Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Florida Calendars for 2015

It's New Years Eve. That means it's time for one shameless plug of my own. Besides dirt cheap stereos, I also enjoy photography. I took some great shots when I lived down in Florida. 2015 is a New Year.  If you are looking calendar that will look good on your wall, please check out my calendars here: GatorDude spotlight on Lulu. I've republished my calendars for 2015 on lulu.com. You can preview them below. My topics are the Forgotten Coast of Florida! It's a relatively undeveloped stretch of the Florida Panhandle.



The Rusting Cars of Wakulla. It's a graveyard for vintage cars and trucks
 from the 1950s near Crawfordville, Florida.

 

Finally, what trip to Florida would be complete without Alligators. I've got lots of my best alligator shots right here:



These calendars are a beautiful addition to any kitchen wall or office space. If you are a photographer, they'll also give you a chance to see what you can do with your own calendar project. This concludes my shameless plug! I've got an all new Watch Review scheduled for tomorrow! I hope you have a great New Year no matter how you keep track of it!

Friday, December 26, 2014

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Readers! I hope that Santa granted everyone their home audio wishes.  This year, we spent part of our Christmas Day staring at our tree with my old Technics receiver reliably cranking out Christmas tunes through my venerable Cerwin-Vega speakers.  It was a nice way to pass the time while our Christmas dinner was baking in the oven.


 Now that Christmas Day is over.  It's time to go and fill those little audio system gaps that remain.  For example, if you've been wondering how to get your old school stereo to play streaming audio from a bluetooth wireless device, this might just be your answer:

Good luck and happy hunting!




Sunday, December 14, 2014

Thrift Store Finds at Christmas Time

I guess it would be considered rude to give a gift from Goodwill for Christmas.  That's a shame.  Sometimes a bit of retro technology will fit the bill perfectly. 
For example, one of our relatives needs a stereo--actually a CD player.  It needs to replace a Bose Wave radio with CD player.  However, a Bose Wave radio is not in our gift budget.  It also has to be simple to operate.

Today. I saw a Sony boom box that sounded quite nice.  But, a ten year old boom box would probably not be well received.  Besides, at higher volumes the sound got somewhat distorted.  That might be a problem in my relative's cavernous living room.


Alternatively, a perhaps better, I could get an actual stereo receiver for about $40, a CD player for about $10, and two speakers for about $20.  A used stereo would really  offer room filling sound and fit the budget.

But. for now, we will keep on shopping until we find the perfect gift that can come in a shiny new box.  I think a more powerful boombox like the Sony MHCEC619iP 120 Watts Music System might fit the bill.

Wednesday, December 10, 2014

Thrift Store Find: Panasonic CD Stereo System SA-PM16

Sometimes you can find some gems at the thrift stores.  On a recent pass through a Goodwill near my office, I came across a great little mini stereo - the Panasonic CD Stereo System SA-PM16.  A 60 watt system with robust 6-ohm speakers in wooden cabinets, it looked ready to rock and sounded pretty good on the store shelves.
 
Panasonic CD Stereo System SA-PM16
When I pried off a speaker cover, the speakers looked clean and solid without a hint of deterioration.  The biggest question for a potential buyer would be: Does the CD player work?  However, it did have an RCA input on the back so it would be possible to plug in a PC or MP3 player and bypass CDs entirely.

For less than $20, it looked like a nice buy!


Sunday, December 7, 2014

Cheap Stereo Cables

A lucrative industry has grown up around providing premium stereo cables to audiophiles.  Some folks swear theycan hear a difference between normal and premium cables.  Others discount the effects of premium cables citing science and physics.
I believe in having quality cables that allow you to make a good connection between your components.  I don't fully believe in magical cables that make a difference in sound quality.  However, my mind is open.  I also tend to believe that people who have seen ghosts, UFOs, bigfoots, and chupacabras have seen something out of the ordinary.  But, I can't say they exist until I see one myself.

For my stereo systems, I tend to use semi-premium cables from brands like Monster Cables.  They have nice connectors and are easy to work with.  At some stereo stores, Monster Cables cost a little more than a plain jane RCA cable.  But, here is my secret:  thrift stores that sell stereo components often sell cables.  At one of my local Goodwill stores, a Monster Cable goes for $7.97.

Monster Cables at a Thrift Store


You can get new stereo cables from Amazon for just a little more.  I always buy new speaker wire from Walmart or Target.  Speaker wire tends to visibly deteriorate over time.  If you have a twenty year old stereo, there is no reason to have twenty year old speaker wire.

Thrift Store Cables
I should note that finding stereo cables at thrift stores can be pretty hit or miss.  Since we were thrifting regularly, I would just pick up a good quality cable whenever I found one until I had a good stockpile.


Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Thrift Store Stereo: Hitachi SR-804 Receiver

My quest for old stereos has slowed down a bit now that I have reliable Technics and Sony stereo systems.  However, I still test out any old system that I find on the Goodwill shelves.  On a recent run, I came across this vintage Hitachi SR-804 Receiver.  It has that silver face that everyone loves!

