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Help? Stereo for art studio, under $1k

I'm converting an old workshop into my new painting studio and can use some advise or direction on a simple stereo system. The studio is 27' x 33' with a 9' ceiling. The floor is cement, furnishings will be minimal, I believe the walls will be insulated w/ sheetrock. Some windows w/ no blinds.

The challenge is my budget: definitely under $1,000. I'd like an integrated amp or receiver, two speakers, and a way to listen to my digital music collection. Right now I've got music on my iPhone, iPad, iMac. At home I listen to vinyl and cd's but here I need to press start and then not touch the system as my hands have paint on them and I can't change cd's. No internet there yet.

I mostly listen to current music - Monsters & Men, Black Keys, Rhiannon Giddens, Arcade Fire, etc. Very little classical. Volume will be a little high. This is a separate building on 14 acres.

Advise is really welcome: which amp or receiver do you recommend? Which speakers? Thoughts on music player or server?
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Showing 1 response by czarivey

czarivey
5,658 posts
 
My workshop system may help:
Sansui 1500 speakers ($60)
Alesis RA100 amp 75wpc $80
MTX 3000 analogue DJ mixer $20
I use RCA-TRS(1/4") wires between mixer and amp $11 generic ones available at nearest Guitar Center
All purchased on flea market and thrift stores.
The main and the best sounding component in my system I believe is the little Alesis amp that impressed me far more than most of current high-end amps below $1000 I also believe that it can also be modified to handle lower than 4Ohms loads continuously. Other than that, it's dual-mono design with discrete low-noise circuitry and low negative feedback.  It's perfect for studio-mastering applications with transparent and open sound with speed and control. I get pretty large volumes as my work-shop is part of large art-studio area.


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