For PC Gaming Rig

[Soundman]

Just wanted to get a few ideas. I just rebuilt a PC designed for gaming. To complete this setup what I'd like to do is get rid of the PC speakers, get something for external amplification, and some more worthy speakers to connect to it. I thought about a pair of ELT 525's. This doesn't need to be a full setup, probably just start with a pair, or a pair with a center channel if the price is right. I can add a sub and surrounds, if necessary, later. Again this is mainly a gaming setup, but will probably be used to play music from time to time as well. Just wanted to get some ideas. I'm not looking to spend alot on this right now since i had to shell out a bit to rebuild the computer, just something to get me started with the flexibility to build onto later. This is not for a main listening area. This is going in my computer room, which is fairly small. I believe the room is about 12x12. I just wanted to get some ideas.

[Soundman]

oh, I no I didn't mention a price. I'd like to keep this under $500. I know that isn't a lot for high quality amplification and speakers, but again this isn't being used for critical listening, just to play some games and occasional music in a smaller room.

[WmAx]

I am here to propose unusual value suggestions.

Behringer B2030P speaker. $130/pair. Beyond the value of anything I know of, and I know of a lot. 3 pairs will make your full surround satellite system. Start with 1 or 2 pairs.

Dayton 10" powered sub. $130/each. Best value cheap sub around. Start with one. Get to two eventually, for optimum sound quality, if you intend to use this system for music listening.

Onkyo SR505 - Refurbished. $130-$160 each. Best you will do for this price. Has the required amplifiers, and a flexible active crossover to integrate the satellites and subwoofer(s).

If you get 1 pair of monitors, one sub and the reciever, you will be way below your budget. If you don't mind going $50-$70 over, go ahead and get 2 subwoofers at first.

I challenge anyone to match the Behringer suggestion for value.

-Chris

[Soundman]

I am here to propose unusual value suggestions.

Behringer B2030P speaker. $130/pair. Beyond the value of anything I know of, and I know of a lot. 3 pairs will make your full surround satellite system. Start with 1 or 2 pairs.

Dayton 10" powered sub. $130/each. Best value cheap sub around. Start with one. Get to two eventually, for optimum sound quality, if you intend to use this system for music listening.

Onkyo SR505 - Refurbished. $130-$160 each. Best you will do for this price. Has the required amplifiers, and a flexible active crossover to integrate the satellites and subwoofer(s).

If you get 1 pair of monitors, one sub and the reciever, you will be way below your budget. If you don't mind going $50-$70 over, go ahead and get 2 subwoofers at first.

I challenge anyone to match the Behringer suggestion for value.

-Chris

Thanks for the sugestion. That does sound like a good value. I'll look into those.

[Adam]

If you're willing to pay a bit more, you can get a brand new Onkyo 506 for $200 from Amazon (they've been on sale as low at $180, but aren't that low at the moment).

[Soundman]

Any other sugestions? Just looking for a few ideas for now.

[Soundman]

I am here to propose unusual value suggestions.

Behringer B2030P speaker. $130/pair. Beyond the value of anything I know of, and I know of a lot. 3 pairs will make your full surround satellite system. Start with 1 or 2 pairs.

Dayton 10" powered sub. $130/each. Best value cheap sub around. Start with one. Get to two eventually, for optimum sound quality, if you intend to use this system for music listening.

Onkyo SR505 - Refurbished. $130-$160 each. Best you will do for this price. Has the required amplifiers, and a flexible active crossover to integrate the satellites and subwoofer(s).

If you get 1 pair of monitors, one sub and the reciever, you will be way below your budget. If you don't mind going $50-$70 over, go ahead and get 2 subwoofers at first.

I challenge anyone to match the Behringer suggestion for value.

-Chris

How do the Behringer's compare to the AV123 ELT 525's? I haven't heard either, just getting ideas. The reason I ask is because I have an AV123 store credit, so I could get either one for close to the same price.