Hitachi SR-804 Receiver (Front)

Unfortunately, I could only get it to power one speaker.  I passed.  I don't need another semi-functional receiver to add to my pile of projects.

Hitachi SR-804 (Rear)
From what I've read on audiokarma.org this Hitachi unit is a surprisingly powerful receiver.  The unit is a Class G reciever that contains circuitry to double its output from 50 watts to 100 watts for peak demands.

For more information and specifications, check out this post on Stereonomono

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Cheap Headphones Review: JVC HA-X580 Studio Monitor Headphones

If you are looking for an inexpensive pair of headphones to use with your vintage stereo system, you might try JVC HA-X580 Stereo Monitor headphones.  These headphones have a long cord that will easily reach from couch to a stereo console.

JVC HA-X580 Stereo Monitor Headphones
Sound Quality.  To my non-audiophile ears, these JVC headphones sounded pretty good.  I listened to a variety of different genres and I thought they all sounded quite good.  Of course, I am nearly 50 years old and I've been to quite a few rock concerts in my day.  Your mileage may vary.  Amazon reviewers write that these headphones provide adequate sound for the price range.

Construction.  The plastic on these JVC HA-X580 headphones does not seem quite as rugged as the plastic on some of my other sub-$25 headphones.  However, when handled with appropriate care, I think that they will last for quite some time.  The construction quality is definitely better than $5 no-name headphones that I have tried.  However, since they are made of plastic, they may not hold up to abuse and heavy use.  To me, they seem just a tad delicate.

Price.  I picked these headphones up for about $16 at Ross.  With the long cord, they work well for my living room stereo.  This let me move a pair of Sony headphones back to the bedroom.  Overall, I feel these headphones are a great value for less than $20.  When it comes to dirt cheap audio, that is the name of the game.

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Headphones at Target

Tonight we walked around in Target and looked at the premium headphones.  There were Bose and there were Beats hooked up for customers to sample. But, there were no Sony or Skullcandy headphones to sample.  I wondered why? Perhaps, the Target Gods don't want you to find an affordable substitute for Beats? Perhaps they don't want you to find an affordable substitute for Bose?  I'd suggest plunking down $19.99 before you plunk down $199.99.

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Thrift Store Audio: Pioneer S-HTP55 Center Channel Speaker

Thrift stores are consistently filled with cast off speakers from surround sound systems.  Sometimes you'll find satellite speakers.  Sometimes you'll find center channel speakers. Sometimes you'll find whole speaker systems with a subwoofer, a center-channel speaker, and several satellite speakers.


Pioneer S-HTP55 Center Channel Speaker
Since my latest Sony receiver can handle one or two center channel speakers, I picked up a lone Pioneer S-HTP55 Center Speaker on a recent thrift store run.  I figured that the 50 watt 8 ohm speaker would be a good match for two 50 watt Sony speakers currently attached to this system.

Pioneer S-HTP55 Center Channel Speaker (Back Panel)
 Unfortunately, I wasn't impressed with the resulting sound when listening to music.  The center channel speaker on my Sony 2.1 channel stereo seemed to really weaken my right and left speakers.  I'll have to try again with a movie in the DVD player.

Here is a more contemporary center-channel speaker from Pioneer.  Today's speakers seem to be designed for higher efficiency receivers.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Thrift Store Find: Vintage GPX Stereo

Everyone has seen GPX brand consumer electronics in retail stores.  They make inexpensive stereos, alarm clocks, radios and the like.  You would never think of them as a long-lived brand.  You would never think of them as a maker of products that become vintage.  Yet, I recently came across this vintage GPX Stereo in a thrift store.  It has an AM/FM receiver, turntable, cassette deck, and 8-track cassette player integrated into one convenient system.

Vintage GPX Stereo
According to the GPX website, the company was founded in 1971 and originally imported electronics and sold them under the Grand Prix brand name.  They started using the GPX brand name in 1986.  Since this stereo has an 8-track, it's a little hard to believe that this GPX stereo was created that recently.  Nevertheless, it was surprisingly well-preserved.



I walked on and left it to be discovered by a family who need a stereo for a kid's bedroom.  GPX stereos are great for that and this one looks cool!


Today, you can still get a nice little GPX stereo for a bedroom or dorm room.  I have this one below and it's can do quite a bit for a very low-priced stereo unit.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Thrift Store Vinyl: Victory at Sea

Victory at Sea is one of the greatest documentaries ever made for television.  It chronicles the U.S. Navy's fight against Imperial Japan during World War II.  It also has one of the best sound tracks ever created.


Over the summer, I score two of my holy grail albums on vinyl.  I found Victory at Sea and Victory at Sea - Volume II.  The only one I still need is Victory at Sea - Volume III.  Of course, that is the one worth all the cool sound effects.

Of course, if you want to make your quest a little easier, Jasmine Music is releasing a digitally remastered 2-CD set containing all three volumes of "Victory at Sea."  The set is available for pre-order now on Amazon.com.  The release date is set for October 10, 2014!  It really is the greatest soundtrack ever!

