Going to college soon...

I want to have a good sound system inside my dormitory. There is no fear of it being stolen by dormmates since I am rooming with my best friend since kindergarden...

I want a decent audio system in the 300 dollar range. I like the modern looks of the Harman/Karden systems, but they seem a bit expensive.

Can any audiophiles suggest a modern looking system (IE the stainless steel look of the Harman) that is within the price range?

A two channel system would be fine, with probably 2x50 watt speakers, since the dorm room is small. A system that'll play good techno/electronic music, along with classical etc. Thanks.

Hey just cause its your best friend doesnt mean much. Other people come in dorm rooms and I know a lot of people have stuff stolen all the time, espically at party schools.
Stop in at Office Depot, there is a panasonic unit the color u describe and for the price has great sound. I think it was 120 and if you need more base you could rig a computer sub to it with the extra money and still have enough left over for another.

Pair of new Paradigm Atoms ($189). Go to a pawnshop and look for CD/DVD player and plug it into any off the shelf two channel receiver.

Speakers make the most immediate difference in a system. Get the best speakers you can afford if you're cost constrained.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

Best Buy or other big box retailer will have multiple systems in your price range. Bring along a few of your favorite CD's to see which system sounds best.

So Kuan what do you think about Paradigm?

The way you rave about them and along with your love of music I have to try a pair out because they must be good.

Well I like the new generation Paradigms a lot, not because I think they're the best speaker out there but because they are a great value. I got a pair for the kid's room last year and they sound great! No frills, just a box with good components.

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

I checked the prices and they are indeed very inexpensive. What would you recommend for a decent home theater set up for a 26x32 room ?

I have an Onkyo 989.

I don't know that much about home theater, but if it were up to me, I'd get the biggest baddest speakers for the L and R front just so music sounds good also. Phantoms maybe. Rears can be either Paradigm Titans or Paradigm Atoms. Get the center channel CC 270 and a good sub. I don't quite like the sub that paradigm sells. I've heard it before and it doesn't provide you with the proper "earthquake rumble" that a good sub should. It's too small for your room anyway.

You can see the specs for these pieces on the website:

http://www.paradigm.ca/Website/SiteParadigmProduct/ParadigmModels/Performance/PerformanceSpecs.htm

Anyway you wanna get a piece which goes down to like 18hz. Shake the footings off your foundation!

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

Dang. That oughtta get the worms movin' and a groovin'.

Dune...

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

I ran paradigms forever with my old Integra DTR 9.1 (basically the boutique version of your 989, Med). Loved the sound, and they were rock solid reliable and cheap. I recently moved all that stuff into the basement and got set up with some Onix Rockets. Check out avsforum.com. They seem to get more hype than any other speaker on there (a few years ago I got turned onto paradigms through there). Their top shelf reference floorstander is I think only 1500/pair and they are absoluetly amazing. I used to sell boutique audio equiptment and these speakers will hang with anything in the world. You can check out their speakers at avs123.com. Definately a worhwhile consideration.