[Soundman]

How do the Behringer's compare to the AV123 ELT 525's? I haven't heard either, just getting ideas. The reason I ask is because I have an AV123 store credit, so I could get either one for close to the same price.

Anyone heard 'em? :confused:

[Soundman]

Any other suggestions for speakers for PC use? I'm looking for speakers that would do well in a near field situation. Thanks for the couple ideas mentioned, but was wondering if anyone has any more suggestions for this use. I'd like to get several suggestions so I can compare them and decide what would work best. Thanks.

[Soundman]

Wow! Tough crowd this week. Maybe this thread needs to be moved? :(

[Midcow2]

I am here to propose unusual value suggestions.

Behringer B2030P speaker. $130/pair. Beyond the value of anything I know of, and I know of a lot. 3 pairs will make your full surround satellite system. Start with 1 or 2 pairs.

Dayton 10" powered sub. $130/each. Best value cheap sub around. Start with one. Get to two eventually, for optimum sound quality, if you intend to use this system for music listening.

Onkyo SR505 - Refurbished. $130-$160 each. Best you will do for this price. Has the required amplifiers, and a flexible active crossover to integrate the satellites and subwoofer(s).

If you get 1 pair of monitors, one sub and the reciever, you will be way below your budget. If you don't mind going $50-$70 over, go ahead and get 2 subwoofers at first.

I challenge anyone to match the Behringer suggestion for value.

-Chris

Okay Chris, I will take the challenge. The Cambridge Audio S30s are outstanding speakers and have a small foot print. The cost $219/ pair delivered. http://spearitsound.amazonwebstore.com/Cambridge-Audio-S30-Speakers-Natural-Oak/M/B00196SJOI.htm?utm_campaign=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=froogle

I just recently picked up a pair for my office setup and the sound is amazing and would fill a 12 x 12 room nicely.

[Rickster71]

I have these, Audioengine A5 they are powered speakers.
http://www.audioengineusa.com/store/
Just another suggestion.

[gus6464]

I have these, Audioengine A5 they are powered speakers.
http://www.audioengineusa.com/store/
Just another suggestion.

A pair of Audioengine A5's with 2 Dayton 10" subs looks like a completely killer combo.

A5 - $349
2 Dayton SUB-100 HT - $260

You will be over budget by like $10 but you won't even need anything else since the Audioengine are powered. Plus the A5 have a connection for left and right subs as well. That is most likely what I would buy.

[Soundman]

A pair of Audioengine A5's with 2 Dayton 10" subs looks like a completely killer combo.

A5 - $349
2 Dayton SUB-100 HT - $260

You will be over budget by like $10 but you won't even need anything else since the Audioengine are powered. Plus the A5 have a connection for left and right subs as well. That is most likely what I would buy.

That sounds like a good idea, but how flexible is a system like that for surround sound? Meaning, if I start with a pair, I'd like the ability to add to the system later and do full surround sound at some point.

[Soundman]

I have these, Audioengine A5 they are powered speakers.
http://www.audioengineusa.com/store/
Just another suggestion.

Thanks. This might work. But wonder about flexibility. See above.

[WmAx]

Okay Chris, I will take the challenge. The Cambridge Audio S30s are outstanding speakers and have a small foot print. The cost $219/ pair delivered. http://spearitsound.amazonwebstore.com/Cambridge-Audio-S30-Speakers-Natural-Oak/M/B00196SJOI.htm?utm_campaign=froogle&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=froogle

I just recently picked up a pair for my office setup and the sound is amazing and would fill a 12 x 12 room nicely.

Okay, where are the measurements?

My statement/suggestion is based on an extensive comparison of measured performance and correlation with the perceptual research texts.

Here are some B2030P measurements: Behringer B2030P (http://www.linaeum.com/productinfo/other/behringer_2030P/)

The B2030P has a very clean driver response(see waterfall graph) and the off axis performance is incredible, and will yield superb results in the average environment due to the off axis reflected sound having nearly identical spectrum/response as the on axis response. At +/- 60 degrees, the response, even at 15kHz, is only a few dB difference from the on-axis response. This is remarkable. The overwhelming majority of speakers dive bomb the response over 7-8kHz, off axis.