 

Monday, September 29, 2014

Dirt Cheap Headphones: Skullcandy JIB Earbuds Review

While wandering through my local Target store, I ran across some clearance priced Skullcandy JIB earbuds.  Since earbuds are an increasingly popular way to listen to music and since white Skullcandy JIB earbuds were clearance priced for only $6.98 a pair. I thought I'd give them a try and see what the earbud fuss was all about.

White Skullcandy JIB Earbuds on Clearance at Target

My previous exposure to "earbuds" was limited to the earphones supplied with inexpensive transistor radios and airline handouts.  Those old school earphones were often uncomfortable and didn't sound that great.  In contrast, the Skullcandy JIB earbuds were a very pleasant surprise.  They came with nice foam pads that fit directly, neatly, and very comfortably into my ears.  With the earbuds in place, I found that I was well-insulated from noise of the outside world.  While listening to music at a moderate volume on my laptop and watching a football game on TV, I found that when I un-muted Monday Night Football and could barely hear a murmur from my nearby television.



To me, the music from my laptop sounded great.  The Skullcandy Earbuds thundered through AC/DC's Highway to Hell.  At moderate volumes, they had presence but didn't cause pain.  According to Amazon, Skullcandy JIB headphones are capable of a frequency range of 20Hz to 20Khz.  That more than covers my 47-year old range of hearing.  To me, these earbuds simply sound great!

Searching around the internet for other reviews, I find that I'm not the only one to post a rave about these Skullcandy Jib headphones.  Rob Boyle of the GeeksHaveLanded.com also found that these earbuds provided great sound for the money.

My only concern with earbuds in general is that they really seem to put sound directly on your ear.  To me, that is a very good reason to keep listening to a moderate volume.  Nevertheless, the Skullcandy JIB Earbuds deliver very nice sound.  I can really see why people like earbuds for sound quality and convenience.  Skullcandy is aimed at more youthful listeners and come in a variety of bright colors.  Each earbud sports a skull logo.  Fortunately, I don't mind if my co-workers think I am a bad ass.

Overall, I'd highly recommend Skullcandy JIB Earbuds.  Even at regular prices, they cost less than $20 and they are a really great buy.

Sunday, September 28, 2014

Soundesign Stereo Find

When it comes to dirt cheap, the audio market place has always had room for the creators of cheap stereo systems.  For example, this Soundesign unit has dual tape decks, a turntable, an 8-track tape player, and an AM/FM radio.  What more could you need?

SoundDesign Stereo

Unfortunately, this example didn't work properly when I tried to play a tape through some speakers I hooked up.  In fact, it made a deafening screeching sound that could be heard throughout the electronics section of the Goodwill where I found it.  I let it be so that future archaeologists might find it.

According to Wikipedia, the Soundesign brand was marketed by a company called SDI Technologies.  Today, the consumer electronics manufacturing company makes small stereos and electronics equipment that are marketed under a variety of brands including iHome, Sylvania, New Balance, and Timex.






Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Dirt Cheap Headphones: Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones

Audiophiles tend to scoff at headphones like Beats.  They suggest that there are better names in the business of headphones.  One of the names they always suggest is Sennheiser.  Now, Sennheiser offers headphones for every budget.  Dirt cheap audio enthusiasts will want to start with Sennheiser HD 202 II Professional Headphones.


These Sennheiser headphones have a generous 10-foot cable and a 3.5 mm plug that is compatible with modern devices like tablets, cell phones, mp3 players and laptops.  If you are interested in learning what all the fuss about Sennheiser headphones is about, these might be a great place to start.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Onkyo TX-8020 Report: A Stereo in a Backyard Gazebo

Have you ever dreamed of having music become part of your backyard experience?  A friend of mine purchased an entry-level Onkyo TX-8020 receiver this past spring as part of an effort to bring music out to his backyard gazebo.



After a few months of use, he is happy to report very good luck with it. He constructed an enclosure to store the receiver itself safely up in the rafters of his gazebo. He ran an auxiliary input (Y-cable) down so that he can hook up a music source like an iPod.

 

My friend operates his receiver via remote control and the music comes from a couple of wonderful Definitive Technologies Outdoor Speakers. He's very happy with his system. The only problem so far has been frogs from his backyard water feature chiming in with his symphonies in the evenings.

Toad Photo By Paul Henjum (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

The Onkyo TX-8020 is usually a pretty good buy on Amazon.  It often qualifies as dirt cheap!  If you are looking for outdoor speakers, there are some less expensive outdoor speaker options from quality name brands.  For example, you can get a pair of these Polk Audio outdoor speakers at a good price:

 

Monday, September 15, 2014

Dirt Cheap Headphones: Great Headphones For Under $25

When it comes to headphones, many people are caught up in the frenzy over brand name headphones such as Beats.  However, before dropping a couple of hundred dollars on headphones, you should know that there are plenty of perfectly good headphones for under $25.  Here are a couple of recommendations.

According to a CNET article on the best headphones under $25, JVC "Flats" are one of the best headphone deals around.  On Amazon, reviewers rate them highly for sound quality.  These headphones are reputed to sound much better than their low price tag might indicate.  The only caution is that you have to take care not to damage these headphones.



Another CNET recommendation would be the MEElectronics, HT-21, Portable Headphone. These travel headphones are well-regarded and come with a soft carrying pouch.


