Shop Stereo Options; Lets Discuss

[xs650shawn]

I use a vintage Reference by Quadraflex 650 FET-R reciever with a JVC 6 disc changer, and some somewhat tatty looking but great sounding Athena AS-F2 speakers, with a plug-in Bluetooth receiver. Most all the cds and some vinyl have been ripped to .wav and. flac files on my phone and my Fiio, but occasionally I like a cd in the garage. This setup is only rated at 65 wpc, but pounds in my garage, probably due to some less than ideal corner placement of the speakers.

 

[Gigem]

Couple of SONOS speakers and call it good

 

[acer66]

Hope this okay to ask a question about a subwoofer that was given to me.
This thing is gigantic and heavy.
I have no idea if I can use it nor what kind of amplifier I would need.
Thank you

 

[Sumboodie]

Cheap IPOD/mp3 player with all of my music loaded on it. Come into the shop, turn on the stereo and push play. Haven't heard the same song in more than a week listening 7-8 hours a day. And no commercials.

~$29.99 cd player/radio from Walmart 15 years ago. Been plugged 24/7 in current garage since 2009.

Last thing I need is loud boom boom boom music while I'm trying to work.
Volume just loud enough I can hear it but doesn't piss me off when trying to concentrate.

 

[Sumboodie]

Who actually has mp3's anymore?
I have lots of stuff on mp3 but I stopped buying/stealing music in that format years ago and mostly use pandora, spotify, etc for music now days. I do still listen to the old tracks I have but frankly, that stuff in on the streaming services too.

My biggest issue with bluetooth is when I walk out of the garage the music stops and starts playing in my hearing aid and then I have to reconnect when I come back in. Hearing aid makes me seem old huh! Protect your ears kids...

Pandora will eat up phone data in a hurry though. Mp3s don't.

The phone coverage is **** at my house too. I have dead zones in my house and apparently I live in 2 time zones, as my phone keeps changing if I have it on "use network time"

 

[Dancing Bear]

Hope this okay to ask a question about a subwoofer that was given to me.
This thing is gigantic and heavy.
I have no idea if I can use it nor what kind of amplifier I would need.
Thank you

Cerwin Vega makes good stuff, with that being said what you have there was actually used as a large center channel speaker. There was another speaker that should have gone where that large hole is between the subwoofer drivers. Google searching found very limited documentation on that speaker. Cerwin Vega's website doesn't have the manual listed anymore.

What info I was able to find states that those speakers were rated for 150 watts ... I'm assuming from my knowledge of CV products that it is RMS and not peak. Here's what I'd do if I was you: Use it! it will sound great if it works. Take out the small speaker (tweeter) and plug the tweeter hole and the midrange hole (the other large hole I mentioned earlier). Get a subwoofer plate amplifier and mount it on the back of the box. I would not use the crossover built in to the speaker itself, reviews online said it was not well designed from the factory.

As far as plate amplifiers, I'd get one that puts out 300W RMS and call it a day. Now on that speaker plate for the CV's, it says "8 ohms per subwoofer" assuming they are single voice coil, you can parallel wire those down to a 4 Ohm load. I looked on parts-express.com and the only subwoofer plate amp that is close to the power you want is this one: https://www.parts-express.com/Bash-500S-500W-Digital-Subwoofer-Amplifier-300-752

The reason I linked that one is because all of the others are on backorder ... If you can find one from a different source that is closer to 300W RMS, that would be ideal. If you dont care about having maximum output from those subs, you could go with the 100W plate amplifier that is in stock. It would give you a solid thump, and save some $$$ but would certainly leave a lot of potential speaker output on the table.

 

[acer66]

Cerwin Vega makes good stuff, with that being said what you have there was actually used as a large center channel speaker. There was another speaker that should have gone where that large hole is between the subwoofer drivers. Google searching found very limited documentation on that speaker. Cerwin Vega's website doesn't have the manual listed anymore.

What info I was able to find states that those speakers were rated for 150 watts ... I'm assuming from my knowledge of CV products that it is RMS and not peak. Here's what I'd do if I was you: Use it! it will sound great if it works. Take out the small speaker (tweeter) and plug the tweeter hole and the midrange hole (the other large hole I mentioned earlier). Get a subwoofer plate amplifier and mount it on the back of the box. I would not use the crossover built in to the speaker itself, reviews online said it was not well designed from the factory.

