(Credit: Steve Guttenberg/CNET)
The first question is, what do you want from your hi-fi? Do you want to play LPs, CDs, or an occasional movie? Next, where will you put the speakers, and how large or small do they need to be? I'm writing this blog for folks trying to put together the best sounding hi-fi they can on a fixed budget. That's why I won't be covering wireless systems, because dollar for dollar, the better wired speakers always sound better than wireless models.
Setting the budget is the next logical step. I've written about an amazing-for-the-money $70 hi-fi system, but if you really love music investing $1,000 on a system would be a great place to start. Put roughly half into the speakers, and the other half into the amplifier and digital-to-analog converter/CD player, or turntable. If you're lucky enough to have a brick-and-mortar shop nearby, go listen to some gear. Better yet, call ahead and talk with a salesperson and discuss your needs. Bring some of your favorite music to the store; it really helps to audition gear with music you know best.
If you can't audition gear, read reviews. Rather than try to research a wide range of products on the market, narrow your focus as much as possible. For example, search for tower speakers for under $500 a pair, a stereo receiver for under $300, and ... [Read more]
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