That's the thing about audio.  When it comes to home audio on a tight budget, if there is a will, there is a way.

Sunday, September 14, 2014

Thrift Store Stereo: Sony STR-D790 Receiver

My stereo trials and tribulations may be at an end.  I found a Sony STR-D790 AM/FM Stereo Receiver with Audio/Video Control Center on one of my recent Goodwill runs and it has officially become the centerpiece of my bedroom system.  It provides stereo sound all the time, not some of the time.  I've been able to run the Sony STR-D790 for long period of time without any issues so far.  Since the receiver seems solid, I know longer have to search for a better receiver.  It's nice to be able to simply relax and listen to a niggle free system!

Sony STR-D790 Stereo Receiver
So far, I've been able to program in some stations and get my turntable plugged in.  Since my Radio Shack phonograph has a built in amplifier of some sort, I use the Digital Audio Tape plugs on the back of the receiver.  To connect more, I should really read the manual.  Fortunately, the operating instructions are still available in the product support section at the official Sony website.  Here is the link:

Sony STR-D790 Manual

This system should let me hook up old school VCRs or DVD players and run a couple of small speakers for center channel speakers.  Right now, I'm just running it as a straight 2-channel stereo.  I think it is technically a 2.1 channel system.

The Sony STR-D790 isn't really a "vintage" receiver.  But, as a dedicated thrift store shopper, I can officially say that "working" beats "vintage" for me.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Music Cassettes from the Thrift Store

If you think buying vinyl records at a thrift store is a risky proposition, you should try buying music cassettes at the thrift store.  They are only 69 cents at my local Goodwill stores.  However,  I'd say about thirty percent of them have garbled sound on at least some portion of the tape.  For some reason the music is always garbled on the best songs, too.

A Music Cassette Album - photo by Malcolm Tyrrell {{cc-by-sa-2.5}}

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Personal Electronics Review: Sony MDR-ZX100 Headphones

I've recently been listening to music through Sony MDR-ZX100 headphones. These headphones generally cost between $15 and $25. With the trusted Sony brand name, I look at them as an acceptable baseline pair of on-the-ear headphones. They are certainly good starting point before making any "premium" headphone purchase.

Sony MDR-ZX100 Headphones
While these Sony headphones don't allow the brand snobbery that comes from owning branded headphones like Beats, they work well for most people.  If you want fashionable, they do come in black, blue, red, and white.  The kit shown below comes with the headphones and a 3.5mm to 1/4-inch adapter plug so that you can use the headphones on a conventional stereo.



Construction. Sony MDR-ZX100 headphones are strongly constructed out of a heavy duty plastic. They don't seem flimsy and the don't have any exposed metal framework. They have rotating earcups so that they can pack flat. I've fallen asleep several times while wearing these headphones in bed and I have never damaged them. The ear pads themselves are covered with the exact same imitation leather used on my $5 iConcepts headphones.

Cord Length. The cord to connect with a device or stereo is just over 47-inches long. It is thin, but not overly frail. The length is sufficient for a device clipped to your belt or a laptop directly in front of you. However, you can't connect to a device at the back of your desk and recline in an office chair. When I connect to a small bombox on my desk at work, I often get stopped short when I move in my headphones doing routine office work in my cube. To connect to a conventional stereo you will definitely need an extension cable.

Sound Quality. Sound quality is subjective. It would be easy to say that the Sony MDR-ZX100 headphones sound robust and well balanced with sweet highs and hearty lows. However, this would also describe a typical cup of coffee from Starbucks. Instead, I'll say that vocals seemed clear, there was enough bass for my taste, and I think these earphones sound pretty good for the price.  According to the Sony website, the MDR-ZX100 headphones have a frequency response range of 12-22,000 hertz.  The 30mm drivers powering these headphones provide a stronger sound and more volume than my $5 iConcepts headphones.

Overall, if you are in the market for headphones, I recommend the Sony MDR-ZX100 headphones as a good starting point. At typically less than $20, these headphones are a good value and perform well. Once you own a pair, let other headphones prove that they are better. Sony MDR ZX100 Series Headphones will always be a great spare or travel set.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Thrift Store Stereo Buying Tip: Black vs. Silver

When it comes to buying thriftstore stereo components, I've noticed something:  black stereo components seem to work better than silver metallic ones.  At least, that is the way it has worked out for my purchases.


Why?  I think most of the black components that I find are from the 1990 - 2005 era.  Silver components are typically from the 1960s and 1970s.  There seems to be more life left in newer gear.


Monday, September 1, 2014

Personal Electronics Review: Sony MDR-XD100 Stereo Headphones


[If you are looking for headphones for a conventional stereo, you might try to drum up some Sony MDR-XD100 headphones.  These headphones have a 3.51 meter long cord.  With around 10 feet of cord, these headphones work very well for conventional stereo equipment.  Here is my original review reprinted from Yahoo Contributors Network.]

Are you an audiophile? A lover of fine music and a connoiseur of audio equipment? Do you care about dynamic range, frequency response, and sensitivity? Then move along you Bose-listening Bang & Olafson snoot, these are $20 stereo headphones for the rest of us and they sound pretty good.

