Powered Speakers? DAC? Preamp? – please help figuring what I need/is suitable for these use cases?

[DamienS]

Dear Forum.
Very happy to see a “Beginners and Audiophytes” section as I definitely fall into the beginners category (not sure what an audiophyte is ).

Anyways, I’m beginning to desire more from my sound in general. I recently signed up for Tidal (family plan) and would like to have a sound set up that would take better advantage of it, though not looking to get into the really crazy prices, etc. (as it seems to be never ending).
I’m considering making a purchase with the intent of the same speakers fulfilling two different setups for different times of the year.

Set up (a) would be for my computer for when I’m at ‘home’ (approx. 6 months a year) and Setup (b) would be for using with my parents computer/TV when I’m not at home (i.e. that they could make use of the speakers the other 6 months of the year when I’m not in the country). When I am in the country then my parents would revert back to their current configuration...

Setup (a) My computer (laptop) has a 43” 4K monitor in landscape with 24” monitors in portrait orientation left and right of the 43”. The only input that the speakers would need to deal with for my setup is from a laptop. I currently have Creative T40 Series II speakers (see link below), which are fed from a 3.5mm audio cable from the laptop. Use would be for music and movies – no gaming. (I'm having some issues with the T40s).

Setup (b) would be for my parents have their computer which has a 4K screen (40”). However, as well as functioning for the computer it also functions as a secondary TV room. i.e. They also have Sky and DVD inputs into the TV.

Currently for Setup (b) I have configured for them a DAC Digital SPDIF Toslink to Analog Stereo Audio R/L Converter Adapter with Optical Cable coming from the TV (see link below) and from it I used a 3.5mm to RCA cable into the Aux in of a Aiwa XR-EM50 ‘micro system’/audio system that we already had.
This works pretty well in so far as regardless of whether my parents are watching Sky, DVD, Computer/Netflix or listening to the CD or Radio all sound comes through the Aiwa system.
Their 43” TV is also wall mounted and can be pulled out about 18”. Therefore, when they are using the TV for the computer they are sitting at the desk and the TV is tight the wall. When they are using it as TV they pull it out from the wall move the desk chair out of the way and sit in a sofa that is a bit further back. Having the Aiwa system setup allows for volume to be controlled via a universal remote control from the sofa.

So, my initial Googling in search of possible speakers lead me to a couple of ones that seem interesting that would possibly be within budget are the JBL 305PMKII or possibly Mackie MR624 6.5” speakers. This is where I’m looking for insight as I'm not sure if I'm on the right path at all...

Questions:

• The configurations that I’m seeing with these speakers (powered) seems to be just with computers, which would be fine for my Setup (a) mentioned above (with some accessories – DAC/Preamp or whatever), however would these type of speakers also be suitable for my parents configuration? i.e. Setup (b) which has multiple sources? For Setup (b) would it be feasible to use the headphone jack on the Aiwa system as an ‘Audio Out’ and somehow go into these new speakers (DAC or whatever in-between) and that way still have the benefit of using remote control for volume, having Sky/computer/DVD/CD/Radio all come through the Aiwa system (except coming through the new speakers rather than the existing speakers on the Aiwa system)?
• If it is feasible to feed these speakers from the Aiwa system – is it a bad idea. i.e. would I get to experience the quality of the speakers via this setup? i.e. would a DAC or something help such that the limitations of the Aiwa system would be mitigated?
• If 1 & 2 are not show stoppers, as you can probably tell from my phrasing above where I state “…DAC or whatever”, while I have come across some of these terms I am unsure what the difference is between some of them and when I need which (DAC/Preamp/Amp). If 1 & 2 are not show stoppers can you please make recommendations for connecting (DAC/Preamp & required cabling) that would allow for good sound without spending a lot. I know it’s hard to quantify ‘a lot’ but hopefully you can let me know what I’d need to get the benefit for the speakers and if that’s more that I can budget, etc. then I may have to look at cheaper speaker options, etc.
• If concepts discussed in questions 1 & 2 are show stoppers/bad ideas, any suggestions?
• While I would prefer to hear/see them in person, I live in an area where it’s not feasible to go to a store and test/check out various speakers, etc. of this type. It’s the same with a lot of things so end up becoming more reliant on reviews, etc. If the options above are feasible, etc. would it be safe to think that there is going to be a world of a difference in sound between what we are currently experiencing and the would be new setup(s)?

