Well..another system goes out to pasture..looking for replacement

M

MusicDirector

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I had a Pioneer XC-L5 I used in the bedroom for sleepy time. (Have rain sounds, will sleep). Anyway, I got it used about just under 4 years ago for $30, so I'd say for that amount of money, it did good. I hooked a pair of Dahlquest PDQ-16 speakers to it (they came with it). Sadly just the other night (after near daily use) it died of the known death of them. So now I want/need to find a replacement.
I'm keeping the speakers to use with the replacement and therein lies the rub. I'm looking for something I can use these speakers with and it must have a sleep timer function. The thing is that most micro systems come with speakers (really bad speakers) and I would hate to have to buy speakers only to toss them.
I mainly only use the CD and sleep timer functions, don't really need anything else.
My budget (if I can swing it) is $200 MAXIMUM..less is more.
I could only find the following:
Onkyo CS-355, but it's well beyond budget and comes with horrid speakers
Onkyo CS-255, at max budget, but comes with horrible speakers and many features will go unused (Ipod dock, etc.)
Yamaha CRX-332 - tiny bit over max budget, but doable and does not come with speakers = this may be the ticket.
Yamaha CRX-N560 - way over budget
Sony CMT-SBT100 - at max budget, but comes with speakers (no doubt awful), it's sony and what the heck is NFC?
Denon D-M39s - way over budget

So those are my choices so far. Now, I am also willing to go refurbished or what have you on this. Also I am willing to club something together as opposed to buying a micro system, but hte only problem I see would be the sleep timer function. Any ideas?

I want to go this route because I've heard many a "Sleep machine" and they only make your ears bleed and sound nothing like what the button says.
~Eric
 
Whoops! Looks the train derailed on this one. My fault, I was not clear that I am looking to replace my Pioneer XC-L5 (aka: an executive stereo system) with something similar such as a micro system.
After more thought I can see that clubbing something like that together is not possible due to the non-existance of a crucial element = Sleep Timer in and of itself.
I see the Squeezebox has a sleep timer (I didn't know that until Matt mentioned it), but while that takes care of the sleep timer it does not take care of the CD drive and can not shut off anything but itself. Also my Squeezebox is busy serving another function and so I could not incorporate it anyway.
I can't use Audiogon and especially Paypal.
So I also realize that it was dumb of me to ask about such a thing in a high-end forum in the first place.
So I'm going it alone on this one and will choose the lowest price models to research (it's $100 or more so I have to research). If I can find a refurb unit at a good price from a reputable place, I'll go that route. Otherwise, I think I'm stuck with new on this item. Items such as micro-systems tend to be discontinued the minute they hit the store shelves anyway. So I'll probably end up closing my eyes and picking one.
 
Ok, here is what I came up with. If you think this is doable, we can explore further..

A Sony STR-DH130 2 channel receiver- $119 street price. This has a sleep timer on it and gets decent reviews. I have a older version of this in my garage and it's a beast!

Plug that guy into the controller outlet on a smart power strip like this one on Amazon: Smart Strip

Then, use a CD or DVD player (can be bought cheap new or super cheap second hand) and plug it into the slave outlet on the power strip.

When the receiver hits the sleep timer and shuts down, the power strip will also turn your CD player off.

Edit: The Sherwood RX-4105 for $99 also has a sleep timer. I also own one of these and it's ok. The FM reception is rather poor and the sound isn't nearly as good as my Sony.

Edit 2: It appears that most AVRs have sleep times built in (news to me). So, I'm sure we can find you something for fairly cheap if you want to go this direction. Accessories for Less has a bunch of refurbished models starting at $99 + shipping.
 
Matt715 said:
Ok, here is what I came up with. If you think this is doable, we can explore further..

A Sony STR-DH130 2 channel receiver- $119 street price. This has a sleep timer on it and gets decent reviews. I have a older version of this in my garage and it's a beast!

Plug that guy into the controller outlet on a smart power strip like this one on Amazon: Smart Strip

Then, use a CD or DVD player (can be bought cheap new or super cheap second hand) and plug it into the slave outlet on the power strip.

When the receiver hits the sleep timer and shuts down, the power strip will also turn your CD player off.

Edit: The Sherwood RX-4105 for $99 also has a sleep timer. I also own one of these and it's ok. The FM reception is rather poor and the sound isn't nearly as good as my Sony.

Edit 2: It appears that most AVRs have sleep times built in (news to me). So, I'm sure we can find you something for fairly cheap if you want to go this direction. Accessories for Less has a bunch of refurbished models starting at $99 + shipping.
Click to expand...

Hey Matt, nice job! This is interesting and worth looking at even if only as a back up plan, but I think it's worthy. Let me take a look and do some crunching. :)
 
It's too bad that modern AVRs got rid of the switched outlet on the back that was so prevalent 10 years ago. It could have been the perfect solution.

Another idea I came up with that could be even cheaper is an outlet timer. This one would really only work if you sleep on a normal schedule though. You could program it to power up at say 9:30 and shut off at 11.
 
Hmm, just saw a Yamaha CRX-332 (refurb) which would be the ultimate solution, but the place wants $200 plus a fortune in shipping, but I feel it should be $150. (They go for $300 new). All that does is tell me to keep looking keeping Matt's idea in mind.
UPDATE..... New one at Amazon = $225!! Not pulling the trigger yet, but very tempting. Need to check a couple more things.
 
NorthStar said:
They actually introduce noise Matt.
Click to expand...

True on most AVRs. There are a couple of higher end AVRs that have a single one, but it is wired separate or shielded some way. I was reading about this a couple of days ago. Personally, I don't use those switches normally. My Onkyo has one or two, but I plug everything into a power center.
 
