Individual Setup vs. All in one

[Noahd]

Hey everyone,

So I want to up my speaker game in order to listen to music as well as occasionally watch movies. I want something that can handle heavy bass (primarily trap and rap, but also jazz, movies, and tv) but also is a generally good all around speaker. My initial thought was to buy a pair of Klipsch reference series (most likely R-15M) and a Pyle amplifier. My friend however has the Logitech Z623 and suggested I get that instead. It would be a lot cheaper to go the Logitech rout, but i've also heard that all-in-one set-ups are not always the move. What do you all think

Thanks,
Noah

 

[markw]

That Logitech is a computer speaker. Your friend is either woefully misinformed or simply nuts.

 

[KenM10759]

We've all got different acceptance levels for sound quality, but I would rather pluck my eyeballs out with a pickle fork than listen to that Logitech system.

 

[Mark of Cenla]

Instead of a Pyle amplifier, check out a Sherwood receiver. Peace and goodwill.

 

[herbu]

I want something that can handle heavy bass (primarily trap and rap, but also jazz, movies, and tv)

Noah,
There are 2 ways to get the "heavy bass" you want.
1. Tower speakers costing ~$3500 for the least expensive pair.
2. Bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer at 1/4 the cost.

A lot depends on your budget and room size. Obviously, top quality, loud, in a big room, costs more.

ps. The R-15s go down to 62Hz with a 5.25" woofer. I doubt it's low or loud enough for you.

 

[KenM10759]

Herb, please advise which floor standing speakers go down to 20hz @ -3dB for $3500. I'm curious.

 

[markw]

Noah,
There are 2 ways to get the "heavy bass" you want.
1. Tower speakers costing ~$3500 for the least expensive pair.
2. Bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer at 1/4 the cost.

A lot depends on your budget and room size. Obviously, top quality, loud, in a big room, costs more.

ps. The R-15s go down to 62Hz with a 5.25" woofer. I doubt it's low or loud enough for you.

This.

 

[JOHN FICKEL]

Like everyone is saying do not go with the Logitech. I would also recommend the Klipsch, however check out the Cerwin-Vega website. There's something on there that you're going to love. At a reasonable price point as well with heavy bass. And if you go on eBay you can probably buy a relatively high end receiver now for fairly cheap. Happy listening

 

[Noahd]

Instead of a Pyle amplifier, check out a Sherwood receiver. Peace and goodwill.

What is the difference between an amplifier and a reciever

 

[Mark of Cenla]

An amplifier does not have radio, and a receiver does have radio. Sherwood makes good inexpensive receivers that will almost surely sound better than anything Pyle makes. Bookshelf speakers with a subwoofer is a good way to go. Peace and goodwill.

 

[lovinthehd]

Pyle just won't get you much respect on an audio forum. Might work fine for you but perhaps another option is some quality active speakers (amp built into the speaker) like the JBL LSR 305 or 308s or maybe the Behringer B2031As. I'd still prefer a sub and a receiver myself, it is a great way to get an amp with bass management capabilities (most integrated amps don't offer this).

FWIW "amp" can mean either integrated amp or power amp and some even call receivers such. I think the receiver gives you the most options, particularly bass management if you want a sub.

Sounds like your budget may be limited, though, just what is it?

 

[JOHN FICKEL]

Pyle just won't get you much respect on an audio forum. Might work fine for you but perhaps another option is some quality active speakers (amp built into the speaker) like the JBL LSR 305 or 308s or maybe the Behringer B2031As. I'd still prefer a sub and a receiver myself, it is a great way to get an amp with bass management capabilities (most integrated amps don't offer this).

FWIW "amp" can mean either integrated amp or power amp and some even call receivers such. I think the receiver gives you the most options, particularly bass management if you want a sub.

Sounds like your budget may be limited, though, just what is it?

Yeah I assumed he was looking just for a two channel power amplifier.

 

[Noahd]

Pyle just won't get you much respect on an audio forum. Might work fine for you but perhaps another option is some quality active speakers (amp built into the speaker) like the JBL LSR 305 or 308s or maybe the Behringer B2031As. I'd still prefer a sub and a receiver myself, it is a great way to get an amp with bass management capabilities (most integrated amps don't offer this).

FWIW "amp" can mean either integrated amp or power amp and some even call receivers such. I think the receiver gives you the most options, particularly bass management if you want a sub.

