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RE: Any mid-fi products below average in quality?...

There is a wide range of quality affordable equipment available today. Cambridge Audio, Parasound, Emotiva and others make an array of affordable electronics that offer fine value in or near the $400-600 price range. An audio/video receiver is a viable option for those considering home theater or desiring video switching capability. Marantz is a favorite of mine and offers a number of compact (e.g NR-1405) and full size (e.g. SR-5009) models with good performance and build quality. Onkyo stereo and A/V receivers offer good amplification and also merit consideration. The only solid recommendation for a BluRay player is the Oppo BDP-103. It is an excellent choice with a wide array of useful features. At $500, it really has no competition and is worth every cent.

My strongest recommendation for the casual listener is to purchase the best loudspeakers possible within the budget constraints and then choose appropriate amplification. The most cost effective full-range loudspeaker system is often a satellite/subwoofer combination. Relieving the amplifier of the low bass stretches the power available and improves performance in variety of ways. A good example is the Hsu Research "Value 2" system consisting of two HB-1 Mk. II satellites and a single STF-2 subwoofer. Matched with a modest stereo receiver (e.g Onkyo TX-8020) and appropriate speaker stands, it will run about $800 and can handily outperform many far more expensive stereo systems.

Consider offering advice regarding loudspeaker placement and room acoustics, if possible. This can make or break sound quality and is almost universally overlooked by beginners and is usually far more helpful than simply suggesting a list of equipment.


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  Kimber Kable  


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