How serious are you?. Review on Choosing a Sound System

Selecting a music system is one of the most difficult things to do, if you are one of those fussy purist types. None of the Indian stuff comes close to satisfying a serious listener.

There is no such thing in this world as a perfect music system. There is no end to how much money some people actually spend and bring together their'dream' music system and ultimately be dissatisfied because they hear that particular note in one of the favourite songs sounds different. Well if you are one of these types, this review is useless to you, otherwise read on.

I assume you'd be playing CDs and I will not use too much of Jargon: PMPO/THD/Wow & Flutter/Freq Range etc. Simply because I believe'Ignorance is bliss' when it come to hi-fi audio. Simplest way to buy a music system is listen to 10 of them, buy whatever sounds good to you, don't think too much.

If you are looking for a family music system, Please go for something like the Sony MDXxx series. Suggest you the minimal system say 1000 watts or whatever. This is the best all purpose, affordable and quality music system I have seen so far, good value for money. Costs 18k onwards. Worth it. Don't even see AIWA/SHARP etc.

Slightly more serious about quality? Go for ONKYO. Their entry level'liverpool series' costs 20k onwards. ProFX(Denon) is also good but very expensive. Don't bother about the Specs, THD/WOW/flutter etc. People who make those systems know pretty well what quality then can offer depending on the cost, moreover if you know how much Total Harmonic Distortion you're looking for, then my humble review/suggestion is beyond the scope of decent music system selection. Take your favourite CDs with you, listen to at lower volumes, finally your choice. Ultimately you are going to listen to it eh? Why take the suggestion of Mr.Bose. Please do not go by the wattage of the Music system. If you are ready to pay 10k more for 4000 watts over 2000 watts, you're wasting 10k. Don't bother.

Almost an audiophile: then starts the problem, I have tried many(almost all) with a group of like minded friends, our quest for a quality music system in India for a decent budget failed miserably. Well Mr.Audiophile, you better collect a lot of money to get something that sounds good enough to you. Higher Range of PROFX/Onkyo is satisfying. If you can afford it, buy it. If you have more money and are ready to import(lot of people do.) there are lots of options to choose from. I'll not even talk about them. Moreover you'll need to buy each unit separately CD Player, Amps, Speakers, cables etc.

In Bangalore:

Onkyo Showroom is on Infantry road opp. Citibank ATM.

ProFX is in Barton Centre.

Sony is of course Available in many places, local dealers give the best bargains.

If you have a few more minutes and would be interested in knowing what I bought after a long search, read on.

My Ex-boss(a crazy audiophile) suggested that I go and meet a chap called Roshan, who makes quality speakers and amplifiers. Sure thing I did and the very night I decided I was going to buy his stuff. Quality is something is not possible to express. But it sounds like no other Branded thing available in India and is seriously comparable to Higher range Onkyos/ProFXs. The Loud Speakers are based on'Quarter Wave' design(Only FYI), Drivers(Actual speaker unit) are of'peerless' brand and most of the components are Imported from Europe. And he Entire unit has minimal operations. On/Off, Volume, Source, Bass, Treble and Balance thats it. I bought a sony Discman to go with it. It a little crude without remote etc. But the sound quality is amazing. I love it.

Thanks for your patience.

All the best in your khoj.

Sound Regards.

Kj