Insight would be very much appreciated!

So, when I went to post this I was made aware that I can't post links until I have at least 5 posts. I have therefore attached a PDF with the relevant links mentioned above, however you can also just Google by the model numbers, etc. referenced. Thank you.

 

[Swerd]

DamienS

First of all, welcome to Audioholics. Before trying to answer any of your extensive questions, please tell us if you are in the UK. Most AH members are in the US. What items are available is the US will very likely be different than what you can find. Their prices are likely to be different as well.

It would also help us if we had a better idea of what your price range might be. I realize you might not yet have a realistic idea of what that is.

Your questions are complex but well thought-out. Thank you for that. I especially appreciate the clever method you used to include links. (For convenience, I've included your links in my comments below.)

Rather than directly quote your descriptions of systems A and B, I'll try to summarize them below. Your goal is to buy new speakers that can be easily used for both systems A and B. You also wish to have remote control for system B.

System A is your laptop computer where audio is fed via 3.5mm audio cable from the laptop to Creative T40 self-powered speakers. You mentioned having some issues with the T40s. Are they malfunctioning, or are you not satisfied with their sound?

System B, in another room, involves a computer that functions as a TV as well. It has computer (Sky and Netflix),DVD, CD, and radio inputs that now go into the TV. Are these connections digital (optical or coaxial) or analog (3.5 mm or RCA plugs)? An optical cable comes from the TV to an inexpensive DAC. This DAC converts digital audio signals to analog stereo audio and allows connecting to an Aiwa micro audio system.

Is this correct? I was confused by your description of system B, where you said "I have configured a DAC Digital SPDIF Toslink to Analog Stereo Audio R/L Converter Adapter with Optical Cable coming from the TV (see link below) and from it I used a 3.5mm to RCA cable into the Aux in of a Aiwa XR-EM50 ‘micro system’/audio system ".

You mentioned two different self-powered speakers, JBL 305PMKII ($199 each in the USA) or Mackie MR624 (£358 per pair in the UK). If the JBL speakers are available in the UK at that US price, it becomes £307 per pair, as of September 1st.

I haven't heard either of those speakers, nor have I heard your Creative T40 desktop speakers or the speakers that came with the Aiwa micro system. I can only guess that either of your proposed replacements will sound noticeably better than the T40 or Aiwa speakers. Beyond that, I can't make any useful comments.

The rest of my thoughts concern how you might differently configure a new audio system. Your problem seems to be system A can easily use self-powered speakers, but system B uses a small receiver and passive speakers. I think you should consider using passive speakers instead of self-powered speakers for both systems. This would require purchasing a separate stereo receiver or audio/video receiver (AVR) to power the speakers. Your Aiwa system, at 15 watts per channel, is inadequate for any new speakers worth owning. This reciever would also be the central audio control to select among all the different inputs. This would allow much greater flexibility in setting up different systems than your existing method (for system B) of using the TV as the central audio controller.

Most separate stereo receivers do not have an audio DAC, although some now do come with internal DACs. You could easily use the external DAC you now own between a computer and the receiver for system A. If you buy an AVR, it would already contain an internal DAC allowing more direct connections of both audio and video sources. You can easily set up any AVR to drive only two speakers as you propose. This opens up your choice to lower powered and lower priced AVRs. All new receivers, both audio or AVR, come with remote controls. I think this is something you should consider.

The obvious disadvantage would be the cost of the receiver. Balancing that would be the possibly lower cost of passive speakers.

 

[DamienS]

Thank you very much Swerd for your response as you obviously did go through my post thoroughly (as all over the place as it was, in part due to my lack of knowledge and also due to the complication of looking to suit two different situations…). Thank you also for your welcome!

