looking for something for his daughter or something?

Huh? When did I say that? I think I said something like "when I move the real system to the basement I will need something better than the tv speakers in the bedroom."

[Jstas]

Originally posted by rs159
Whoa... this kinda grew to a size a didn't expect it to so I guess I should lay down some hard and fast rules for what I want.

1) Under ~300-400 dollars
2) Not ugly (duh)
3) Powerful sound. Must extend to ~50hz or lower, and can't skimp on maximum volume
4) Clarity. Can't be muddy, but can't be bright. I like a slightly warm but not muffled sound.
5) CDR/RW support.
6) Can't be HUGE. Seperate components in the same system are acceptable, as long as they aren't as big as a sony megachanger
7) Good remote. Should be able to control EVERYTHING on the system from the remote. Doesn't have to be universal, just not your typical ho-hum little remote that only controls the CD player.
8) Expandability. If I don't like the speakers I should be able to change them and being able to hook up a sub wouldn't hurt. Need inputs for TV/VCR.
9) MP3 support. I could burn off 50 CDs, but that's a pain in the ass.
10) Dependability. Can't break in 3 years.
11) Easy to get. Can't be some rare product you can only find as used and you have to really look for it.

What I don't care about:
1) Infinity+1 capacity disc changer. Actually, I prefer one for reliability.
2) (Multiple) Tape deck(s). Who cares? That's why I have a CD burner.
3) Headphone jack quality. Who cares?
4) FM reception. There's what? 2 "cultured" radio stations where I live. I don't need something that can pick up signals from outer space or anything.


What was this about then? Did I miss sarcasm again?

[faster100]

Nope that's what i thought, no mention of wanting a price sheet and contacts for a new mini system