This Christmas I had two choices: either I let my old stereo die or replace it with something new and modern that could do things like streaming my old system could not.

I've been replacing it by bits, but my old amp was on its last legs.

I did my homework. I read reviews, looked at specs and found something I could afford and gave me the kind of options I wanted.

The core of my new system is a Cambridge Audio ARX-85. It's a capable little amp that can push 85 watts over two pairs of speakers. It can handle a CD player, AV audio and a turntable. Its Bluetooth connectivity allows me to steam off my phone or computer.

I matched it with a Cambridge Audio AXC35 CD player.

I added a Furman power director, so clean power is going in, and I already had the Sony Blu-ray player.

This Audio Technica LP140XP is connected directly to the ARX85 with no need for a pre-amp. The required circuitry is built in like it was in older systems where a turntable was de rigueur. People still love their Vinyl and this generation of equipment excels at filling that niche.

I'm still experimenting with all this cool stuff this little system can do. I have it hooked up to my TV, so it can give me theater sound for DVDs or television. The tricks I can play with the Bluetooth connectivity are only constrained by imagination. Being able to stream right off my computer is loads of fun.

My only regret is I didn't go with the next step up: the ARX100. I'm getting over it. That would have made the whole system pricier than I wanted to go.

As a tekkie, I am used to struggling with tech to make it work. This system acts like it never heard of Murphy. Everything I've tried has worked right the first time with no problems. This hardware is a joy to work with, not a struggle. Cambridge Audio equipment is well worth looking into.

Anyone can build a banging system with a big pile of money. The core of this one only cost ~750. The rest of the hardware was already on hand.