To answer your questions:

• I am currently based in Ireland which uses the same electrical specifications as UK, however I have in the past also lived in the US and wouldn’t rule that out to happen again in the future so if possible there would be advantage if components were compatible with both US & UK power (i.e. if their rating is 100-240V, 50-60Hz). I’m not sure how feasible that would be or how limiting.
• Currently being based in Ireland would mean that I typically use UK/European outlets for purchases (Amazon.uk, etc.)
• As for budget, the outside would be €1,000.00 (approx. $1,200.00 USD). It started well below that but based on what I’m seeing in my initial research DACs, Preamps… it seems that in order to make use of some of the better speakers, etc. there are considerable costs, etc.. If the budget could be less than that then some much the better.
• Regarding my issues with the T40s – it is a bit of a combination of malfunctioning and also not satisfied with them. The malfunctioning aspect is that if I leave the computer such that it goes into sleep mode the speakers give a really loud buzzing noise which is kind of scary . In regards to my not being satisfied with the sound – they aren’t awful and with some music I actually really like them and at times find it pretty cool that for two small speakers they create a ‘wall of sound’ rather than coming distantly from the location of the speakers. However, there is some music that I know I should be feeling it more in my gut and getting more of bang/rush from – Slow Slippy from Underworld should sound much better . Not that I am a bass head, I listen to a wide range of music but that does at times include deep house, etc. They certainly seem to lack with anything bassy.
• Your summary of Systems A & B is accurate except that in regards to System B – the CD and radio don’t go through the TV; rather they are in-built/part of the Aiwa System, so they are not going through the TV & DAC… You’re are correct though in that the computer, Sky, DVD go through the TV and DAC which is connected to the TV’s audio out, and then on to the Aiwa system. If the user is listing to anything via the TV (Computer/Sky box/DVD) then the user selects “Aux” on the Aiwa system. If they are listening to the CD or Radio they select CD or Radio as needed on the Aiwa system.
• Please see attached marked up photos to clarify the current the DAC arrangement.

In regards to your suggestions for better solution:

I will have to explore the options prior to deciding (i) go the route you’re suggesting or (ii) to forego thought of having the solution provide for both System A & B and just configure it for System A. It was just for System A that initially lead me down this path of research, etc. but I liked the idea of it also being able to be utilized for System B as it would have helped justify the expense, etc. since I’m only here approx. six months a year.

Whether I go (i) or (ii) would depend on budget and anticipated sound quality for each option, flexibility...

To figure that out could you please assist in suggesting:

(A-1) what would be well suited for the System A only option to get the benefit of speakers along the lines of the ones I mentioned (such as the Mackie MR624s). Do I need a good DAC? Do I need a Preamp? Anything else to get proper sound from them? Could you suggest some models so that I could get a better idea of budget?

(B-1) a configuration if I was to provide for System A & B along the lines of your suggestion of using passive speakers with AVR.

Would the sound be comparable with (A-1) & (B-1)? Would I be able to get a better sound for A-1 for comparably less money that B-1?

I’m afraid I have multiple questions in this post as well . Any insight/point in the right direction for me to research, etc. would be very much appreciated!

 

[DamienS]

Swerd.

I’m doing further research based on your suggestion for getting a new AVR and passive speakers. Slowly it’s sinking in and I’m coming around more to this way of thinking, so thank you for your out of the box thinking from my initial quest…

I’m coming back to this thread a little bit premature (still researching), but wanted to add the following in case it had an impact on any further input you might have, etc.

If you are coming back with any suggestions – upon thinking about things myself, while I had mentioned that my parents currently use the Aiwa system for Radio and CD, these wouldn’t be a big loss if they were missing from the new solution. Reason being that for radio, it’s rarely enough used and they could use online radio via the computer for the most part, so not concerned with the lack of radio if eliminating the Aiwa system. Likewise, for the times that they would want to play a CD, they could use the computer for that also.

One of the appeals of this suggestion (AVR with passive speakers), for me is that it might (as you had mentioned), be far more flexible in that while I might be using it for the configurations we’ve been discussing right now, at some point down the road it might be useful for a completely different configuration (possible Home Theatre or such). With that thought in mind, so long as it was going to be within budget I’m beginning to think that if I’m getting a new AVR that it would be a good idea to get one that would facilitate 5.1/7.1 systems, even though that’s no what I’m looking for at this time. Please let me know if I’m wrong in this assessment.

 

[lovinthehd]

One note about Swerd's response where his link indicated the 305PMmkII but took me to the 306PMmkII which is $199 vs the 305PMmkII at $149. I recently picked up a pair of the 305s first edition for $180 the pair FWIW.