On a Rite Aid run for a few household odds and ends, my wife and I came across a pair of Sony MDR-XD100 stereo headphones. Since they fit our limited budget and since our corner drugstore is the place to buy consumer electronics, we threw them in our cart. We weren't disappointed. For a mere $20 investment, Sony MDR-XD100 stereo headphones sound great. 


Comfort. First, these full-sized stereo headphones are a vast improvement over uncomfortable earbud-style "in the ear", and Walkman-style "on the ear" ear phones that we had been using. I found that the padding was comfortable and completely enveloped my ears. The headphones were also adjustable to fit over my big brain comfortably. In an extended music session, they do make your ears a little warm. These headphones do not completely block out external sounds.


Build Quality. These Sony MDR-XD100 stereo headphones are inexpensive and they sometimes feel a bit delicate. If you throw these headphones around, they may not be able to take the damage. The urethane leather that covers the ear pads could also be thicker and more durable. The adjustable headband is made completely of plastic. For intermittent casual use, they should suffice.
Compatibility. My wife and I used the Sony MDR-XD100 headphones to play music on a wide variety of personal electronic devices. While they come with a large plug for a conventional stereo, a mini plug is plugged into the large plug. The mini plug allows the headphones to be used with laptops, portable CD players, and MP3 players. We tried them on two laptops, a Sony personal CD player, and a very small Craig MP3 player. The headphones worked on all of our devices.
Sound Quality. These headphones sounded good on all of our devices. However, I did have to turn my volume up to a much higher setting with my dimunitive MP3 player. In a couple of evening sessions listening to a wide variety of free music via my Amazon Cloudplayer, I found that the Sony MDR-XD100 stereo headphones reproduced sound quite well. These headphones are particularly effective on mid-range and high range sounds. While some Amazon reviewers didn't feel there was enough presence in the bass, I feel that these Sony headphones produce enough bass for casual listening without pounding on the eardrums.
Overall, Sony MDR-XD100 stereo headphones are a delightful product for around $20. While they might not be totally satisfying to audiophiles, they work very well for casual users and completely met our expectations.

[These headphones are still available to some degree on Amazon or on ebay.  Newer headphones from Sony sound good, too.]

 


Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Considering Fisher STV-753 Speakers

A couple of weeks ago, I ran across a pair of Fisher STV-753 speakers at a consignment shop (Revive Consignment).  They were in nearly perfect condition with only a few minor scuffs on the cabinets.  The speakers themselves looked practically new.  I almost bought them.  But, another set of huge speakers is the last thing I need to bring into our apartment.

Fisher STV-753 Speaker in Great Shape
The Fisher STV-753 is a 3-way, 100 watt, 8-ohm floorstanding  speaker.  According to the folks over on AudioKarma.org, Fisher speakers don't have much value to collectors.   Fisher made great products in the fifties and sixties. But. They were sold to Emerson and then to Sanyo beginning in 1969. By the time Fisher made the STV speakers they were merely a shadow of a once great hi-fi company.

However, if you are buying cheap speakers at a thrift store or garage sale and you aren't an audiophile, old Fisher speakers might be just fine for you.  It all depends on the condition of the speakers.  Dirt cheap is a virtue on this blog. I was pained to pass on the Fisher speakers I saw.  But, with my Cerwin-Vega speakers meeting my needs, I had to leave them for someone else.  I hope they sound as good as they look!

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Vinyl Tip #2: Things to Check Before Buying A Vinyl Record at the Thrift Store

Make sure you examine each prospective vinyl record before making a purchase.

1. Free of deep scratches and gouges.
2. Not cracked.
3. Not warped.

Photo By CEphoto, Uwe Aranas (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons


I recently bought a Frank Sinatra double-album.  It sounds o.k., but it is really warped.  The needle on my phonograph looks like a surfer on a big wave in Hawaii!  The tone arm really moves up and down!

Photo By Jeff Rowley [CC-BY-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Buying a Thrift Store DVD Player

Are you thinking about buying a DVD player from your local thrift store?  I recently bought a beautiful Marantz DV-4600 DVD player.  It's a sleek, stereo component quality, DVD player.  But, I forgot one vital component;  the remote control.  Most thrift store DVD players don't come with remotes.  Now, I need to buy a remote control for the one I have.  After looking on Amazon, I'm going to try a universal remote from Philips.



If you are thinking about buying a used DVD player, don't forget to buy one with a remote. Otherwise, how will you access all those bonus features on a modern DVD?


Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Dirt Cheap Headphones: Sakar iConcepts Headphones with Comfort Cushions

As I write this, I'm listening to music on some seriously cheap headphones.  I bought some Sakar iConcepts Headphones with Comfort Cushions from the dollar bins by the front doors of our local Target store.  They cost all of $5.

iConcepts Headphones by Sakar
Here's an important secret:  They actually sound pretty good!