As far as plate amplifiers, I'd get one that puts out 300W RMS and call it a day. Now on that speaker plate for the CV's, it says "8 ohms per subwoofer" assuming they are single voice coil, you can parallel wire those down to a 4 Ohm load. I looked on parts-express.com and the only subwoofer plate amp that is close to the power you want is this one: https://www.parts-express.com/Bash-500S-500W-Digital-Subwoofer-Amplifier-300-752

The reason I linked that one is because all of the others are on backorder ... If you can find one from a different source that is closer to 300W RMS, that would be ideal. If you dont care about having maximum output from those subs, you could go with the 100W plate amplifier that is in stock. It would give you a solid thump, and save some $$$ but would certainly leave a lot of potential speaker output on the table.

Wow, thank you very much for taking the time to research and post this.
I emailed them but after they send me a list with
speaker models in it the conversation ended.
I attached what they send me.

Have to see what my receiver can put out but I doubt anything serious since it is just a cheapo rca freebee.

Thanks again.

Model: HT-210C			Description: Dual 10" Center/ Subwoofer
Power Handling: 150 Watts/Sub, 80 Watts/Center	Impedance: 8 ohms
Frequency response: 38Hz-20kHz		Sensitivity: 94 dB
Item		Model	​	CV Stock#
Tweeter		ATV-1		LSESW2000
Midrange	VM-6		LSCSV2000
Woofer		VW10		LSCHD1030
Crossover			CXSHD2010
Grille				SGBHD1230

 

[Dancing Bear]

Wow, thank you very much for taking the time to research and post this.
I emailed them but after they send me a list with
speaker models in it the conversation ended.
I attached what they send me.

Have to see what my receiver can put out but I doubt anything serious since it is just a cheapo rca freebee.

Thanks again.

Model: HT-210C			Description: Dual 10" Center/ Subwoofer
Power Handling: 150 Watts/Sub, 80 Watts/Center	Impedance: 8 ohms
Frequency response: 38Hz-20kHz		Sensitivity: 94 dB
Item		Model	​	CV Stock#
Tweeter		ATV-1		LSESW2000
Midrange	VM-6		LSCSV2000
Woofer		VW10		LSCHD1030
Crossover			CXSHD2010
Grille				SGBHD1230

If that RCA receiver has an amplified subwoofer output and not just a pre-out, it's probably around 50-100W RMS. If it's there, you could always try hooking it up and seeing if it works! I'd definitely test the speakers first and make sure they work before spending your hard-earned money on a plate amp.

 

[ugotd8]

So proud of my garage sale vintage stereo setup. Probably have less than $100 in the whole thing. Like many others have said, mp3s over bluetooth or wireless is the answer. Best part, I can play music from my phone and never have to touch the setup. Also that 'box' in the center top is a light from the 80s that flashes different colors to the music. The speakers are klipsch, I foget what model but also made in the 80s they have a huge rear facing woofer and bass is not a problem.

 

[HPRifleman]

Lots of input here on semi-permanent systems with fancy speakers. What about simpler options that are a little more portable?

I would like something better than my iPhone speaker to listen to the Sirius Yacht Rock channel. I want to do justice to Michael McDonald's vocal range. But I expect to move the system periodically between the garage and my reloading room depending on where I am working at the time. In my head it's just a speaker that detects my phone's Bluetooth but maybe there are better options.

Anybody have a somewhat mobile setup?

 

[Citation]

Lots of input here on semi-permanent systems with fancy speakers. What about simpler options that are a little more portable?

I would like something better than my iPhone speaker to listen to the Sirius Yacht Rock channel. I want to do justice to Michael McDonald's vocal range. But I expect to move the system periodically between the garage and my reloading room depending on where I am working at the time. In my head it's just a speaker that detects my phone's Bluetooth but maybe there are better options.

Anybody have a somewhat mobile setup?

My wife has an UltimateEars (sp?) Wounderboom bluetooth speaker. It quite impressive for it's small size (about as tall as a Coke can and about 2x the diameter). I think they are around $100. I have an Altec Lancing Lifejacket jolt. It was a Target clearance deal for around $30. It doesn't sound as good as the UE but it does have really good battery life. Both can run off wall power if you get a USB charger. I'm sure there are lots of decent bluetooth speakers. Some are priced really well some are priced as if they were really good vs just decent...
This is popular on one of the deal sites. $23 - presumably with Amazon prime.

Amazon.com

 

[MattN03]

Lots of input here on semi-permanent systems with fancy speakers. What about simpler options that are a little more portable?

I would like something better than my iPhone speaker to listen to the Sirius Yacht Rock channel. I want to do justice to Michael McDonald's vocal range. But I expect to move the system periodically between the garage and my reloading room depending on where I am working at the time. In my head it's just a speaker that detects my phone's Bluetooth but maybe there are better options.

