Sub-$500 2-Channel Syste,

[atchudy]

Is it possible, if I would consider used or older gear?

What would you recommend?

[htsteve]

Is it possible, if I would consider used or older gear?

What would you recommend?

atchudy,

What is the definition of system. It it's just speakers, plenty of nice options at that price. If it's something to drive them, then used would most likely be the route. There are a few Rotel and Arcam pieces on audiogon that would fit into this budget.


Hope this helps.

[Briz vegas]

Ipod Classic + a good pair of headphones + uncompressed music files

or

better speakers for your PC

[atchudy]

speakers and integrated amp.

I have all the cables, etc

[kmcheng]

Ipod Classic + a good pair of headphones + uncompressed music files

or

better speakers for your PC

I second this idea, with one twist.

Pre-amp (or stereo receiver) with optical-in and phono output + good pair of headphones

Presumably, you already have a computer with optical-out.

[wettou]

Is it possible, if I would consider used or older gear?

What would you recommend?

loosless files with a computer with optical out and a good pair of headphones :T

[wkhanna]

Cambridge Audio Azur 540A v2 int-amp $300

Paradigm Atom v.5 Speakers $300

Both purchased new, $100 over budget, and well worth it IMHO

[dyazdani]

You could find a used pair of 601 S1s for probably $250 and add the aforementioned integrated amp. There are plenty of reasonably priced amps - Jolida, Cambridge, older Rotel, Marantz, ...

[audioqueso]

speakers and integrated amp.

I have all the cables, etc

I would say look for a used pair of B&W 600 S3 or 601 S3 bookshelf speakers. That should run you no more than $250.
And add a used Marantz or Cambridge integrated amp. You should be able to pick a 2002+ model integrated amp for no more than $250.

That's speakers and amp. It's what I would do.
However, what's your source? CD player? PC?