 

[DamienS]

Thanks for that Iovinthehd! That was my fault as I had linked the incorrect one and he had embedded my link in his response.
Sounds like you got a killer deal on your 305s! Congrats. How do you like them?

 

[lovinthehd]

Thanks for that Iovinthehd! That was my fault as I had linked the incorrect one and he had embedded my link in his response.
Sounds like you got a killer deal on your 305s! Congrats. How do you like them?

I was thinking it was an Amazon thing at first (seems I've run into that when they have multiple choices like for size/color). The 305s are very impressive speakers for the price! I bought them not because I particularly "needed" them, but couldn't resist that pricing finally. They make for a nice little setup without worrying about an amp like everything else I've got (my only active speakers at the moment)...I've even simply connected a Chromecast Audio to them as a "system"....and that simple setup just may end up in my kitchen. Your post still shows the 305/$199 combo and the link still takes you to the 306, fwiw.....

 

[DamienS]

No, I don't think it is an Amazon problem - it's a Damien problem. I had labeled as 305 but the link I had provided was incorrectly set for the 306 as you mentioned. Sorry for the confusion.
Great to hear you are happy with the 305s. They did seem to be very well reviewed from what I had seen. At that price and given you have different set ups for your other needs it sounds like it was a great way to go. $180 done and dusted. Can't beat that! I'd imagine once you start getting into this audio stuff you start coming up with reasons for getting new speakers . That's interesting that you were able to just connect them to a Chromecast Audio without needing an amp or anything. I was under the impression that you'd need a DAC/Preamp or other to run them. (my lack of knowledge showing again )

 

[Swerd]

• Ok, you’re now in Ireland, so purchases would most likely be what is available locally or online through sources such as Amazon UK.
• Your estimated price range is no greater than €1,000.00 or roughly $1,200 US.
• You aren’t satisfied with your present T40 speakers. You never mentioned the Aiwa speakers. I can imagine that they are also less than satisfying.
• Thanks for clarifying how you hook up your parents’ system B to the Aiwa sound system. The photos helped. It now makes sense to me.

I will have to explore the options prior to deciding (i) go the route you’re suggesting or (ii) to forego thought of having the solution provide for both System A & B and just configure it for System A. It was just for System A that initially lead me down this path of research, etc. but I liked the idea of it also being able to be utilized for System B as it would have helped justify the expense since I’m only here approx. six months a year.
Whether I go (i) or (ii) would depend on budget and anticipated sound quality for each option, flexibility...

If you replace the Aiwa micro system, you will lose its built-in radio tuner and CD player. All stereo receivers or AVRs also contain built-in radio tuners. Because your parents already have a DVD player, you can always play back CDs on that – without any sacrifice in sound quality. No worries there.

That leaves movies, TV shows, or music downloaded from a computer. Any AVR should have that capability built-in. It may require adding an HDMI output (see below) to the computer, or getting an inexpensive stand-alone device to go between the computer and AVR. In the USA, we now use added dongles such as Amazon Firestick, Google Chromecast, or Apple TV. I don’t know what is available in Ireland.

HDMI is the standard digital format for modern audio/video signals. (HDMI plugs resemble USB plugs, but they are not interchangeable.) A single HDMI cable (identical plugs are on each end) running from the computer to the AVR would deliver digital audio and digital video to the receiver. The DVD player, which probably also has an HDMI output, could be hooked to the AVR in the same way. That leaves connecting a third HDMI cable from the AVR to the TV.

Most stereo receivers require something between it and the computer, just to get an analog audio signal. Digital video signals must be routed directly from the computer to the TV. It is possible for all this to work, but please believe me when I say operating it will be much simpler with a modern AVR – for you or your parents.

I hope other readers can provide additional ideas for various ways to hook things up. Please be aware that most readers on Audioholics participate during the week, not on weekends. They must not be busy enough while at work .

(A-1) what would be well suited for the System A only option to get the benefit of speakers along the lines of the ones I mentioned (such as the Mackie MR624s). Do I need a good DAC? Do I need a Preamp? Anything else to get proper sound from them? Could you suggest some models so that I could get a better idea of budget?

You need to have a DAC somewhere. In your system A, do you now have a DAC? Is it contained within your laptop or T40 speakers? Replacing it with another DAC, regardless of price, is unlikely to make for improved sound quality. Save your money.