Sound. I've just got them plugged into my laptop and I'm listening to an eclectic selection of free music that I downloaded from Amazon.com over the years.  The little headphones have played everything from "F*** you! I'm famous!" by Dead on TV to the guitar world beat of  "I Ka Barra" of Habib Koite and Bamada.  Sound seemed to be reproduced accurately.  When the volume was cranked up, these headphones got pretty loud.  However, they didn't seem to be deafening. Are these headphones as good as Beats or Bose or Sennheiser headphones?  Absolutely not.  But, they sound pretty good to me.

Cable Length. These inexpensive headphones have a short fabric-wrapped cable.  It is about four feet long, but that is sufficient for listening to personal devices.

Plug Compatibility. These headphones have a standard 3.5mm mail plug that fits standard earphone jacks on devices such as personal computers, MP3 players, and phones.  You would need a cable extension and conversion plug to fit a standard 1/4-inch stereo headphone jack on a component stereo.


Comfort.  The Sakar headphones are on-the-ear headphones with well-padded ear cups.  They are fairly comfortable once adjusted on the ear properly. 

Construction.  Obviously construction quality is the weakest point in a set of $5 headphones.  The wires connecting the speakers are quite thin and you wonder if the fabric-clad wire that connects the headphones to your device will hold up.  While the headphones fold up like more expensive models, the frame is also of wire that is thinner than a coat hanger.  These headphone would likely be deformed if they were dropped, sat on, or subjected to any abuse.  In addition, the synthetic leather on the ear cups is rather thin.  After a couple of days of light use, I noticed that one of the cups will rattle when you shake it.

Wire Construction on iConcepts Headphones
Nevertheless, I'm confident that these Sakar iConcepts Headphones will last for a few months and will be sufficient for light duty use at work.  I can leave them in my desk without worrying that they will be stolen and they will sound better than cheap ear buds from a transistor radio.  For only $5, these earphones are certainly well within the dirt cheap audio price range and they work.

[As I return to this review years later, I'd note that we no longer have these headphones.  They lasted a few months and we discarded them.  A basic pair of Sony headphones would probably be a wiser purchase.]

Monday, August 11, 2014

Great Deal on Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers at BestBuy!

In this week's Sunday AJC, Best Buy was advertising Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf speakers for $59.98 a pair.   That's a great price for brand new speakers from a respected maker like Polk Audio.  According to the Best Buy website, they are 8 ohm speakers that can handle from 20 to 100 watts of power.  They have a frequency range of 60hz to 24 kHz. You can see them from other sellers here on Amazon:


But, if you are in the market for bookshelf speakers, this would be the week to get to Best Buy!

Sunday, August 10, 2014

How to Buy a Thrift Store Stereo

Saving Money with Used Stereo Equipment

The world of stereo systems has changed dramatically. In the seventies, eighties, and nineties, the purchase of a component stereo system was almost a rite of passage. But, today, media is far more likely to be played from an MP3 player, smartphone, tablet, or computer than a traditional stereo. That means many perfectly good stereos and receivers make their way to thrift stores. If you have an abundance of CD's, vinyl albums, and cassettes, you may find some wonderful stereo systems at your local thrift store for very affordable prices.

Potential Savings. How much can you save by buying a used system from a thrift store? Complete mini-stereo systems can typically be found for less than $40. Component systems typically run $30 to $50 for the receiver and $8 to $15 for each additional component. Nice speakers can be had for $50 or less per pair. At one of my local Goodwill shops really nice complete working systems are sometimes displayed for about $100. Prices can vary widely around country. New component systems would typically cost $120 and up for a receiver and about $100 for each additional component on the low end. The sky is the limit on the high end. If you can put together a working system from thrift store components, you can expect to save at least $200. If you buy a used bookshelf system, you can expect to save $30 to $100 over the new price of a similar system.

A Vintage Panasonic Receiver

Bookshelf Systems. I have actually had better luck with bookshelf stereo systems than component systems. My best buy was an XR-MG9 Aiwa bookshelf stereo for $35. With 50 Watt speakers, it had plenty of power for an apartment and it delivered great sound. I donated it prior to a cross-country move and now have a $25 Magnavox MAS85/17 bookshelf system with a three CD changer and cassette deck. It's a great little system for an apartment or bedroom, but it has no provision for auxiliary inputs like a turntable, computer, or MP3 player. I also have a $12 JVC mini-stereo with an unreliable CD player that I use as a radio on my desk at work. If the cleaning staff walks off with it, I won't be out any real money.

Miida 3140 - Thrift Store Stereo
Component Systems. I haven't had much luck with component systems. Thrift stores have plenty of stereo components to choose from, but I failed to thoroughly test the components that I bought. I bought two 1970s vintage receivers. One was a Miida 3140 for $40 and the other was a Fisher 295 for $13. The Miida sounded great in the thrift store and was powering some wonderful Fisher and Bose speakers. However, when I got home, I found that one stereo channel was intermittent. Sometimes the left channel would cut out and I would have to nudge the receiver. The Fisher was super cheap, but seemed to power a speaker at the shop. However, it has some knobs missing and delivers extremely faint and distorted sound. That's what you get for $13. However, there were plenty of stereo receivers of more recent vintage that cost around $50. Tape decks can be had for as little as $7. Multi-CD changes are generally less than $30. The key is to test any purchase adequately and assume any vintage system is potentially fragile.


