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Where do i go from here?

S

sesteele

New Member
Hey i just started trying to put together a system.
i have the following:
a yamaha mx-800u amp
a yamaha cx-800u preamp
a sony C8ESD 5 disc changer
a mirage Omni CC center
2 infinity entra 3 tower speakers

i pretty much happened upon all of these components and the whole set up cost me about 100 bucks
my question is where do i go from here? i'm just starting to get into audio and i'm confused as to what my next step should be. Whats the weak link here? should i get a sub? can i even use a sub with my setup? do i need more speakers? do i need new speakers?

...help
Scott
 
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If your only audio source is CDs then you're already pretty well equipped: the speakers might not be the best, but everything else you've listed is at least 'pretty good' and even the speakers should do for the time being. Just hook everything up - do you have cables? - and enjoy.

If you want to listen to vinyl you'll need a turntable, and if you want to listen to radio you'll need a tuner. Both of these items plug into the preamp but you can start with the stuff you have now and add the rest later.

And welcome to AK, by the way. :thmbsp:
 
hook it all up and enjoy it!! Find out what you like and don't like about the sound of the speakers then ask for advice on what type of speaker sounds more to your liking...

So you know, the Yamaha pair are worth close to $600 if in real nice shape!
 
Hey thanks for the replys

i found myself a tuner and i also got a y plug so i can plug into my ipod and computer i've got it all set up now and it sounds great

thanks again for the input
scott
 
you have a complete system so now u can take your time and start to fine tune it. I am of the belief that the most drastic and immediate change you can make to your system is speakers. If I were where u are, I would start there.
I would always be keeping an eye out for good deals on other gear, but maybe start by upgrading the speakers first.
Then check out what you have and go from there.....who knows, you could add some speakers and decide you are happy with the sound and be done with it......don't count on it tho :)
 
$100!!!!!!! What a score! Before you consider upgrades, be aware that you will usually pay a lot more for a lot less.
 
I was not familiar with any of those components so I had to look them up. The Center channel speaker seems a little out of place as everything else in the system seems to be oriented toward music. I would agree with others. Enjoy for now and develop your ear and see what you lack and go after it.

There are lots of ways you can go depending on your musical preferences and personal bent. Larger high efficiency speakers could appeal to you if you like dynamic realism for example. If you like a big open sound stage you may end up with some open baffle speakers. You could end up going analog or digital or both. You may end up Tubes or SS or a combination. Imagination is the only limitation in this hobby (well except for funds). You may decide you want the satisfaction of DIY...

mike
 
I just found a pair of eosone rsf 1000's for 250 dollars that i think i'm going to buy to replace the infinitys. This would probably be my last purchase for a while as i'm going broke...

Has anybody listened to these speakers before? I've read a little bit about them and they seem like they would be a good addition to my setup.

any thoughts?
 
Dunno about those speakers...

But, I thought the same as mashaffer, the center channel is out of place in that lineup of gear. Are/were your plans to get into surround sound?
 
Welcome to AK, sit back and enjoy your stereo for the time being. Since you state you are "going broke", stick the $250 in the bank and build up some savings before you buy some more equipment. I know, not as much fun but sensible.
Prices for used gear are falling and will continue to as the recession deepens. A better pair of speakers will fall into your lap for a great price if you are patient. Listen to other people's stereos to determine the type of speaker and sound you desire, depending on your musical taste. The forums here are filled with opinionated folks, who happen to be well informed on the subject at hand. Check the speaker forum as well as the ones dedicated to single brands to broaden your perspective. Good luck.
 
I just found a pair of eosone rsf 1000's for 250 dollars that i think i'm going to buy to replace the infinitys. This would probably be my last purchase for a while as i'm going broke...
Click to expand...

And so it starts. You have the disease. Have fun and enjoy.
 
Loose the center channel (put in storage) as it probably detracts from the stereo image. Get some nice headphones (cans) and listen to your music through them and then through the speakers. It's a different sonic environment, but listen carefully for details like drum hits, string plucks, snares, etc. Once you have trained your ears/brain on the details, you'll be ready to look for speakers that will get close to the resolution of the cans. If you like the dynamics of you cans (bass, mids, treble) you can always take them along to compare to what you are considering buying. The search for best speakers is the hardest part of this equation. It's also the part that is the most related to personal taste.
 
All Yamaha your gear is 2 channel. Center channel is useless in this setup.
Get a decent turntable and start looking for better speakers.
And by the way: why did you need a Y-connector??? There are plenty of inputs available in your preamp!
 
gladiator335 said:
And by the way: why did you need a Y-connector??? There are plenty of inputs available in your preamp!
Click to expand...

Y connector = miniature plug to two RCA plugs for ipod or computer headphone jack.

Sesteele, welcome to AK.

If you use your computer for a main media source, consider a good sound card. If you use a laptop, there are some decent USB devices for as little as $30 that will give you better sound than the headphone jack. However, your reliance on the computer will likely diminish if you get into vinyl, but your reliance on thrift stores and Craigslist, and ebay etc. will skyrocket. Enjoy!

Regards,

D-Ray
 
Yeah, speakers are the hard part, but those particular speakers mentioned did seem to have some fairly favorable comments when I did a quick search.

The original retail price was quite a bit more than $250, but, again, I've never heard them.
 
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