If you get self-powered speakers you do not need a pre-amp. If you get passive speakers, they will need a pre-amp and an amplifier. All receivers, both stereo and audio/video, already contain both pre-amp and amplifier inside. There is no need or benefit from a separate pre-amp or amplifier. They are likely to cost quite a bit more than any receiver.

(B-1) a configuration if I was to provide for System A & B along the lines of your suggestion of using passive speakers with AVR.

There is a very wide choice of passive speakers. They come in a wide variety of price ranges. I’d suggest you limit your choices to small 2-way speakers that have a 5½ to 6½” woofer and a 1” dome tweeter. There are a number of good speakers made in Europe and the UK that you can probably find more easily than here in the USA. B&W speakers are very expensive – stay away from them. Monitor Audio makes some good products, so does KEF and PMC. But I’m afraid my knowledge of British speakers is limited. I appeal to other AH readers for suggestions.

Would the sound be comparable with (A-1) & (B-1)? Would I be able to get a better sound for A-1 for comparably less money that B-1?

In general, I think the sounds available from self-powered and passive speakers will be similar within a price class. I only recommend passive speakers combined with a modestly priced AVR because it provides greater flexibility in the various ways it can be hooked up. Self-powered speakers can be useful for computer only set ups, like your system A. To go back and forth between your systems A and B requires greater flexibility. Again, I appeal to other AH readers if they have alternative suggestions.

 

[Swerd]

@lovinthehd
Thanks for joining in. Damien asks a lot of questions. They're good questions and they deserve good answers.

I think a lot of this difficulty comes from the different ways that computers have evolved vs. home theater/audio. They should be more compatible but aren't. Only in the last decade has there been progress in easily joining them.

It also comes down to age differences among users. I'm old. I think Damien is much younger. My previous understanding of home audio (and later video) came long before there were home computers or digital TV. Younger people, who cut their teeth on computers found it easy to add small self-powered speakers for audio. They also expect to do the same with a better audio system. In theory that should work well, but in practice it's easier to use passive speakers driven by receivers. One day, in the yet-to-be-seen future, those barriers may disappear.

 

[lovinthehd]

@Swerd I think you're doing just fine One thought on the avr as to passive and active speakers is that an avr with a full set of pre-outs can work with either type of speaker easily enough, although all those power cords for active speakers beyond the basic L/R speakers might be a bit much I agree that an avr is a good solution for many vs separates, especially for costs, although finding an avr that only does basic 5.1 now is pretty rare, more are doing basic 7.1 now let alone those capable of 5.1.2 or 5.1.4 or 7.1.2 or 7.1.4 etc. Some worry about the avr being too complex, and they are somewhat, but once you learn the basic operations they're not bad at all (if you can handle a pc, shouldn't be an issue); some worry that they have "too many" features they won't use and that's fine, simply don't use the ones you don't want or need to....but you just may find them useful as your system expands.

 

[DamienS]

Thank you very much for your follow up Swerd!

Yeah, the Aiwa speakers don’t provide exceptional sound by any means but they work .

You have answered a lot of my original questions and has allowed me to continue my research based on your input (AVR option).

You need to have a DAC somewhere. In your system A, do you now have a DAC? Is it contained within your laptop or T40 speakers? Replacing it with another DAC, regardless of price, is unlikely to make for improved sound quality. Save your money.

That’s good to know. Always good to save money when not going to get the benefit of the spending. The DAC currently (as I understand it), is part of the internal sound card in the laptop. That’s interesting that using another DAC is unlikely to improve sound as I had been thinking it would.

If you get self-powered speakers you do not need a pre-amp.

That’s also interesting and I’ll have to factor that in when I’m done with research as that seems with that being the case that if I just need to provide for System A only then I could just buy the powered speakers and be done with it (ball park €400 but see option for JBL 305 for €240 below); whereas if I do go through with AVR and passive speakers I’m likely going to have to get a ‘decent’ modern AVR that would be suitable for System B (would need 4K @ 60Hz video pass through). My research so far based based on the AVR option seems likely to cost that (and then some) for just a suitable receiver and would then need the passive speakers on top. Still though – the AVR option does provide the flexibility of facilitating both systems, combined with the flexibility of the AVR potentially being useful for other situations in the future, etc. I’m leaning more this direction (pretty strongly), but will be easier to determine with I’m further along with my research, etc.