Testing. If you see a stereo system that you like at a thrift store, you need to try your best to test it before you buy. Many thrift stores don't allow any returns. Fortunately, most electronic sections have power strips built into the fixtures. If you find something you like, plug it in and try it out. Get a CD and a cassette from the music section. If you can find some speakers, hook them up. Nudge the system to see if it keeps working. You might be well advised to bring some earphones or ear buds and an mini-earphone to full-sized stereo earphone adapter plug. You might bring a mini-earphone adapter to RCA Y-Adapter and an MP3 player to see if a stereo receiver can take an auxiliary input and deliver sound. Most thrift store stereos don't come with remote controls. Make sure that you can use all the features manually without a remote. If you test a system and it works in the store, you can walk out with a wonderful bargain!

Repairs. Stereos should be repaired by qualified technicians. Stereo receivers contain capacitors that can carry a powerful electric charge even when the system is unplugged. In short, amateur repairs can kill you. That being said, there are plenty of books and online forums about stereo and electronic repairs. Audiokarma.org is one of the best stereo and vintage stereo forums. Just be warned, be trained, and be careful when attempting repairs. If you don't know what you are doing, find a stereo repair shop or just buy another inexpensive component. Shopping won't kill you.
There are some great stereo buys in the thrift stores today. It can be a lot of fun and very rewarding to successfully hunt them down and bring them home!

[Copyright L Spain.  Originally published August 13, 2013, on Yahoo Voices! ]

Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Adding Auxiliary Connections to a Stereo

In a world full of music playing tech gadgets, it's not surprising that people might want to add additional auxiliary inputs for a home stereo system.

Fortunately, you don't need to pull out a soldering iron to add new auxiliary inputs to your stereo. You can simply invest in a switch box and appropriate cables.


Sunday, August 3, 2014

How to Stream Music Through an Old Stereo System

Teaching a Vintage Hi-Fi or Boombox New Tricks


For many years, I was perplexed by a great mystery: how do you connect a computer to a stereo? As technology progressed, the question became: how do I connect my MP3 player to a stereo? Now, the question has become: how do I connect my Nook Color tablet to an old stereo? Fortunately, the answer is easy. Here is how to connect nearly any personal music playing electronic device to a stereo.



Nearly every personal electronic device has a jack for earbuds or walkman-style earphones. You can generally take advantage of that jack to port your outpit ovet to external speakers, a boombox, or a stereo. While some modern compact stereos make it easy to plug in an external sound source, vintage systems weren't designed with the idea that all of your favorite music might be stored on your phone. However, many were designed to accomodate auxiliary sound sources like reel-to-reel tape decks, phonographs, eight tracks, and the like.

To stream music through an old stereo, you have two basic options:

1. RCA Adapter.Real stereo systems use RCA jacks to get sound from external sources. You'll want to get what Microcenter calls "3.5mm Male Stereo Plug to Dual RCA Male Plugs." It's a cable that runs from you earphone jack and splits into two male plugs that plug into the back of your stereo. This cable is only $7.99 at Microcenter.com. However, you should be able to get it at your local Best Buy or Radio Shack. Plug the RCA plugs into the AUX jacks, select your sound source as AUX and start playing your music on your device. You can also order the cable you need from Amazon.com right here:

2. Audio Cassette Adapter. If you have an old compact or bookshelf stereo, there
may not be any provision for an external sound source. Many lower end systems and boom boxes were closed sysems. In these cases, you may want to try streaming your tunes via an audio cassette adapter. I recently bought one at my local RiteAid Pharmacy. The iEssentials Audio Cassette Adapter that I bought fits into a tape deck like a conventional audio cassette, but a cable runs out of the back and connects to your device.

I was amazed to see how simple it was to pipe music from my Barnes and Noble Nook through my older bookshelf stereo. There's no reason to kick a nice vintage stereo system to the curb. It can still play good music in a very twenty-first century way.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Which Micro Stereo Systems Have Headphone Jacks?

 Do you want your new micro stereo to have a headphone jack?  You would think that every little bedroom or office stereo would have them as standard equipment.  But, not every mini stereo has headphone jacks.  For example, Sony makes some really cool mini stereo and micro stereo systems.  They have some that look like boom boxes on steroids and they have an angular design that looks very contemporary.  However, systems like the Sony MHCEC919iP 700 watt Music System don't have headphone jacks.  In a world filled with premium headphones from brands like Beats and Bose, it seems like every stereo should have a headphone jack.  If you are looking for micro stereo, here are four systems that definitely have a headphone jack!

Onkyo CS-445 CD Receiver System

The Onkyo CS-445 is a well-thought out micro stereo.  It has an 80 watt AM/FM receiver pumping 40 watts through two low resistance (4 ohm) speakers.  With Onkyo known for for making quality stereos, it's no surprise that total harmonic distortion: <0.05%.  But, today, everyone wants to know one thing:  does it support my phone?  According to Amazon.com, the Onkyo CS-445 is compatible with the iPhone (iPhone3GS, iPhone 3G, and iPhone), iPod touch (1st and 2nd Generations), iPod classic, and iPod nano (2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th Generations).  It plays CD, CD-R, CD-RW, CD-audio, MP3, and WMA files.  The Mix Tape is now the Mix CD!  Finally, it has a headphone jack so that you can listen through your Beats headphones and rock while the rest of the world sleeps!



