Budget $1k Help!

[monsterman]

I appreciate all help and suggestions. I LOVE bass. LOVE IT. I like feeling myself move.
I was thinking I could get away with getting a good 2.1 setup for my computer and upgrade to a receiver + rest later. I use my Gaming PC as a home theater and music player. 80% music, 10% gaming, 10% movies. I listen to rap, techno, hardcore rock ect. My budget is flexible and I could always hold off until I have saved more money. I am looking to make my room sound incredible and have 'upgradeability' for future needs (probably like 3-5 years away when I buy my own house).
I currently have my setup in a medium sized bedroom in a townhouse. I am 100% open to buying used gear. I will be plugging my Macbook Pro (wirelessly) and PC into the system.

My thoughts so far.
Audioengine A5's- Used on ebay @ ($250)

~~These would stay as computer speaker and I would most likely upgrade to receiver + separates in a few years when I get more space and $$. I really like they have easy inputs and are moderately portable. I understand it could be a better option to get a 2.1 or 5.1 receiver and/or separate amp + 2 bookshelf speakers? If I could get those used and have a legit setup I can hold off and save money and get that?~~

MFW-15 Subwoofer - Open Box ($569) -

~~I want a subwoofer that can last and provide the output I have been searching out for years. I want to feel it in my gut and seem like I'm in my own club. I want it to hit the lows on gangster rap with authority. I do not want to wonder or think...I need just a little more power. I want a subwoofer that will finally fulfill my bass craving and have no need to upgrade later~~

I am new to these forums and cant post links yet. Sorry for that.

 

[KASR]

I want it to hit the lows on gangster rap with authority.

This has got to be the single most important sentence of my week!
Definitely signature worthy!

 

[jinjuku]

I appreciate all help and suggestions. I LOVE bass. LOVE IT. I like feeling myself move.
I was thinking I could get away with getting a good 2.1 setup for my computer and upgrade to a receiver + rest later. I use my Gaming PC as a home theater and music player. 80% music, 10% gaming, 10% movies. I listen to rap, techno, hardcore rock ect. My budget is flexible and I could always hold off until I have saved more money. I am looking to make my room sound incredible and have 'upgradeability' for future needs (probably like 3-5 years away when I buy my own house).
I currently have my setup in a medium sized bedroom in a townhouse. I am 100% open to buying used gear. I will be plugging my Macbook Pro (wirelessly) and PC into the system.

My thoughts so far.
Audioengine A5's- Used on ebay @ ($250)

~~These would stay as computer speaker and I would most likely upgrade to receiver + separates in a few years when I get more space and $$. I really like they have easy inputs and are moderately portable. I understand it could be a better option to get a 2.1 or 5.1 receiver and/or separate amp + 2 bookshelf speakers? If I could get those used and have a legit setup I can hold off and save money and get that?~~

MFW-15 Subwoofer - Open Box ($569) -

~~I want a subwoofer that can last and provide the output I have been searching out for years. I want to feel it in my gut and seem like I'm in my own club. I want it to hit the lows on gangster rap with authority. I do not want to wonder or think...I need just a little more power. I want a subwoofer that will finally fulfill my bass craving and have no need to upgrade later~~

I am new to these forums and cant post links yet. Sorry for that.

I would trade off low end extension for more SPL then. Since you are primarily listening to music you don't need a sub digging down to 18hz.

Do you have any ability to DIY a sub?

For speakers I put in a pair of the Behringer 2031p's for $159 shipped from Amazon. They out classed the Polk TSI 100's they I replaced (and I like the 100's).

Your indicated speaker selection leaves no $$ for electronics/amplification.

 

[monsterman]

Yes I would entertain the DIY option.

Those Audioengine A5's are powered with ~40rms each.

I will look into the speakers you linked.

Wouldn't my computers be capable of handling the electronics portion of the system? I probably couldn't win awards for sound quality or run the system active with my devices but I think I could make a decent sounding system with a simple yet powerful 2.1 setup.

 

[monsterman]

I have zero experience with receivers and home theater amps. If I could get a used amp or receiver and stay near budget and sound better.... more power to me

 

[jinjuku]

Diycable.com has the well respected Shiva X-2 12" sub for $198. His plans are really geared towards ease of build also.

Combine that with a 500watt plate amp from Oaudio or Parts Express for ~$220.

For ~$500 (wood and glue) you will have a nice sub. You could build it sealed to start for music and then later on build a new box for ported HT.

 

[jinjuku]

Yes I would entertain the DIY option.

Those Audioengine A5's are powered with ~40rms each.

I will look into the speakers you linked.

Wouldn't my computers be capable of handling the electronics portion of the system? I probably couldn't win awards for sound quality or run the system active with my devices but I think I could make a decent sounding system with a simple yet powerful 2.1 setup.

Does your computer have enough analog outs? Most decent modern setups will have 8 channel analog out. So it should be doable. You could simply get an external amp for the front speakers.

 

[monsterman]

Can I have someone build me a nice looking box? Or is there a place that assembles this stuff for you? Is there another forum dedicated to DIY? Perhaps I could buy someone else's old project woofer... or is there anyone/company that does this poop? I don't tools and I am anal about making things perfect. I love the idea of spending the same amount of money but getting sick output.

 

[monsterman]

If I'm running a 2.1 setup all I need is a few channels?
This would be an example of a sound card I would be using.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271003

Does your computer have enough analog outs? Most decent modern setups will have 8 channel analog out. So it should be doable. You could simply get an external amp for the front speakers.