Most stereo receivers require something between it and the computer, just to get an analog audio signal. Digital video signals must be routed directly from the computer to the TV. It is possible for all this to work, but please believe me when I say operating it will be much simpler with a modern AVR – for you or your parents.

Interesting that you mention that I’d need something to go from the computer to the AVR. It seems that since the DVD, Sky & PC would all be connected to the AVR via HDMI that they would all be receiving a digital signal (audio and video) from their relevant sources. Therefore, I would have thought that there would need to be a DAC (Digital to Analog) component in any of these AVR that have such HDMI inputs.

I could be wrong but from what I’m seeing I think that the modern AVRs do facilitate this. Maybe it was different with older models but with the ones I’m seeing they do seem to be catering to ‘the digital world’, but maybe I’m missing something.

So, in looking at some potential options for an AVR (that would cater to the digital aspects, multiple HDMI configurations, etc.) the Sony STR-DN1080 seems interesting for various reasons (see feature in link below – I can use links now! Yipee ).

https://www.sony.ie/electronics/av-receivers/str-dn1080/specifications

I initially found Onkyo TX-RZ820 more appealing but it seems to be costing twice the US price when purchased in UK/Ireland so it’s a non-runner.

So having felt like I had made progress by having selected a potential AVR, I was thinking I was nearly done – just had to pick out some passive speakers – right? No. I’m getting dizzy now.

Problem 1 when I started looking at potential passive speakers was that I wasn’t seeing as many reviews, etc. for the passive bookshelf style speakers as the powered type that would have the 5½” to 6½” woofer and 1” dome tweeter . I was seeing more options that would be available in the US, but not many that I saw on AmazonUK that I could match to review from Audio Review site rather than just Amazon customer reviews which is difficult to rely on as I am unsure of their knowledge, etc.

It was an interesting comment that lovinthehd followed up with regarding being able to use the active speakers with the AVR as what seemed like similar passive speakers (based on woofer and tweeter size) weren’t a lot different in price. (see link for JBL 305s below) It got me wondering if this would maybe be a preferable route to go as it would leave the possibility of those speakers being used as ‘stand alone’ computer speakers down the road if ever I ending up using different speakers with the AVR.


Here's a link to Passive "Sound Appeal speakers 6.5”" that are available in the US but don’t seem to be in UK/Ireland, but are VERY reasonably priced and seem to be well reviewed on Amazon.com anyway. Curious – when you initial were suggesting going the AVR with passive speakers and mentioned that the costs of the AVR would be partially offset by the passive speakers being less expensive than the powered speakers, was it in this price range that you were thinking? i.e. do you think something like this (if available in EU) going through the AVR would be compatible to the powered speakers I previous mentioned ?https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O17LP48/ref=sspa_dk_detail_5?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B00O17LP48&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=a54d13fc-b8a1-4ce8-b285-d77489a09cf6&pf_rd_r=H2RSM1W6Y3HK9TCTJE9H&pd_rd_wg=5oXNC&pf_rd_s=desktop-dp-sims&pf_rd_t=40701&pd_rd_w=mOFoT&pf_rd_i=desktop-dp-sims&pd_rd_r=1115f671-ae3d-11e8-97de-971d4c54e3db



Here is a link to passive Klipsch R-15M Bookshelf speakers that are available via AmazonUK. They are 5½” woofers. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00LMF41IY/ref=dp_cerb_2



Here is a link to JBL LSR 305s that are available in EU and they are well priced (€233). This is basically the same price as the Klipsch (passive) when currency conversion is considered, and would provide the option of using them as standalone computer speakers down the road.

https://www.thomann.de/ie/jbl_lsr_305_bundle.htm



Thoughts on the above speakers and/or suggestions of others would be appreciated.



Now, here’s where I started getting dizzy and would also appreciate thoughts/input. I believe the technical term for what I’m experiencing now is “Scope Creep”. And sometimes that is good, and others it is dangerous. I’m trying to figure out which I’m going through.

So, I got to thinking about having this new AVR with all the features and then got to thinking – maybe I should get a sub woofer as well. If so, any suggestions as to what specs I should look for?