Anybody have a somewhat mobile setup?

JBL makes some pretty decent speakers of various size that are battery powered and portable. I have one of their smaller models and it's pretty good for what it is. They make some much larger (boom box size) that are still portable and would sound pretty good for what they are.

 

[FMB4]

I've been running a vintage Centrex (by Pioneer) 40 watt per chn rcvr with a pair of old 15" 3 way furniture speakers for the last 20 or so years. This rcvr is an AB amp design and, as such, it can momentarily supply enough watts to the 15s. I run this garage system in mono. The foam 15" inch woofer surrounds are starting to fail (spkrs are from the early '80s), so I'll be making an attempt to replace said surrounds in the near future.

And yes, Cerwin Vega makes good stuff that typically offers fairly high sensitivity (meaning they can sound good with lower watt systems, especially AB type amps).

 

[Sumboodie]

I have a ~$30 CD boombox that's set to 100.9 and has been on for years.
Just loud enough to hear it, can't stand working with loud music.

 

[CSRPenFab]

JBL makes some pretty decent speakers of various size that are battery powered and portable. I have one of their smaller models and it's pretty good for what it is. They make some much larger (boom box size) that are still portable and would sound pretty good for what they are.

Agreed. I use a JBL "Charge" bluetooth speaker in my shop. It's paired to a cheap Amazon Echo dot also in the shop. Getting tunes is as easy as saying "Alexa play Yacht Rock radio on Amazon music" and away it goes. If my hands are full and I need the music muted for some reason, it's as easy as saying "Alexa pause". Works very well and the sound quality easily fills my 1,000 square foot shop. If I'm working out near the door, I can simply pick up the speaker and take it with me.

 

[MoparMikeO]

I have Sonos speakers, you can stream through the usual services, Alexa, google,Google,. They are not cheap, but sound great. I have a pair of Fives in the big section (30x60), a One in the single car section.

 

[BombShelter]

Big thread with legs! Like someone said before, check out https://www.parts-express.com/ before you start sawing speaker cabinets, you will not be happy with the sound unless your a sound engineer and vintage speaker pricing is going crazy.

Personally, my garage is all about a killer sound system, and does it get loud? Yep the day Eddie died it was on 10. I've got my main vintage Onkyo Stack in a computer server cabinet, sometimes you can find these at auctions for dirt cheap and they fit the stereos perfectly, the little ones are about 4' tall and also have enough room for a turntable (on a pull out shelf with very nice ball bearing action) and some other components. Polk 10's are on either side of the LCD along with a full internet connection but I do mostly vinyl and cassette unless I'm listening to a concert on YouTube.

You will have a hard time getting good sound in your garage but you know what, some of the most sought after recordings came from "garage bands" yep, bands that recorded in their garage so the sound is just like being there!

If you find vintage audio for cheap at garage sales, grab it! I've been collecting for over twenty years, I used to get recievers for $4.99 at GW Thrift, now they go for over $100 if not much more. Good deals on vintage audio is a thing of the past but you will find some nuggets.

 

[HPRifleman]

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't necessarily need a battery solution (in fact, I prefer plug in power) but I will take a look at the options.

 

[PoorUB]

Lots of input here on semi-permanent systems with fancy speakers. What about simpler options that are a little more portable?

I would like something better than my iPhone speaker to listen to the Sirius Yacht Rock channel. I want to do justice to Michael McDonald's vocal range. But I expect to move the system periodically between the garage and my reloading room depending on where I am working at the time. In my head it's just a speaker that detects my phone's Bluetooth but maybe there are better options.

Anybody have a somewhat mobile setup?

There is a ton of Bluetooth speaker set ups to pick from. IMO, most of them are just a bit lacking and don't work well in a large room, but are better than the cell pone speaker!
In one room I have a fairly expensive set of computer speakers, ($200) with a added Bluetooth receiver. They have the right and left speaker and a subwoofer and sound pretty good.

 

[yugami]

What are you all using to get music from your phone to the system? I don't like bluetooth for several reasons but mostly range. I used to really like the google chromecast audio, that worked great but they don't make it any more.

Raspberry Pi with an amplifier running volumio. Will play local music, stream over the local network from the phone or play Spotify.

Keeps going no matter where I am or wander on the property with the wifi coverage I have.

I run three of them, one in the living room, over in the attached garage and one in the shop.

 

[Sumboodie]

I don't understand the big LOUD stereo in the shop - I like music on in the background, but loud gets annoying fast.

