absolute best shelf stero system?

[GeorgeSmiley]

Most likely the Denon is the best you'll ever need in a shel system. The nice bookshelf ones make you think you're listing to a full setup. Well not as spacial as my old magnaplaners.() cat scratching posts lol

Nice to see some audiophiles in the rank.... Those tubes are beautiful


Oh BTW I have Harmon Kardon but in no way you should buy it since they sold years ago. But mine AVR 80 was like 3 times heavier than onk and the denon models that compared. I love mine had it 9 years and still looks like I just bought it in terms of styling.

 

[arvid b]

If you have the cash to splash then:

Linn Classik Musik

http://www.linn.co.uk/classik_music

 

[swampdank]

I am really impressed with my Wave. As far as overhyped, that is arguable. The sound is great. Of course, just like anything else, you should listen for yourself. We have had Bose in our home since I was born and pops was rocking the 901 series 1s. We still have those damn things and the funky stands they go on.

I would suggest you check out the sound from each at a high end stereo retailer. And make a decision based on what you like.

I have heard nice sounding Denon systems as well, but it really depends on what you like. Also, what the system looks like. It could sound great but is is an eyeosre? Does it match your current decor?

The answer to your question can be riddled with so many variables that you are better off going in and listening for yourself. This way you get the sound YOU like, and not what somebody else likes.

 

[indifferent]

One thing about Bose - they balance the speakers and other components very well, something folks often don't do when they assemble a system of seperates. The speakers need to be matched to the amplifier, a good amp with average speakers is not gonna sound any better than average.

Lots of good speaker brands out there, I like Missions as they have great clarity, Jamos are great if you like thump more than clarity, I have both, use the Missions for listening to most things, the Jamos when I want to listen to some loud heavy rock or electronica. For example, I can hear every nuance of the cymbals on Moby Dick through my Missions, but I prefer to listen to it on my Jamos as John Bonham's sheer power shines through more, albeit less refined but it has more oomph.

With CD players, go for the best transport you can find, DAC quality is not as crucial as you can always upgrade the DAC with an add-on box at a later date, this is one big reason I love Marantz CD players - they have very good transports, the DACs are solid too, butit is the transport that is crucial.

Cambridge Audio do some damn fine CD players, their amps are good too, and they are cheap in the UK, not sure in the US.

Best advice, like others have said is to go try out the kit you are interested in. Any decent hifi store will have a room for you to listen to kit and they should be very willing to take something off the shelf and set it up for you to demo, if they aren't go elsewhere. i like to go round the stores seeing what they have and demoing it, then go home and buy the one I liked best cheaper on the net.