Yamaha MCR-232BL Micro Component System

Yamaha describes their MCR-232 series of Mini Systems as being "executive style."  It has a USB port to allow all digital devices to be plugged in and a built in iPod dockThe USB port also allows a thumb drive to be plugged in so that you can enjoy WAV / FLAC (PCM format only), MP3 and WMA audio files.  This Yamaha fills a room with 20 watts per channel through 6 ohm speakers.  It has an AM/FM receiver.


Denon D-M39S Micro Component System

The Denon D-M39 is another highly rated Micro Component System. It has a dedicated earphone jack right on the front.  It has an FM only receiver, but supports 40 channel presets.



Sharp Mini Hi-Fi

Some Mini Systems come from component stereo ancestry and others evolve from the boom box.  The Sharp 240 watt mini system looks like it comes from the boom box end of the spectrum.  However, if you want to be able to listen to multiple-CDs, the Sharp 240 watt system has a 5 disc changer.  Most mini systems hold only one CD.   If you want to get old school with this system, you can also play cassettes!  If you want to be newfangled, the system includes an iPod/iPhone dock, a USB port, and an audio input.   This system has an AM/FM receiver.  The headphone jack is right on the front.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

The Evolution of a Dirt Cheap Stereo

 How to Expand Your Dirt Cheap Stereo


When it comes to having a nice stereo in your home.  Cost doesn't have to hold you back.  I started the journey on this blog when I put together a $40 component stereo system.  While I've spent a little more on it now, I've remained true to the idea of keeping my component costs low.

When I put together a $40 component stereo from thrift shop components, it marked the beginning of a journey rather than an end. I started out with a basic Technics amplifier and tuner for $20 from a local Goodwill. I added a pair of inexpensive 50-watt Sharp mini-stereo speakers, and a cable to connect my Nook Color tablet to the receiver. I got very respectable sound for under $40. However, I immediately started to envision improvements.

If you've put together a similar dirt cheap stereo system, what kinds of additions, improvements, or expansions would make sense for you? Here are some of the additions I made and some suggestions for expanding your dirt cheap stereo.

Tape Deck. Thrift shops are literally awash in unloved tape decks. If you have a collection of music on cassette tapes, want to buy music cheap at thrift stores, or want to buy cutting edge music from cassette-only indie labels, a cassette deck might make sense for you. They often sell for $7 to $15 at thrift stores. I found a Technics Stereo Double Cassette Deck (Model RS-T16) at Goodwill for $15. Well preserved cassette decks may also be found on ebay.com or amazon.com. A few manufacturers still make new models. Cassettes are making a comeback. This old media offers analog music on the cheap.


CD player. A CD player offers an excellent way to bring very high quality music recordings to your stereo. Music on CD is not compressed like it is in the popular MP3 format. One of the first things I bought for my $40 stereo was a Sony 5-disc CD changer. It was $25 at Goodwill. It proved to be a mistake. You can't rely on a 20-year old piece of mechanical equipment. It played, but skipped from time to time and made horrible, clunky, noises when changing discs. On a shoestring budget, I should have spent $10 at a thrift store on a single disc player rather than a $25 changer. Instead, I bought a brand new Insignia brand 5-disc CD changer at Best Buy on sale for $80. I simply wanted to keep our discs in good condition.


Switch Box. In a world full of digital devices, your vintage stereo may not have enough inputs. If you get tired of swapping cables around, you can get a switch box that lets you select the input sent to your receiver. There are many models in the market ranging from $15 to $30. The TCC TC-716 Stereo Source Selector is affordable on Amazon.com.



Speakers.
Finally, no accessory has more impact on the sound of your system than your speakers. You'll want to find stereo speakers that match the resistance rating of your receiver (8 ohms to 8 ohms). You also need to find speakers that are appropriate for your space. I'm currently experimenting with a set of Sharp speakers, a part of $11 Sony SS-D201 bookshelf speakers, and some Bose Acoustimass speakers that I've long had in storage. However, since I live in an apartment, I'm reluctant to attach Bose sub-woofer. That gives a slight advantage to the other 3-way bookshelf speakers. For your stereo, you can either experiment with thrift store finds or buy some decent new speakers for $50 to $100.

 

Music. While it is fun to play with stereo gear configurations, at some point, it is time to lock in the savings from buying dirt cheap gear and invest in some music. We've been delighted to find lots of great music on CD at Walmart and Best Buy for only $5 per disc. Thrift stores charge only a couple of dollars per disc. At these low prices, we don't have to hassle with online music stores, the cloud, slow internet download speeds, or any other high tech hassles. Now, we can simply load up some discs, dial in a radio station, or attach a streaming device, and enjoy some music.

If there are a few rules to follow in creating your own audio experience, they are build your own stereo system, don't worry about audio perfection, stop fussing with it, and crank it up!

Sources:
Amazon.com
BestBuy.com