I have an old laptop I use for looking up parts and such and just run "internet radio" for music.

There are tons of categories of music and lots of stations to choose from in each category so I never have to listen to the same thing twice if I don't want to. The fun part is discovering new stations from around the world - I even listened to Japanese pop for a bit - it was kind of fun!

It's plenty loud enough to hear anywhere in my small shop.

Same.

I might crank it up for a minute or two when Shania comes on, but otherwise, at a moderate volume is plenty.

 

[Yankeefarmer]

Agreed. I use a JBL "Charge" bluetooth speaker in my shop. It's paired to a cheap Amazon Echo dot also in the shop. Getting tunes is as easy as saying "Alexa play Yacht Rock radio on Amazon music" and away it goes. If my hands are full and I need the music muted for some reason, it's as easy as saying "Alexa pause". Works very well and the sound quality easily fills my 1,000 square foot shop. If I'm working out near the door, I can simply pick up the speaker and take it with me.

I don’t think I could say,”Alexa play Yacht Rock radio on Amazon music" without getting tongue-tied.

 

[acer66]

I sometimes switch off the lights in my windowless shop and immerse and loose myself in some rather loud and driving music.

 

[Citation]

Thanks for the suggestions. I don't necessarily need a battery solution (in fact, I prefer plug in power) but I will take a look at the options.

The built in rechargable battery in missy BT speakers makes that kind of a non issue. My Altec speaker is good for something like 15 hr and can run off a USB cord (included).

 

[73project]

Going old school, pioneer amp, tuner & speakers, SA-8800 amp TX-8800 tuner & a pair of HPM-100 speakers, I love the sound of those amps plus the flourascan display looks good.

Listening to a set of HPM-100's through a SX-1080 as we speak. I bought this new in 1978 when I was in high school! Still sounds excellent, but I would never think of putting it in a garage!

 

[Renegade1LI]

Listening to a set of HPM-100's through a SX-1080 as we speak. I bought this new in 1978 when I was in high school! Still sounds excellent, but I would never think of putting it in a garage!

Just picked this set up of marketplace for 100$ this might be the new garage set up and it all works. Going to set up with a pair of pioneer 60s, should have a nice sound.

 

[PoorUB]

Same.

I might crank it up for a minute or two when Shania comes on, but otherwise, at a moderate volume is plenty.

Some like it loud, some like soft elevator music. Just because someone has $2,000 in a shop stereo doesn't mean loud. It has a "throttle" you can set it to any volume you like.

Usually higher end, higher priced systems sound better. If the sound quality is unimportant to you then something cheap and simple is fine, for you. I am kind of middle of the road.

My current shop system is all used stuff, or componants I have owned for decades. It will play loud if I like, but generally it is just loud enough to hear over some of the less intrusive equipment.

 

[Magnum440d100]

Put this one together the other week ago.

Got the receiver free when I was in San Diego last year. Got the speakers (with the accompanying stereo) about 10 years ago. The stereo is long gone.

iPhone dongle to a 3.5mm aux cable, and I play off my phone.

Sounds good enough I can hear the music while working outside. As I get the garage more set up, I’ll spread the speakers out, put the receiver in a better spot, and get everything “tuned”. But for now, it beats a silent garage.

I have a 2.1 computer system as well I could possibly use out in the garage. And I just might. Eventually, this “system” and all things tool related will be moved into the pole barn/shop. But that’s a whole different thread lol

 

[Renegade1LI]

Lots of input here on semi-permanent systems with fancy speakers. What about simpler options that are a little more portable?

I would like something better than my iPhone speaker to listen to the Sirius Yacht Rock channel. I want to do justice to Michael McDonald's vocal range. But I expect to move the system periodically between the garage and my reloading room depending on where I am working at the time. In my head it's just a speaker that detects my phone's Bluetooth but maybe there are better options.

Anybody have a somewhat mobile setup?

Right now I'm using my DeWalt tough system radio, it actually has great sound & charges the batteries.

DEWALT TOUGHSYSTEM 14-1/2 in. Portable and Stackable Radio/Digital Music Player with Bluetooth and Battery Charger DWST08810 - The Home Depot

Get a digital sound processor for sound optimization from DEWALT ToughSystem Portable and Stackable Radio or Digital Music Player with Bluetooth.

www.homedepot.com

 

[Metal-Marc]

I have a ~$30 CD boombox that's set to 100.9 and has been on for years.
Just loud enough to hear it, can't stand working with loud music.

The loud music is not for working. The loud music is for partying.

