I would like advice on a small, inexpensive audio


Hello everyone. My wife, daughter, and I just moved into our first apartment. I would like a small, bang for the buck audio system for the apartment to place in our living room. Now with this being an apartment, the main areas are open so the livingroom, diningroom, and kitchen are all open and are only divided by a bar/counter in the kitchen.
I am currently using a 9 year old Tivoli Audio Model Two with Model Subwoofer and the music, TV listening, and XBOX 360 sound system. I would like to upgrade a bit to get a more full sound, yet not bother the neighbors and also as cheaply as I can to get value for money and also not take up much space.
Our musical interests are Christian Contemporary, Christian Top40/pop& hip-hop music. I do not need a loud system, but rather a quality system that is simple, basic, and is more about the sound then how it looks. I am the "less is more" type of person. I am thinking that this would be a 2 channel or a 2.1 channel system. I would like to keep total system cost below $500 if I can. Can this be done?
Here are somethings I have been looking at so far....please remember I am not an expert or a hardcore audiophile.....I am the budget/bang for the buck/value for the money guy. Thank you for the help.

http://store.cambridgesoundworks.com/dp/B0034ZZ5W6
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=252-125

What ideas do you have for me? Thank you for the help.
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Showing 1 response by mapman

Squeezebox Radio for less than $200. Start with free Internet Radio and Pandora which offer a lot of source choices in all genres and add other online music services if desired. Add a music server on your home computer later. Add active powered speakers via the headphone jack later as well for a sound upgrade if needed.

I use one in my bedroom in place of a traditional clock radio. I can access Internet music sources including most local radio stations + any music on my music server computer the same as I would with Squeezebox Touches on each of my larger audio systems. Good sound out of the box with built in speaker and very good with earphones/earbuds.