And then the scope creep really started as I got to thinking – hey, why not get a 5.1? Maybe something like this? (which isn’t that much more than the bookcase speakers I was looking at).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Onkyo-SKSHT648-Cinema-Speaker-System-black/dp/B005FWVI6S/ref=sr_1_128?ie=UTF8&qid=1535846948&sr=8-128&keywords=5.1+surround+sound+speakers



A couple of things that I’m wary of in regards to going with a 5.1:

• They might not be as good a sound/quality if keeping anywhere near the same budget.
• The configuration when I’m at my computer (main use) the satellite speakers would be quite approx. 7 feet behind me while the left and right would be on the desk not far in front of me. Would this provide a ‘disorientating’ sound/feeling?
• The speakers in the of the 5.1 speaker ‘kits’ don’t seem to have as big a woofer/tweeter as the bookshelf models I’ve been looking at but I’m wondering if the fact that there are more of them make up for that?
• Would it be good or bad idea to say get the bookshelf model now and possibly the subwoofer and later get center and satellite speaker eventually get a 5.1 system? Would mixing makes, etc. be a problem in this regards? Would the bookshelf models I’ve been looking at be oversized if doing this?

Any other thoughts?

@Swerd I think you're doing just fine

He's playing an absolute stormer Much appreciated. Swerd, If you're ever in Ireland or Costa Rica (I'm in Costa Rica the other six months) - pints are on me

 

[DamienS]

Some worry about the avr being too complex, and they are somewhat, but once you learn the basic operations they're not bad at all (if you can handle a pc, shouldn't be an issue); some worry that they have "too many" features they won't use and that's fine, simply don't use the ones you don't want or need to....but you just may find them useful as your system expands.

I like the idea of the additional features/capabilities for potential future arrangements. I wouldn't be using all features initially but like the idea of being able to increase usage over time, etc. Has a better chance of extending life expectancy, etc.
Thanks for the input!!

 

[Swerd]

Thank you very much for your follow up Swerd!

You're welcome.

You have answered a lot of my original questions and has allowed me to continue my research based on your input (AVR option).

You can obviously think for yourself. I only suggested a possible direction for you to follow.

Now, here’s where I started getting dizzy…

You and me both. It's getting late on the US east coast, and I'm headed to bed. Maybe tomorrow I'll be able to understand your latest torrent of questions .

He's playing an absolute stormer Much appreciated. Swerd, If you're ever in Ireland or Costa Rica (I'm in Costa Rica the other six months) - pints are on me

Where in Costa Rica? A few years ago I spent a week or so during February on the Pacific coast, in Guanacoste, at a beach hotel called Sugar Beach, Playa Pan de Azucar. http://www.sugar-beach.com/. It was nice there.

 

[DamienS]

I only suggested a possible direction for you to follow.

You have done a lot more than that! As dizzy and confused as I was last night after considering so many aspects through the whole day, in reality there is more clarity than when I first started. When I first started yesterday I was awash in a world of device terms I didn’t know what they did or if I needed them (DACs, Preamps, Amps, Receivers). Now I think I’m mostly ‘just’ down to speaker selection. Still a crucial part of the equation but at least it’s just one thing rather than a bunch of device terms all at once. So, in that vein by eliminating the need for researching DACs, Preamps, etc. you have done a lot more than “…only provided a possible direction for me to follow” – and thank you again for that!!
I'll be doing more research on the speaker aspect here but if you/anyone did have thoughts on the matter that would be great. (2, 2.1/5.1 and the particular speakers I referenced).

Where in Costa Rica? A few years ago I spent a week or so during February on the Pacific coast, in Guanacoste, at a beach hotel called Sugar Beach, Playa Pan de Azucar. http://www.sugar-beach.com/. It was nice there.

Playa Pan de Azucar looks to be a lovely spot. I haven’t been there myself though. Glad to hear you liked it!
When in Costa Rica I’m based in a spot a bit inland near the town San Isidro. I had started off at a beach area about 25 miles away called Dominical. However, in the hot season I found it a bit too hot. Fine if you’re just drinking Imperial and surfing for the day but for day to day living it was a bit too toasty for a good part of the day. Where I’m at is about 3,500ft altitude so is a good bit cooler in the hot season (mid to high 70s) but still easy to get to Dominical for day/weekend trips when the weather is a bit cooler at the beach. While where I'm at is a bit cooler than the beach areas it still has lots of banana/mango trees, etc. along with Macaws and Pura Vida .