 

[Sumboodie]

Some like it loud, some like soft elevator music. Just because someone has $2,000 in a shop stereo doesn't mean loud. It has a "throttle" you can set it to any volume you like.

Usually higher end, higher priced systems sound better. If the sound quality is unimportant to you then something cheap and simple is fine, for you. I am kind of middle of the road.

My current shop system is all used stuff, or componants I have owned for decades. It will play loud if I like, but generally it is just loud enough to hear over some of the less intrusive equipment.

A $20 radio sounds about the same to me as a $2000 radio

The loud music is not for working. The loud music is for partying.

I don't party. Too old for that.

 

[PoorUB]

A $20 radio sounds about the same to me as a $2000 radio

Then buy the $20 radio.

Me, I have a bit more appreciation for music then a $20 radio will provide, but I don't need to spend thousands of dollars either.

On the other hand I will bet you spend money on something that many would think if foolish. It seems to me that everyone has their vices. Some people spend tons of money on golf, or some sport, some fish, hunt, travel, collect screwdrivers, some people spend thousands of dollars on old cars. Some people like expensive stereos. Some people spends tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of dollars to build a garage that they turn into a family room that thay happen to park a couple old car inside. There is always something.

Years ago I bought a Harley Davidson. It was something like $22,000. My dad about blew his top, even though I was 45 years old. He couldn't believe I was crazy enough to spend money like that. I looked at him and said, yes, but I know someone that has a boat, a snowmobile and a ATV and I don't own any! (He did though!) He calmed down a bit then.

 

[Sumboodie]

On the other hand I will bet you spend money on something that many would think if foolish.

Doubt it.

Mostly spend money on a roof over my head and food.

I don't collect things. Most everything I own has a valid use and isn't just "because"

 

[f121]

Lots of input here on semi-permanent systems with fancy speakers. What about simpler options that are a little more portable?

I would like something better than my iPhone speaker to listen to the Sirius Yacht Rock channel. I want to do justice to Michael McDonald's vocal range. But I expect to move the system periodically between the garage and my reloading room depending on where I am working at the time. In my head it's just a speaker that detects my phone's Bluetooth but maybe there are better options.

Anybody have a somewhat mobile setup?

I use a job site radio (buy the one powered by the same batteries as the rest of your kit) or a bose soundlink mini (which sounds incredible):

 

[jonshonda]

I was able to score a nice Infinity home theater setup with 4 quality bookshelf sized speakers, center channel, and 12" sub, and nice Marantz receiver. Playing in stereo mode w/ all 5 speakers and sub running. Because of shelving and other wall obstructions, they needed to be smaller speakers, which I have mounted in the 4 corners of the garage. I blew the amp on the sub already, and am now looking for a pair of 12" subs that I will make custom attic mounted enclosures for.

I don't have a need to turn music up loud, but when I am listening to music I do want the frequencies well represented, hence the (2) 12" sub thought. Meaning I want to hear the bass, kick drum, toms, and deeper tones as well as the highs and mids. It's just like any high end setup with lots of power, at moderate listening levels it just sounds so much better. And in a 600sqft room you need a fair amount of drivers to fill the space, especially when the listening position changes frequently.

 

[PoorUB]

Doubt it.

Mostly spend money on a roof over my head and food.

I don't collect things. Most everything I own has a valid use and isn't just "because"

"Collect" alcohol and/or cigarettes?

Trustme, you spend money on something that someone else considers a waste, everyone does!

 

[39Tudor]

My son gave me his old Sony receiver and a pair of Bose 201 speakers when he upgraded.
I also have an old iPod stocked full of my music which is running in the aux input.
Like others have mentioned, I prefer the music as background noise until ZZ Top makes the set list, then wind it up!

 

[Sumboodie]

"Collect" alcohol and/or cigarettes?

Trustme, you spend money on something that someone else considers a waste, everyone does!

Nope, don't drink or smoke.

Probably the only thing I've bought in the last 10 years "just because" is my race car. That set me back about $3500 between the purchase and a few parts

 

[nadogail]

My work shop is a workshop, not a theater or a concert hall, I would not think it appropriate to weld, grind, or saw in a theater or concert hall. My workshop is a place to work, maybe while hearing some tunes when not making chips, sparks and noise,

 

[jonshonda]

So what's the point of posting in here then? Just to sh!t on other people's interest or enjoyment?

My work shop is a workshop, not a theater or a concert hall, I would not think it appropriate to weld, grind, or saw in a theater or concert hall. My workshop is a place to work, maybe while hearing some tunes when not making chips, sparks and noi