Speaker Choices

Inexpensive Bookshelf Speakers

Do you need an inexpensive pair of quality bookshelf speakers to get your cheap stereo system going?  If so, you might check out these Polk Audio T15 Bookshelf Speakers.  While there are some less expensive speakers out there, these can handle 8 Ohm Impedence and 150 watts.  That means your old 80s or 90s vintage stereo receiver will probably work well with these speakers!


Of course, if you want to go even cheaper on bookshelf speakers, that can be arranged!  These Pyle bookshelf speakers generally retail for $20 a pair!

A little research can yield amazing bookshelf prices on Amazon!

Dirt Cheap Audio Saturday Deals - Class T Amp and Speaker Combo!

 Cheap Class T Amp and Speaker Combination

Finally, if you just want to pipe some sound from a computer or a cellphone through an amp to some real stereo speakers, you just need something like a Class T amp and some speakers.  This Dayton Audio combination should fit the bill perfectly.

Class T Amp

If you already have some speakers, you can get this Pyle 60 watt Class T amp for a good price as well.  You can get less expensive Class T amps, but a 60-watt unit should have the power needed to drive a decent pair of bookshelf speakers.

Dirt Cheap Audio Black Friday

There are legions of stores out there trying to get you in there doors to buy audio equipment.  They'll sell you on all the bells and whistles.  They'll sell you on cell phone compatibility.  Even though it's "Black Friday," you'll plunk down hundreds of dollars and think you got a great deal.

However, on this Dirt Cheap Audio blog, we'll try to do things a little differently.
We'll try to figure out a cheap way to get what you need.

Bluetooth Stereo Adapter

First, do you want a Bluetooth compatible stereo?  If so, why not try an adapter to allow your current stereo to become Bluetooth compatible.  This will allow you to play music from your cellphone on your stereo.  This little unit is so inexpensive that it's silly not to give it a try:




It doesn't take a lot of money to have a successful "Black Friday."  It doesn't even take a Friday.  You just need to evaluate your audio needs and pull the trigger very carefully.  With a little judicious shopping, you can beat the official "Black Friday" deals any day of the week. We'll have more cool gear to feature throughout the weekend!

Sony CMT-BR5 Hi Fi Stereo Micro Component System

As the pendulum swings back towards small and compact stereo gear in our household, I noticed this sweet Sony Hi Fi Stereo CMT-RB5 Micro Component System.  It is a simple stereo with 4-ohm speakers, a single tray CD player, and AM-FM radio.

 

Sony CMT-RB5 Hi Fi Micro Component Stereo System

The system is probably ten years old and got good reviews on Amazon.  This example is missing a remote, but has good speaker surrounds.  For only $18, it would be a good buy if everything checks out.  Here are a couple of the latest Sony Micro Component Stereos:

Overall, it seems like the "Micro Component Stereo System" is fading fast on Amazon.  Many manufacturers are discontinuing these types of systems as they are being displaced by laptops, tablets, and cell phones connected to speakers or headphones.  However, this Yamaha system also looks like a quality unit:

Thrift Store Radio: Jensen Portable Radio

I came across this Jensen MR-550 portable radio for only $2.92 at my local Goodwill.  It sounded good, had a weighty speaker, had a nice antenna, and even had an auxiliary input.  Unfortunately, our apartment is literally awash in portable radios and I really didn't need another one.  However, it would make a great external speaker for  a PC, a laptop, a cellphone, or a tablet.

Jenson MR-550 Portable Radio

All you'd have to do is run an external output cable from the headphone port to the auxiliary input on this radio.  For three dollars and a length of cable, that's not a bad deal!  A similar Jensen radio costs nearly ten times the price new.  But, if you need it, it's a nice pickup.

Even new, this Jenson portable radio is quite reasonably priced on Amazon and it does have an auxiliary input jack.

Earbuds Review: Sharper Image SHP893 PIXIS Earbuds

I recently bought a set of Sharper Image SHP893 PIXIS Metal Earbuds.  They only cost $9.99 at my local close-out discounter:  Ross.  Apparently, they have been discontinued at Sharper Image online.

Sharper Image SHP893 PIXIS Metallic Earbuds

Specifications

These Sharper Image earbuds boast 9mm diameter trumpets, 18-ohm impedance, 93+-3 dB/mW sensitivity, and 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response.  The microphone type is 4 x 1.5mm.  It has -42+-3 dB/mW sensitivity.  The flexible, tangle-free cord is 120 centimeters (about 4 feet) long. It has a standard 3.5mm stereo plug which is compatible with most portable devices.  There is a disconnect button on the microphone.

Style

These earbuds have a plastic body with a metal barrel around the speaker.  The back of each earbud is open with a metal grate.  Two additional earpads are provided for those who would prefer larger or smaller pads for a good fit.  My earbuds were black, but on Amazon you can find Sharper Image SHP893 earbuds in different colors.

Sound

These earbuds sound quite good.  They promise superior sound, ultra bass boost, and noise isolation.  For the most part they deliver.  However, I think that the "noise isolation" is merely due to the earpads.

Overall

I recommend Sharper Image PIXIS SHP893 earbuds.  I've used them for all day conference calls and found them quite comfortable.  They sound good and offer a good value for the money.