Sounds like your budget may be limited, though, just what is it?

I don't really want to spend more than $300. Also, from my basic understanding an amp is called an amp because it amplifies the sound, does a receiver also amplify sound or just control it? From what I've been hearing, it sounds like a receiver is an amp with some added features.

 

[lovinthehd]

A receiver is basically an integrated amp with the addition of an on-board source, traditionally radio but now the addition of internet apps/wi-fi capabilities are more the thing (and more useful IMO); most of them are now audio video receivers (avr) and handle switching of multiple audio and/or video sources An integrated amp controls volume, tone, manages multiple inputs, but is usually just stereo (and often lacks bass management for a subwoofer too, a very useful feature of almost all avrs). A power amp typically only amplifies a line-level signal provided by a pre-amp or other unit with line-level outputs.

Your budget for a kick ass bass capable system for $300 is a tough one, though.

 

[Noahd]

A receiver is basically an integrated amp with the addition of an on-board source, traditionally radio but now the addition of internet apps/wi-fi capabilities are more the thing (and more useful IMO); most of them are now audio video receivers (avr) and handle switching of multiple audio and/or video sources An integrated amp controls volume, tone, manages multiple inputs, but is usually just stereo (and often lacks bass management for a subwoofer too, a very useful feature of almost all avrs). A power amp typically only amplifies a line-level signal provided by a pre-amp or other unit with line-level outputs.

Your budget for a kick ass bass capable system for $300 is a tough one, though.

I'm really just thinking of spending around $100-200 on speakers and then $100-150 on an amp. I know that for real kick ass bass I would need a sub, but that would be something to buy in the future. I've pretty much narrowed down my speaker search (I'm thinking Klipsch R-15Ms or Philharmonic Audio AAMs), I just want to listen to them first. Really my biggest concern now is finding a good amp. I've heard a lot about cerwin-vega, sherwood, and pioneer, but everytime I find one in my budget, it is limited to only master volume control. I really want something that allows me to also control bass and treble.

 

[lovinthehd]

Can't speak to the specific Klipsch model, but haven't been a fan of the modern Klipsch sound on a few different models I've heard (other than the great big old LaScala type speakers from a while back). I did build a pair of Dayton BR-1s (what the Phil AAs are with a modified xover), I do like those. I'd look at avrs on accessories4less.com for a unit that has some variety of features, might be closer to $200 than $150, though.

 

[markw]

since you've changed direction several times here. let's sum up what's been resolved.

A (power) amplifier simply amplifies. has no controls, simply one input and one output to speakers.

A pre amplifier selects sources, controla volume and is where tone controls, if any, are located.

In the case of a multi-channel system you also need a processor which takes an incoming digital signal and turns it into a 5.i analog signal. This is part of the preamp stage doe it's usually referred to as a pre/pro.

These can be bought separately but there are other ways to get these.

An INTEGRATED amplifier combines both a pre amp and a power amp on one chassis.

What you seem to be asking for is an integrated amp.

A receiver combines an integrated amp and a tuner on one chassis. These tend to be more cost effective than going for separate units.

For what you want, you need (unamplified) speakers and a subwoofer. Like you said, the subwoofer can be added later, and you are correct.

Now, all receiver I can think of offer bass and reble controls but not with the familiar twisty knobs. In some cases they are now buried In the menu system and are not as easily accessed, but they are there.

If you want a decent receiver at a reasonable price, this is a good place to shop. Good products, great price and we've used them for years with great results.

Poke around and see that will work for you: http://www.accessories4less.com/

 

[herbu]

Herb, please advise which floor standing speakers go down to 20hz @ -3dB for $3500. I'm curious.

The closest I know, and the ones to which I referred, are the Philharmonic 3s... 25Hz – 20kHz (+/- 2 dB). But I believe there is "useful" bass to 20Hz. Dennis shows some charts http://philharmonicaudio.com/phil3.html if you're interested.

 

[KenM10759]

Nice! Wish I had the kind of depth for a 24" deep speaker.

Actually, now that I think about it, those might be just what I want for my future 2.0 music listening room. I'll have to get a listen.

 

[herbu]

those might be just what I want for my future 2.0 music listening room.

I challenge you to find anyone who tells you they would be a mistake.