Receivers are the full audio enchilada in one single unit: Tuner (some have two or three), Surround sound processor (DSP), Analog preamp (Phono), Headphone preamp, Audio/video source switcher/selector, Video processor (some have two), AC inlets in the back (1, 2 or 3), internal fan(s) for more noise, several amplifiers (up to nine), ...and there is so much more in that one single component that you almost need a degree (Master) in Physics, Mathematics, Biology (DNA/DLNA), and Technology (computers) and Download analysis Labs (Chemistry).

The more stuff you pack inside and outside the more debris you get from all of them different utilities.
For most people it don't matter; the more it does the happier they are.

An audiophile preamp; why don't they have AC inlets on the back?

A true audiophile's mojo; keep it extremely simple. ...Anything you add is more noise. ... And noise, with heat are our enemies.

* Them AC inlets in the receiver's behind (vintage or not), no matter what people say (shielded or not), are better left unused.
** In today's newest receivers; use only (strictly) the HDMI connections, and nothing else. When you mix analog and digital, you become a noise lover; you don't know it but that's what your ears are registering from listening.

Radio frequencies are another big source of pollution (noise) interfering in our music listening.
When listening to CDs, etc. tune the radio to a dead station (AM), because if we don't it will spill to other inputs.
When connecting a CD player, etc., use only one connection; analog or digital, not both.
Don't plug anything superfluous (that we might use only once in a blue moon). ...The less audio/video components plugged as sources with interconnects (analog and digital), the better it is (sound quality). ...The more connections in the back the worst noise contamination (distortion).

Simplicity is key to a happy marriage. Is that a fact or what.
 
NorthStar said:
Receivers are the full audio enchilada in one single unit: Tuner (some have two or three), Surround sound processor (DSP), Analog preamp (Phono), Headphone preamp, Audio/video source switcher/selector, Video processor (some have two), AC inlets in the back (1, 2 o r 3), internal fan(s), several amplifiers (up to nine), ...and there is so much more in that one single component that you almost need a degree (Master) in Physics, Mathematics, Biology (DNA/DLNA), and Technology (computers).

The more stuff you pack inside and outside the more debris you get from all of them different utilities.
For most people it don't matter; the more it does the happier they are.

An audiophile preamp; why don't they have AC inlets on the back?

A true audiophile's mojo; keep it extremely simple. ...Anything you add is more noise. ... And noise, with heat are our enemies.

* Them AC inlets in the receiver's behind (vintage or not), no matter what people say (shielded or not), are better left unused.
** Today's newest receivers; use only (strictly) the HDMI connections, and nothing else. When you mix analog and digital, you become a noise lover; you don't know it but that's what your ears are registering from listening.

Radio frequencies are another big source of pollution (noise) interfering in your music listening.
When listening to CDs, etc. tune the radio to a dead station (AM), because if you don't it will spill to other inputs.
When connecting a CD player, etc., use only one connection; analog or digital not both.
Don't plug anything superfluous (that you might use only once in a blue moon). ...The less audio/video components plugged as sources with interconnects (analog and digital), the better it is (sound quality). ...The more connections in the back the worst noise contamination (distortion).

Simplicity is key to a happy marriage.
Click to expand...

Unfortunately, I can not have separates so I have to go with AVR. That said, my personal theory is the more you go up the chain with the right brand whoever it is that has figured a few things out the better off you'll be. Of course, it is no where near a similarity or replacement of separates and all that, but with the right design and proper implementation by the user (such as your suggestions) one who is forced to have an AVR can still have a good experience sound-wise. Not only doing those things you suggest here, but if one changes the function of the AVR to that of merely a processor by plugging in a decent amp for power, that would help matters for the better I would think....I could be wrong. I also don't think the upper-end AVRs have those outlets anymore, such as the Marantz 7007 and 7008 for example?
The only bit I'm wondering about is the part of "tuning to a dead station". On an AVR way up the chain these days I don't even think the traditional tuner section is even offered, it's all internet now. Personally, I never even use the tuner section, even on my vintage receivers. Perhaps on lower end receivers it may be something one must do?

Are you saying that HDMI is a problem?

One good example of what you are saying about more stuff inside equals more less sound quality and issues would be my Onkyo. (By the way, the Onkyo does have an outlet on the back (two, if I'm not mistaken, but even one is a problem).

Your also very correct on choosing either digital or analog connections! I personally experimented with this and found everything you said about it to be true and factual. I could hear the interference and differences. I am as far away from "audiophile" as you can get, but keeping it simple is key. The only thing plugged into my Onkyo is my Roku, DVD player (both HDMI only), my phono stage and my CD player (analog only by the way). All the power cords are also plugged into a Power Conditioner/Surge unit (no, not a cheapo type).

At any rate, this has little to do with this thread, but it's good info and discussion.
 
AM/FM tuners are still well alive in modern receivers, even if people don't use them.
...Best to tune to a dead station so that the music doesn't spill to the CD source.

Cost money to install them AC inlets on the back. So they go now, the way of the dodo.

HDMI is here to stay; best to stick with it all the way, or not at all. ...Just don't mix.

* The Onkyo 705 receiver has only one AC inlet on the rear. ...To plug a fan for the high temperature atop the video processor. ;)

____________________

What is exactly the specificity of this thread? ... And are we obligated to abide by? :)

You can always get a second-hand BOSE r.a.d.i.o. integrated CD player, for $200.
 
The Sony CMT-SBT100 is on sale directly from Sony for $70. It's currently backordered, but it doesn't get much cheaper than this.

I was reading about this unit and it appears it might have a proprietary speaker connection, so you might want to check on that before getting too interested.
 
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