Karaoke Forums

Hi, all.

I'd like to get a Karaoke sytem for my wife for Christmas. Since this will be a first system I don't want to go crazy but I also want something that is of good quality and has some flexibility in song choices, etc. My wife has had classical voice training and aspires to continue to improve, but this is just for fun.

I've done some research and browsed the forums and I am getting marginally more familiar with my options, but I am also overwhelmed. As far as I can tell, I have three broad options:

* All-in-one system
* A component player (I've got a decent home theater)
* MagicSing microphone

It seems like DC+G is the standard format for all-in-one's and component systems, though I notice that some component players support Neo+G. Any thoughts on the advantages and disadvantages of these choices? I am leaning away from the MagicSing just because I feel like song choices will be more limited (and more expensive to try to add new songs, 95% she would probably never use). I like DC+G because I can buy some specific discs for artists/song types she likes.

Franky, I'm trying to keep within a fairly low budget for this (maybe around $300, or even less), and I'm willing to make some compromises, but I'm kind of a gadget guy and I see a component player that has DTS surround sound and component video and my geek-sense starts to stir. That said, I don't need camera, video recording, and maybe even sound recording is not essential. Being able to change the key of the music is a must-have.

Beyond these broad options, it's also hard for me to determine what's a good player manufacturer. I also have no idea what song discs are any good. There are so many companies making so many different discs, many of which overlap.

So...after thaty long-winded intro .... any general thoughts on my options and what else I should be considering? I appreciate the help.

SMC I personally had one of the small (and I mean small) little home karaoke units and that did just fine for initial home use for under $200.  However, you state that your wife has had training so while it will do OK she probable won't be ultra pleased with the sound quality.  Do a search of this Tech forum and you'll see a number of postings asking a similar question and you'll see that home stereo speakers won't adequately handle live vocals.

I just purchased a home PA system with powered amp and a CAVS player along with 2700 songs.  Total cost was approx. $1,100 before shipping.  If you live in the lower 48 there is no shipping issue.  Your system could cost a lot less since about $420 of my system was the songs and I bought a PA system much larger than is needed for home use (speaker cabs with 15" woofers and 6" horn if I remember correctly).

Lonman has made several suggestions on systems for home use on a budget.  Check out his suggestions.  Personally, I couldn't be happier with my decision to 'upgrade' my setup and my wife enjoys it tremendously.

Good Luck and I hope you find what you're looking for.

The discs are the biggest expense.   Twice as much as regular music CDs.