[sphinx]

I am the classic uninformed consumer who would like a good sound system (mostly for classical, opera, early music) but doesn't have the time, interest, or technical knowledge to check things out carefully. The tiniest possible speakers consistent with good sound are essential (serious book proliferation problem and no spare floor space). Bose markets their small speakers very aggressively but I don't know where to begin comparision shopping. Recommendations?

[OldFriend]

I have the Bose wave radio and am unimpressed. Perhaps if you play it full blast it sounds like an orchestra in your home, but then I don't play it full blast and it's no different than listening on the radio.

There must be sites on the web that can give comparisons of stereo equipment.

[Gaas]

If you listen to mostly classical, opera, early music and want small speakers, then you can get no better system than the BOSE Lifestyle system. Do not listen to these guys that heard something from a friend's brother. That is how false rumours start. BOSE is a fantastic HiFi and well worth the money.

[hoppity]

I have a Polk system and am very happy with it. I think there are some magazines you can check. Audiophile is one, I think.

There are numerous home theatre mags that might help, too.

[NV_Chuck]

I just put together a value oriented home system:

Using the Kef Q7 right now for my main front speakers and for stereo. Kef Q9c for the center speaker. And Kef Q1 for the side surrounds. I have a Velodyne SPL 1200 sub-woofer. The sound is awesome and blows away anything Bose could ever put out.

I am planning to trade out the Q1s for the Q2ds (dipole speaker) for the surrround sound and move the Q1s to my main fronts and switch the Q7s to another room (they are two big for theater room). Q1s should be more than adequate with the Velodyne 1200s. I highly recommend the Velodyne line of subs.

Cost from Uncles Stereo in NYC:

Q7 pair $895

Q1 pair $375

Q9C center channel $350

Velo SPL 1200 sub $950

When I get the Kef Q2ds these will run about $450 for the pair.

I would say the Q7s are unecessary. I would just buy the Q1s and get a good sub-woofer. The Q1s are a very manageable size, just get a stand or bookshelf so they are 12-18 inches of the floor. The Q2ds for the side surround are very compact and designed to mount onto a wall.

The great thing is that Kef is an English company so you can support our allies (thought they do a lot of the assembly and cabinet work in China now).

Beautiful cabinets and pure, clean English speaker sound. Highly recommended.

http://www.kef.com/index2.html