Karaoke Forums

Hello,
 Ive been reading these forums for a while and have gotten some great info and done a little research however the amount of stuff available to a "rookie" is overwhelming to say the least. I would like to purchase a home karaoke system for myself and an occasional friend. I dont need the greatest but I dont want something that sounds like junk either. I am a "soft" singer so I need to get in some practice and for an occaisional party it would be fun. I would like to spend up to $500 or so for something simple. I have a color tv, i could hook up for graphics and would rather go this route than with a computer type system. Ive seen some RSQ portable ones for about that price, but there are some that just look like a player. Those I would need to get speakers , is that all? Yes, I am lost when it comes to all this karaoke jargon but I dont want a barbie-sing along. If you could pass on some recomendations I would appreciate it.
                    thanks, Rick

You say you don't expect the greatest gear for your money because you are limited to 500 bucks ....

There are $2000.00 systems out there you can have for 500 bucks or less...all you gotta do is be patient and shop carefully for each item.

Yep, no joke.

But first, think of it this way....A pro karaoke system in only a stage PA system with a CD+G player added.

There are tons of quality used powered mixers, mixers, amps, speakers and the rest available at pawn shops, music stores, classified ads and word of mouth. You should never pay more than 1/2 of MSRP for used PA gear...So that already grants you a huge savings, huh?

All you have to do then is make certain that each piece you find is exactly what you need and works well with the others as a system.

Start with speakers.....Find yourself a quality pair of used  2-way speakers cheap. Just make sure they are 8 Ohm and at least 12" with real horns and rated at least 200 watts program.

Then look for a good used amp that will pump at least the program rating of the speakers at 8 Ohms on each channel/side of the amp.

All that's left is a mixer....You can buy a suitable mixer new from an etailer for 50 bucks.....Believe me, it will work fine with your used quality stuff until you can afford a better mixer.

Then add any CD+G player and a mic and you are ready....Really ready....At least ready enuff to use at home with great satisfaction.

I suggest you start looking for used PA stuff first....When you find something you think might work for you, post it here and we can advise you if it is a good deal and if it will work properly with the rest of your stuff as you assemble the whole system.

It doesn't have to cost a lot of money to do it right, but it gets real expensive when you do it wrong.

Thanks Keith,
     Thanks. Yes, I am limited to 500 bucks, but only because I didnt feel the need of an "outstanding" system and its really just for home entertainment. I will get busy on the parts part of it and check back here. I dont mind the leg work involved or the putting it together part once I know which direction to go. I will look into the speakers end of it first and come back for the ya's and nay's.
                              thanks again, Rick

I really hope you take my advice and start with the speakers first.....That really is the way to go. Find some that sound good and will fill your listening space properly and then match an amp to them.

It's ok to go too big on the amp, but never too small.