-Chris

[gus6464]

That sounds like a good idea, but how flexible is a system like that for surround sound? Meaning, if I start with a pair, I'd like the ability to add to the system later and do full surround sound at some point.

You would need a receiver with preouts or a surround preamp.

[gus6464]

Actually I just realized that if you have a 5.1 or 7.1 sound card you don't need a receiver as the sound card will do all the decoding and have the right amount of outputs needed.

[cbraver]

...sometimes they just have an optical out or something though. Which soundcard is it and what outputs does it have?

[Hi Ho]

Which soundcard is it and what outputs does it have?
That is a good question. If he wants to eventually have a surround setup then he will need to use the analog outputs unless he has one of a select few cards that have a Dolby Digital Live or DTS encoder.

I have the Axiom AudioBytes (http://www.axiomaudio.com/audiobytecomputerspeakers.html#) and they are great. They are not, however, surround sound capable.

[Soundman]

That is a good question. If he wants to eventually have a surround setup then he will need to use the analog outputs unless he has one of a select few cards that have a Dolby Digital Live or DTS encoder.

I have the Axiom AudioBytes (http://www.axiomaudio.com/audiobytecomputerspeakers.html#) and they are great. They are not, however, surround sound capable.

My sound card is pretty basic. Here are the technical specs:

CREATIVE LABS SOUND BLASTER AUDIGY SE - BULK
Specification

Technical Specifications

* 24-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion of analog inputs at 96kHz sample rate
* 24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of digital sources at 96kHz to analog 7.1 speaker output
* 16-bit and 24-bit recording with sampling rates of 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48 and 96kHz
* SPDIF output up to 24-bit resolution at selectable sampling rate of 44.1, 48 or 96kHz
* 64-Voice polyphony and multi-timbral capability
* 128 GM & GS compatible instruments and 10 drum kits
* 2MB or 4MB GM SoundFont Bank included

On-Board Connectors

* Line level out (Front / Side / Rear / Centre / Subwoofer) or Headphone out
* Line In / Microphone In / *Digital I/O
* Aux Audio in

* Supports SPDIF Out for Stereo Digital Speaker/ connection with Creative Digital I/O Module (sold separately)

Sound Blaster Audigy SE Audio Performance

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted) = 100 dB (2V)
Frequency Response at -3 dBr = <10 Hz to 40 kHz
Specifications are based on digital-to-analog audio playback (for example: CDDA, WAV, MP3, Dolby Digital)

[nfm]

Hi,
Powered subs can be connected straight to a sound card without need of a receiver correct?

[WmAx]

Hi,
Powered subs can be connected straight to a sound card without need of a receiver correct?

If the sound card has bass management/crossover, yes.

-Chris

[Midcow2]

In addtion to the Cambridge Audio S30 speakers at $219 I would get a good low-end Stereo receiver such as the Yamaha RX-V363 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver for $185 :)

http://www.tvsdepot.com/product.php?id=172624&ref=ad332&KW=Yamaha+RX-V363&gclid=CLTC_YKx-ZUCFQNHFQodoRZOEQ

This would make your total cost $404. If later you want to add a sub the The Dayton 10" sub recommende earlier by other is a good start for $130, which would make your total cost around $535 ...close to your budget. :rolleyes:

Later, with the Yamaha RX-V363, you could get some front towers and center and use the Cambridge Audio S30s as surround and migtate to a full HT system :)

[Soundman]

In addtion to the Cambridge Audio S30 speakers at $219 I would get a good low-end Stereo receiver such as the Yamaha RX-V363 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver for $185 :)

http://www.tvsdepot.com/product.php?id=172624&ref=ad332&KW=Yamaha+RX-V363&gclid=CLTC_YKx-ZUCFQNHFQodoRZOEQ

This would make your total cost $404. If later you want to add a sub the The Dayton 10" sub recommende earlier by other is a good start for $130, which would make your total cost around $535 ...close to your budget. :rolleyes:

Later, with the Yamaha RX-V363, you could get some front towers and center and use the Cambridge Audio S30s as surround and migtate to a full HT system :)

Sounds like a very do-able solution. :)

[Soundman]

Okay, where are the measurements?

