Help! I have no idea!

[admin_exported]

Hi,

 I am looking some advice on what is better: hifi systems or separate cd players / amp / speakers?

 I want to buy my boyfriend a new music system for his birthday but have no idea where to start! I want to spend between £150 - £250, would anyone be able to recommend anything? 

 I would be very very grateful! 

Thanks, Dee  

 

[Anonymous]

In general you will get a better quality of sound from hi-fi seperates. Micro systems are more compact but the sound quality probably won't be as good. I think the Onkyo and Denon micro systems are well regarded.

Superfi do some deals on seperates: http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/category.cfm/Category/253 which might be worth a look. I've personally got NAD seperates and I think they're good value if you're on a budget.

With an all-in-one micro system such as the Onkyo you get built in DAB radio as well.

I'm sure someone will be along soon with some bargains to get you inside your budget!

 

[Ravey Gravey Davy]

Just make sure you 2 are not actually partners on separate pcs- otherwise the surprise is gone.

 

[Gerrardasnails]

Stereolad:
In general you will get a better quality of sound from hi-fi seperates. Micro systems are more compact but the sound quality probably won't be as good. I think the Onkyo and Denon micro systems are well regarded.

Superfi do some deals on seperates: http://www.superfi.co.uk/index.cfm/page/category.cfm/Category/253 which might be worth a look. I've personally got NAD seperates and I think they're good value if you're on a budget.

That is a good system but way over your budget. I would suggest ebay for some older second hand Arcam amps and cd players and then some speakers like these Tannoys http://www.richersounds.com/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=TANN-CUSTOM-F1

The advantage with separates is that you can upgrade gradually, piece by piece. Here is an example of what you can get for your money. You might be able to get the Tannoy speakers with a decent amp and cd player from Arcam for around £250.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Arcam-Alpha-7-CD-Player-EXCELLENT_W0QQitemZ110288545954QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item110288545954&_trkparms=72%3A1089%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Arcam-Alpha-7SE-CD-Player_W0QQitemZ110286456927QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item110286456927&_trkparms=72%3A1089%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Arcam-Alpha-8-Integrated-Amplifier-Amp_W0QQitemZ150293170615QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item150293170615&_trkparms=72%3A1089%7C39%3A1%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 

[Anonymous]

Does he have an iPod? If so, I recommend:

http://www.richersounds.com/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=CAMB-AZUR340A-BLK

http://www.richersounds.com/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=ELTA-MONITOR3BCH

http://www.richersounds.com/showproduct.php?cda=showproduct&pid=CAMB-ID10-IPOD-DOCK

Which, with some basic interconnects and speaker cable, will bring you to £250 and sound very respectable.

 

[Anonymous]

I would highly recommend the the Onkyo CS325. I got it for my last birthday and it has fantastic sound quality for the price. along with a pair of Soundstyle Z2

Review for the Onkyo. Review for the Z2's. what hi fi also likes them a lot

 

[Anonymous]

Yes i agree about the onkyo, we have a onkyo in the dining room and its sounds fantastic... truly a wonderful sound.

 

[John Duncan]

The Yamaha CRX170 (sp?) is on special at Richer Sounds for about £140 or less at the moment, which would allow a pair of Tannoy F1s within budget. That's very good fun.