Stereo system advise needed

[dustmaker]

I want to put a stereo system in the kitchen for my wife.

Her needs are simple. Just something simple to operate, with a small footprint. I had a nice Pioneer SX-750 but she thinks it "clunky" and "old technology"

This isn't one worth arguing over, so I'm looking for something to fit the bill.

This is what I need:
Amplifier to drive up to two pairs of stereo speakers but small footprint.
RCA inputs so that I can hook up a slim server
Wattage isn't an issue in that the total square footage of the room is under 300 Sq Ft.
CD Player

She just doesn't like the amount of shelf space a receiver takes up. Most receivers are horizontal in design. Are there any with a vertical design? A nice receiver that I can set on it's side may work. Any suggestions?

Any suggestions??

[vinyldavid]

You know, the Sony TA-1055 integrated is old and kinda clunky, but I lke the look of it. Here's a pic: (from AK search, actually) http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/3491/im0010679py.jpg


I like the sound, it's small form-factor, and my school had it running on it's side until they were going to throw it away and I nabbed it. I got a Sony CDP-190 at Goodwill recently for $12. Works perfectly. That's what I'd use.

[Tmac83]

How much are you looking to spend?

[RichPA]

Some of the "mini-systems" out there are actually quite decent. We got my mother-in-law a TEAC REF130, which looks quite nice, has a very small footprint, and sounds very, very good for the price.

[Tmac83]

Some of the "mini-systems" out there are actually quite decent. We got my mother-in-law a TEAC REF130, which looks quite nice, has a very small footprint, and sounds very, very good for the price.

I was going to suggest a Tivoli system such as this:

http://www.tivoliaudio.com/product.php?productid=160&cat=267&page=1

but I didn't know how much you wanted to spend

[Eric Clark]

For all this system does it is rather small.

http://www.linn.co.uk/music_systems_classik_music#

http://www.linn.co.uk/images/library/328ba106-.jpg

[RWFE]

Bose Wave Radio? I think they have a cd player.

[Squidward]

I have one of these in my kitchen:

http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=MC35TECH&class=Audiosys&p=i

I don't use the speakers it came with, tho they are all right. I drive a/d/s/ in-wall speakers in my kitchen with it. It sounds fine. Not up to the "big rig" in the other room, but very nice for what it is.

[soundmotor]

I want to put a stereo system in the kitchen for my wife. Her needs are simple. Just something simple to operate, with a small footprint. Any suggestions??

Yes, a single-box unit w/ CD player such as a table radio from Boston, Cambridge Soundworks, Sony, Tivoli, scores of others. You could also look for one with an iPod dock. To step up even further into program options, get a Roku or Slim Devices internet/wifi-network radio. They are very easy to use and the Roku has an FM tuner as well probably the Slim Devices too. If your wife is like mine, she wants easy access to material and it is NOT about the equipment at all.

[Oerets]

Dustmaker, You might also want one with a remote control.
If your going to place onto it's side , remember cooling... air to the unit if your putting in cupboard around food containers... placement of wires also..

Barney

[Alaric]

Most big box stores carry a few different flavors of under-cabinet mounted radios , some w/CDPs. Generally sound like poo , but the WAF is off the chart in many cases!

[dustmaker]

How much are you looking to spend?


I'm open on the cost. I want decent sound even if my wife doesn't really care.

[dustmaker]

I was going to suggest a Tivoli system such as this:

http://www.tivoliaudio.com/product.php?productid=160&cat=267&page=1

but I didn't know how much you wanted to spend

I don't know anything about this system, but thanks for the tip. I'll do some research. Can I hook up other speakers with it? I have a pair of Paradigm Titans that I was planning on using with it, or even in wall or in ceiling speakers.

[dustmaker]

I have one of these in my kitchen:

http://www.us.onkyo.com/model.cfm?m=MC35TECH&class=Audiosys&p=i

I don't use the speakers it came with, tho they are all right. I drive a/d/s/ in-wall speakers in my kitchen with it. It sounds fine. Not up to the "big rig" in the other room, but very nice for what it is.