 

[monsterman]

Diycable.com has the well respected Shiva X-2 12" sub for $198. His plans are really geared towards ease of build also.

Combine that with a 500watt plate amp from Oaudio or Parts Express for ~$220.

For ~$500 (wood and glue) you will have a nice sub. You could build it sealed to start for music and then later on build a new box for ported HT.

Couldn't I get a Car Audio Sub?
http://www.soundsolutionsaudio.com/store/products/12"-SSA-ICON-12D1{47}D2.html

 

[jinjuku]

Can I have someone build me a nice looking box? Or is there a place that assembles this stuff for you? Is there another forum dedicated to DIY? Perhaps I could buy someone else's old project woofer... or is there anyone/company that does this poop? I don't tools and I am anal about making things perfect. I love the idea of spending the same amount of money but getting sick output.

Any cabinet builder could do a box for you. A sealed woofer to start would be your most economical.

What City/State do you live in? There may be a member here that DIY's that is near you.

 

[jinjuku]

If I'm running a 2.1 setup all I need is a few channels?
This would be an example of a sound card I would be using.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271003

That link is not working.

 

[jinjuku]

Couldn't I get a Car Audio Sub?
http://www.soundsolutionsaudio.com/store/products/12"-SSA-ICON-12D1{47}D2.html

With out knowing it's independently measured characteristics I wouldn't burn almost $300 into an 'unknown'. WmMax will tell you: too many car audio subs are designed to go loud at the expense of sounding clean. There is no reason you can't get both. You can get that with the Exodus subs.

The Shiva X-2 12" sub is well regarded and has a rather large DIY following. If you wanted to spend another $22 you could go with the 15" Tempest.

The Exodus subs are a known quality, the plans are already in place and the electronics requirements are easy for the first timer.

 

[monsterman]

With out knowing it's independently measured characteristics I wouldn't burn almost $300 into an 'unknown'. WmMax will tell you: too many car audio subs are designed to go loud at the expense of sounding clean. There is no reason you can't get both. You can get that with the Exodus subs.

The Shiva X-2 12" sub is well regarded and has a rather large DIY following. If you wanted to spend another $22 you could go with the 15" Tempest.

The Exodus subs are a known quality, the plans are already in place and the electronics requirements are easy for the first timer.

Where the hell do I find a cabinet maker?

I would be willing to take a suggestion on this one.

I live in Washington, DC.

Sound Card-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271003

 

[jinjuku]

Where the hell do I find a cabinet maker?

I would be willing to take a suggestion on this one.

I live in Washington, DC.

Sound Card-
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16829271003

Newegg link still isn't working... But for cabinet makers: Google is your friend.

 

[monsterman]

Newegg link still isn't working... But for cabinet makers: Google is your friend.

Is there a reason why you suggest Sealed over Ported. I have always enjoyed the ported sound over sealed. I love the SPL increases.

HT | OMEGA CLARO Plus+ 7.1 Channels search in www.newegg.com

Whom would I need speak with to get the best suggestion on box size for the Tempest-X2 15" you linked? I'm guessing the 146L (5.1 cf) ported design linked in their application guide.

They also suggest a 1k amp. Is there 1k external amp that would fit a budget... I see the only 1k plate amp goes for ~$425 bucks on Parts-Express. Would it be smarter to get an external pro amp?

How about this
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/msg/1459111900.html

 

[jinjuku]

Is there a reason why you suggest Sealed over Ported. I have always enjoyed the ported sound over sealed. I love the SPL increases.

HT | OMEGA CLARO Plus+ 7.1 Channels search in www.newegg.com

Whom would I need speak with to get the best suggestion on box size for the Tempest-X2 15" you linked? I'm guessing the 146L (5.1 cf) ported design linked in their application guide.

They also suggest a 1k amp. Is there 1k external amp that would fit a budget... I see the only 1k plate amp goes for ~$425 bucks on Parts-Express. Would it be smarter to get an external pro amp?

How about this
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/msg/1459111900.html

No great reason other than simplicity. Pro amps will require some form of X-Over and highpass filter to protect the driver from damage to over excursion below the port tuning. For $220 you can't go wrong. Nice find.

I would check out the eDesign eQ.2. For $320 you have an amp/eq option that will last you through other DIY builds.

 

[jinjuku]

Hometheatershack has a dedicated Exodus Audio section. Check it out. Very information rich. Great site also.

 

[KASR]

With out knowing it's independently measured characteristics I wouldn't burn almost $300 into an 'unknown'. WmMax will tell you: too many car audio subs are designed to go loud at the expense of sounding clean.

I totally agree here - I can't count how many times I've heard big, boomy bass along with that annoying car rattle. Like Jin aludes, there's "dirty" bass and then there's "Clean" bass...you want the latter.

 

[DJ in TX]

I appreciate all help and suggestions...I will be plugging my Macbook Pro (wirelessly) and PC into the system...

I can't advise you on your bass and system needs as I am a noob to the Audio scene, but wanted to chime in regarding the wireless element of your setup. Are you planning to have an Airport Express in the mix?

If you haven't yet considered this, then I must highly recommend it. As an owner/user of an AirPort Express plugged into my receiver, I love being able to stream my entire iTunes library over my living room sound system, and control it all from my iPhone via the remote app. The best adjective I can think of is badass.

Of course there are other wireless solutions out there and you may have already decided on your method, but if not it is definitely worth consideration.

FWIW, You can get a refurbished one from Apple for $85 and it carries the same warranty.

Good luck with your system!