 

[DamienS]

Okay, so where I’m at:

I think I’m getting ready to plug the trigger on purchasing the Sony STRDN1080 AVR along with a pair of Klipsch RP-150Ms.

I was beginning to think of going with the Klipsch RP-160Ms as you had mentioned getting something with the 6½” woofer, but with the Klipsch RPs it seems that I would be too close for the 160s if I was at my desk. If you can, please let me know if you still think I’d be better off with the 6½” woofer – there isn’t a world of difference in price but in the Amazon reviews I saw one person say they weren’t as happy with the 160s over the 150s as they were thinking bigger would be better but found them over sized for their room. Since I’m going to be in close proximity to the speakers at my desk I’m thinking I’d likely be in the same boat.

See links further down for the actual datasheet/specifications.

The RPs seem to be a step up in their line from the Rs that I had previously referenced so I’m hoping that it translates to better quality. From what I’ve seen/read it seems to.

I’m figuring I’m going to forgo the 2.1/5.1 option at this time but by going with the better line of Klipsch it seems that it would be easy enough to expand the system in the future if the need/desire/budget was there.

One of the features of the Sony AVR is “Virtual Surrond with S-Force Pro Front Surround: Ideal for smaller rooms, S-Force PRO front surround delivers a virtual surround acoustic field using only 2 speakers. No need to place rear speakers behind you.”. I'd imagine it's not going to be as good as having actual physical speakers there but it might work well for my set up while keeping the option of expanding with physical speakers in the future.

Please let me know if there are gaps in my theory. While I’ve been pounding the internet all weekend looking into this and trying to make decisions, come tomorrow it will be back to business, etc. so will be much more limited in being able to do much research, etc. Not to mention losing my mind .

Any thoughts of mention to prevent buyers remorse would be greatly appreciated!

Sony STR-DN 1080 Specifications

Klipsch RP-160M Specifications

Klipsch RP-150M Specifications

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I am deeply sorry, both OP and Swerd post such long and detailed post - it's hard to keep track after a long and busy day.
I'll try to give OP a few observations and remarks which may be useful.

I am a bit familiar with UK/EU audio brands. One thing to keep in mind one of best UK speakers/value companies is Q Acoustics and specifically 3020i or it's siblings. Wharfedale is also up there, but not as neutral. From Sweden, XTZ is a relative newcomer, but the designs are solid.
If subwoofers would peak your interest, then B.K. Electronics is one to go to in EU.
JBL LSR 305p mk2 has practically no differences from mk1, other than a new model name. If you're in luck and find mk1 on sale price - jump on it. These are great computer speakers, but then again I could be somewhat biased as I own and enjoy their predecessor speakers LSR2325p.
Sony won't be my first choice in receivers - I prefer Denon/Marantz. AVR-X3300W is $500 over here.

 

[DamienS]

Thank you very much for your input BoredSysAdmin.

Apologies for the previous long posts. I am sorely lacking in knowledge and had many questions that were interconnected and therefore I did struggle trying to provide enough information in a concise manner for someone to make informed feedback/suggestion. While Swerd's responses might have seemed long at times to others, I found them extremely helpful as they walked a noob like me through a lot. They obviously required spending a lot of time reading my long posts and providing responses to walk me through things would have been difficult to do in short. It was very good of him!

That said - Thank you very much for the specific recommendations for AVR & Speakers!! They seem to be more common products here than what I was finding in reviews going through Google (which tended to be more US based).

I have found a place that carries Denon AVR-X3400H which seems be easier to get here. Based on Audioholic's review is very similar to the X3300W but was released slightly after and has a few extra updates over the X3300W.

The same store also carries the Q Acoustics 3020i speakers and I have placed the order for both so should have them Thursday.

I'm going to hold off getting the subwoofer for now and look into it when I have more time down the road if I feel I need it when I have more of a budget.

Thank you again for your input! Very much looking forward to finally getting to listen to them rather than just doing online research .

 

[DamienS]

Just wanted to report back that I am a very happy camper here. Only problem is I am having a hard time getting any work done as I am overindulging . I'm even enjoying music I wasn't that keen on before!
Thank you all for your assistance!!