I was looking for a stereo system as well. We needed a simple system which could provide good sound. A lot of the shelf systems we saw were either too bulky or ugly, or flimsy looking. Since we wanted something relatively compact we did not want to buy a separate receiver. That's when i decided to go with this unit sold here.
http://www.jr.com/teac-cd-receiver-with-ipod-dock/pe/TEA_CRH227I/
retails at 400, sells at 260. I actually bought mine at electronics-expo because i live in NJ but it isn't on sale there anymore. You will not find a better price. For the speakers i bought the Energy C-200 which were recommended to me by someone at audioadvisor. They are on sale for 150 and retail at 320 http://www.audioadvisor.com/prodinfo.asp?number=ENC200.
As far as I understand wattage is not a quality rating i.e. 40 is not twice as good as 20, but a power rating. A receiver that sends out 100 watts will be twice as loud as one that sends out 10 watts. IF you wana compare loudness you have to look for the decibel rating.
Folks,
OK, so I'm an old fart (with a wonderful wife) that lives in an apt. and listens to popular American music... Buble, Streisand, Jonathan Schwartz on radio, etc., etc or NPR talk. Looking for a shelf system with decent capabilities for living room, that might even be heard in other rooms. Looking at Sony BX20i, RCA 2121i and maybe Panasonic SC-HC3. (Has to be attractive enuf and not look like made for a dorm room.) Really limited knowledge of audio. i.e. RCA rated at 50W while Sony at 25W. Twice as good? loud? Haven't seen the Panasonic (40W) in person yet.
Input appreciated... even if you have other ideas.... willing to spend a couple of hundred but need the above capabilities and have limited space.
Thanks
Chowhound
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