My statement/suggestion is based on an extensive comparison of measured performance and correlation with the perceptual research texts.

Here are some B2030P measurements: Behringer B2030P (http://www.linaeum.com/productinfo/other/behringer_2030P/)

The B2030P has a very clean driver response(see waterfall graph) and the off axis performance is incredible, and will yield superb results in the average environment due to the off axis reflected sound having nearly identical spectrum/response as the on axis response. At +/- 60 degrees, the response, even at 15kHz, is only a few dB difference from the on-axis response. This is remarkable. The overwhelming majority of speakers dive bomb the response over 7-8kHz, off axis.

-Chris

These sound like a very do-able option as well, especially for that price.

[Soundman]

Originally Posted by WmAx
Okay, where are the measurements?

My statement/suggestion is based on an extensive comparison of measured performance and correlation with the perceptual research texts.

Here are some B2030P measurements: Behringer B2030P

The B2030P has a very clean driver response(see waterfall graph) and the off axis performance is incredible, and will yield superb results in the average environment due to the off axis reflected sound having nearly identical spectrum/response as the on axis response. At +/- 60 degrees, the response, even at 15kHz, is only a few dB difference from the on-axis response. This is remarkable. The overwhelming majority of speakers dive bomb the response over 7-8kHz, off axis.

-Chris

Is there a center channel that matches these? If going with these, I'll eventually expand to a 5.1 system.

[Alex2507]

I think the idea with these that if you order 3 pairs, that is enough for 5 channels and you end up with a spare.

[WmAx]

I think the idea with these that if you order 3 pairs, that is enough for 5 channels and you end up with a spare.

Correct. Using the same speaker for the center and main channels is usually superior to using dedicated center channel speakers. Traditional center channels exist because of cosmetics, and usually compromise sound in the process.

-Chris

[Soundman]

Correct. Using the same speaker for the center and main channels is usually superior to using dedicated center channel speakers. Traditional center channels exist because of cosmetics, and usually compromise sound in the process.

-Chris

Yes, I understand. That usually is the best setup, accoustically speaking, but how well will this speaker work if placed in the center of my computer desk? That is my main concern.

[WmAx]

Yes, I understand. That usually is the best setup, accoustically speaking, but how well will this speaker work if placed in the center of my computer desk? That is my main concern.

I am not sure exactly what position you intend to use it. But this speaker works excellent in near field proximity; it was actually designed primarily for near field use, but it also happens to excel in far field, due to it's extraordinary off axis response characteristics.

-Chris

[Soundman]

I am not sure exactly what position you intend to use it. But this speaker works excellent in near field proximity; it was actually designed primarily for near field use, but it also happens to excel in far field, due to it's extraordinary off axis response characteristics.

-Chris

Great! It does appear they are marketed somewhat to be used as computer speakers too. In my current setup, I have a center channel right in front of my computer monitor. Of course, the B2030P's, being vertically aligned may block the view. Other then that, it sounds like a great deal.

[WmAx]

Great! It does appear they are marketed somewhat to be used as computer speakers too. In my current setup, I have a center channel right in front of my computer monitor. Of course, the B2030P's, being vertically aligned may block the view. Other then that, it sounds like a great deal.

Actually, it would work as good as any traditional center channel, sitting on it's side, if that was an issue.

-Chris

[Soundman]

Actually, it would work as good as any traditional center channel, sitting on it's side, if that was an issue.

-Chris

OK, That works, if necessary. Thanks! :D