This may work also. I have an Onkyo receiver as part of my home entertainment system and I'm reasonably happy with it. I'll do some research on this also. Thank you.

[dustmaker]

Yes, a single-box unit w/ CD player such as a table radio from Boston, Cambridge Soundworks, Sony, Tivoli, scores of others. You could also look for one with an iPod dock. To step up even further into program options, get a Roku or Slim Devices internet/wifi-network radio. They are very easy to use and the Roku has an FM tuner as well probably the Slim Devices too. If your wife is like mine, she wants easy access to material and it is NOT about the equipment at all.

Thank you. I've received some good leads here. You nailed it exactly. My wife wants easy access, reasonable sound, but something newer. Personally, I like the equipment from the 70s in that is is much easier to use than a lot of new equipment, but my wife wants new. Some of the options presented here will work.

[dustmaker]

Bose Wave Radio? I think they have a cd player.

I've considered the Bose, but there seems to be a lot of disagreement on the quality and value. Does the Bose allow external speakers? If I do ceiling speakers, this I'll need some speaker terminals on the back.

[dustmaker]

Most big box stores carry a few different flavors of under-cabinet mounted radios , some w/CDPs. Generally sound like poo , but the WAF is off the chart in many cases!

I'm trying to replace a Sony undercabinate radio. It does sound pretty bad and surprisingly, even the Wife wants something better.

[dustmaker]

Dustmaker, You might also want one with a remote control.
If your going to place onto it's side , remember cooling... air to the unit if your putting in cupboard around food containers... placement of wires also..

Barney

Thanks. A remote isn't necessary in that the unit will be placed where there is easy access to it. I'm afraid a remote would be another thing to move around on the counter. I've considered the cooling needs, which is why I'm looking for advice here. Most of my receivers are large and cool efficiently only when they are horizontal. I'm afraid I would cook them if placed sideways.

[dustmaker]

For all this system does it is rather small.

http://www.linn.co.uk/music_systems_classik_music#



I'm not familiar at all with Linn. But it does look sleek and I'm sure the wife would like it.

I'll do some research on it. Thanks.

[RaymondLeggs]

EDIT: Let's keep the ebay listing in the Dollars and Sense forum!

:D

[ccheath]

Get a Bose Waveradio with CD player. That's something I tried talking my mother out of. ;)

[specialidiot]

I a NAD in my kitchen. Some think they are industrial looking but I like it. The one I have is nice and slim and sits on top of the microwave quite nicely, and is only about 3" tall. The 7220PE isn't exactly vintage though. You could go with the 7020.

[automojo]

Get a Bose Waveradio with CD player. That's something I tried talking my mother out of. ;)

No highs/no lows-must be Bose. Seriously, Onkyo, Phillips,even Sony will offer more bang for the buck. It all depends on yout $ limit. I would set a budget first, then go looking.

[Gibsonian]

For the cost of a Bose clock radio ( I think they're $500 -$1500 depending on which overpriced unit you decide to purchase) you can get a very good sounding, high quality stereo system. Surely something of a higher value/higher quality would interest the wife - you'll get alot more for your money if you can steer clear of the Dr's latest/greatest big money maker. There's less than $75 worth of electronics/speakers in one of those clock radios and a whole lot of markup as a bonus.

[cableguy]

You know, the Sony TA-1055 integrated is old and kinda clunky, but I lke the look of it. Here's a pic: (from AK search, actually) http://img234.imageshack.us/img234/3491/im0010679py.jpg


I like the sound, it's small form-factor, and my school had it running on it's side until they were going to throw it away and I nabbed it. I got a Sony CDP-190 at Goodwill recently for $12. Works perfectly. That's what I'd use.

Shit man...I had forgot about that little amp....she was a good runner.




Bill