So, you have decided to go for hi-fi separates -- what next? The variety of equipment available in terms of quality, price and looks is confusing and can be rather intimidating, not to mention the mediocre service provided by our island's hi-fi retailers. If you have decided to buy a mini hi-fi system after all, there are three recommendations that are easy to find at major department stores. The Philips FW66 offers good sound for $400, while the Aiwa NSX-V90 and JVC MXD4T provide superior sonics for $100 more. Above these prices, one is better off buying separates. For places to shop and compare prices, there are two shopping centres to visit -- Sim Lim Square on Bencoolen Street and the Adelphi on North Bridge Road.

MORE TECHNOLOGICAL GOBBLEDEGOOK

A basic hi-fi setup consists of three parts. Firstly, a device reads the data off a compact disc and converts the information into an electrical signal. The second part amplifies the signal to a level strong enough to activate the third part, which then transforms the amplified signal into sound waves -- voila! In simplest real-world forms, these three parts correspond to a CD player, an integrated amplifier, and a pair of loudspeakers. All of these items are linked together with wires which are a vital part of the sonic chain. For first-timers, the question is how to find separates that are low in price but perform very well i.e. value-for- money.

ON THE STARTING BLOCKS: CD PLAYERS

At the lowest price range, the NAD 510 ($200) is the cheapest of the lot. The grey fascia may turn off those who put a premium on looks, and this little baby comes without a remote control. The sound is nothing to shout about, but at this price, who's complaining? The Marantz CD-46 ($250) is a good looker, sleek and stylish with a soft-mould appearance. The sonic quality is something to marvel at this price, which makes this player a very good buy. Those who would like a cozier sound may incline to the NAD 512. Simply-designed, this unit retains the distinctive NAD sound that has made the company a favourite among budget hi-fi aficiondos.

Pioneer players have a special loading tray that requires the user to place the CD printed side down onto a turntable! This unusual system can be found in the PD-504S ($370). Another innovation is the Legato Link function, that allegedly smooths the sound and makes it more appealling to the ear. This addition can be found with the turntable tray in the Pioneer PD-802 ($500). The famous Marantz CD-63 has attracted many supporters over the years, and units can still be found in the shops for about. Similarly, the improved Marantz CD-63SE ($500) is another good buy, having won a string of hi-fi magazine awards in the last two years for its winning combination of sleek looks, ample functions and smooth, crystal-clear sound. Lastly, the Arcam Alpha One sports a distinctly full-bodied sound, priced at a rather expensive $650.

THE NEXT LINK: AMPLIFIERS

The NAD 310 ($200) is a no-frills amp that is aimed at pleasing the pocket while turning in a decent performance. The Rotel RA-930AX2 ($300) is also a small but mean machine, capable of outperforming more expensive machines. The NAD 312 ($300) continues in the long tradition in supplying great amplification at a low price. At $500, a great buy is the strong and steady Arcam Alpha 5 Plus. Its bold and impressive sound will win many admirers (and buyers!). For those with deep pockets and exquisite taste, the legendary Audiolab 8000A ($800) gives an insightful and highly analytical approach to the music.

THE TSUNAMI OF SOUND: LOUDSPEAKERS

There are more loudspeakers available than any other piece of audio equipment. However, some models have emerged to be very popular among budget audiophiles. The PSB Alphas ($200) are plain to look at, but sonically impressive at the price. The current king of budget speakers, the KEF Coda 7 ($290), rock and rolls with a punchy and forward sound that will hook most pop and rock listeners. Those who provide the cooler sounds of classical or jazz will prefer the Mordaunt-Short MS10i, giving a rounded and smoother quality as compared with the hard and aggressive Codas. All these speakers are bookshelf (i.e. small) speakers, and all prices are for a pair. Speaker stands are required for bookshelf speakers, and popular ones include the Partington ZLS and the Atacama SE-24 ($205). The combined cost of bookshelf speakers and stands can be on the high side, so an increasingly popular alternative is to buy one of the lower-priced floorstanding speakers. The Gale 4 ($500) has a mellow sound that is more suited for quiet works rather than normal pop music. The Mission 733 ($640) is an attractive-sounding unit, with good bass extension. The KEF Coda 9 ($560) has a hidden bass port in the enclosure that also provides kicking bass while retaining the punchy sound of its smaller cousin, the Coda 7.

WE WANT MORE! WE WANT MORE!

The information above provides the basic knowledge of the more popular pieces of equipment. Potential buyers are encouraged to shop around as the prices quoted above are not stable and may change over time (subject to the usual supply/demand factors). Other than Sim Lim Square and the Adelphi, one can also look around Pertama at Raffles City, Funan Centre and Plaza Singapura. For stands, Electrades at A-Z Building is worth a visit. For those who wish to find out more about hi-fi, magazines like "What Hi-Fi?" and "Hi-Fi World" are readily available at Times at Raffles City and Plaza Singapura. A more cost-effective way of learning more is to read all of the past year's issues of "What Hi-Fi?", available in the National Library (Central).

PUTTING HUMPTY TOGETHER...

This is the tricky part, and there is no sure way of doing it. The easiest way is to listen to a setup at a friendly shop, changing components at will, and buy the combination that pleases your ears and your pockets the most. Bring a few of your favourite CDs along to demo the hardware e.g. one classical, one hard rock, one female vocal. From the above list, one can put together a highly satisfying system for cheap. Buy the snazzy Marantz CD-46, add a NAD 310 and throw in a pair of PSB Alphas for a reasonable $650. More muscle? Replace the NAD with the Arcam Alpha 5 Plus for $300 more. Better CD player? Get the Marantz CD-63SE in exchange of 250 smuckeroos. Bigger speakers? The KEF Coda 9s will cost you another $360, bringing you to a cool $1560. But you may never go so far in hi-fi mania...

Isaak Koh (art30160@nus.sg) currently owns a NAD 514, NAD 304 and System Audio 930, connected with Audioquest Quartz and Nordost Flatline.

Next issue: Isaak goes into the mystical world of hi-fi wiring (Twilight Zone music...).