Need a setup for my dorm room, please advise!

[Mr.Domino]

Hey guys, thanks for looking at this.

Okay, for starters, I have allotted a maximum of $300 for my sound system. Therefore, don't suggest what I can't buy. Thanks!

Second, I am a super bass-junkie. Feeling the bass would be awesome. I don't really listen to music with singing that often. My EQ is almost always set to "Dance".

Lastly, I know this probably won't be an issue with how cheap my system is, but there is no sound limit.


Okay! So, what should I get? I have a computer with a microphone jack, and a lot of space. Most of my music is .mp3 or .wav.

Without going any further, I thought that this setup could satisfy my wants, but I'm not too sure because I don't have much experience in buying audio components.
2xtwo-way bookshelf...cerwinvega.com/home-audio/bookshelf-speakers/xls-6.html
1x10"sub...newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290034&cm_re=subwoofer-_-82-290-034-_-Product

Yes, I am aware I won't be able to connect this setup to my computer, how would I? Is this a good setup? What would you change, or advise on?

Thanks!

 

[markw]

The sub is about what you can expect with that budget. A friend has one and it's "OK".

You need a receiver or an integrated amp to drive those speakers.

The microphone jack is useless. You'll be using the headphone jack to feed the receiver from your computer.

 

[Mr.Domino]

The sub is about what you can expect with that budget. A friend has one and it's "OK".

You need a receiver or an integrated amp to drive those speakers.

The microphone jack is useless. You'll be using the headphone jack to feed the receiver from your computer.

Thank you for the prompt and informed response!

First off: DERP! I meant headphone jack . I guess my experience in audio shows through pretty obviously...

Thanks also for the info concerning the sub. I really wish the price jump from 10 to 12" wasn't $200 on average, but hey, 10" still will rock my room.

I know I should have included this earlier, but my room is about 10x20 feet.

On the subject of the receiver/amp, is there a certain product you would advise based on my budget that can support audio from my computer to the sub and two speakers?

Thank you!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

CV bookshelfs are cheap and loud, just don't expect high quality sound from them... However typically students love them for their cheap price and being loud
The sub you picked is useless and would a waste of money.

$300 is extremely low for decent 2.1 system...

You should be able to find vintage stereo receiver of yard sale (if lucky in good working cond. for about $25-50),
A sub goes - Dayton Sub-120 is a safe choice and if you lucky you could find it used - even better
Spend rest of the budget on the used bookshelfs, stick to reliable sellers, watch AH'ers selling section, audiogon and ebay (in this order of preference)

 

[markw]

On the subject of the receiver/amp, is there a certain product you would advise based on my budget that can support audio from my computer to the sub and two speakers?

Vintage stereo would be te cheapest way to go, assuming it's in good condition when you buy it.

But, I've recommended Sherwood RX-4105 receivers to several friends and all have been pleased as punch with them. These can be had new in box with a guarantee for < $100 on Amazon and some local big box stores, if there are any in your area.

 

[sholling]

$300 total? Look on craig's list for sed gear. Just test it before buying.

 

[Mr.Domino]

The sub you picked is useless and would a waste of money.

I realize that 10" subs are usually useless for the bass they are to create, but I cannot find even a shitty 12" for less than $200. Do you have any suggestions? I'm willing to spend most of my budget on the sub, as the bass is what I care about most.

I've recommended Sherwood RX-4105 receivers to several friends and all have been pleased as punch with them. .

Very solid recommendation. I like it already.

$300 total? Look on craig's list for sed gear. Just test it before buying.

Yeah... As a college student, it's a bit of a stretch.

If you guys don't like my picks, are there any systems you could recommend that would have about the same output for about the same price?

Thank you!!

 

[markw]

You might want to give a little to get a lot.

That Dayton 120 sub that BSA recommended is $40 more than that Polk sub and would be a tremendous improvement.

So, with those Klipsch speakers @ $160/pair and that Dayton sub for $140, you're up to your stated budget of $200, but you'll have one heckuva system.

Now, in any case, you WILL need a receiver to power the Klipsch's. You can either go the rummage/garage sale route and take a chance or add another C-note and go for that Sherwood.

For that $400 you'll have a VERY nice, 100% brand new, manufacturer guaranteed system that will please almost any college student that should last you well into graduate school, barring any alcohol related accidents.

 

[Shock]

Sub + dorm = Everyone hates you.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I realize that 10" subs are usually useless for the bass they are to create, but I cannot find even a shitty 12" for less than $200. Do you have any suggestions? I'm willing to spend most of my budget on the sub, as the bass is what I care about most.

1) As Mark already noticed - I already rec'd you a 12" Subwoofer under $200, which is not "shitty"

2) Not all 10" useless, Polk generally doesn't have high value in their sub, so in other words to get same SQ/output from Polk sub vs Dayton you'd need to go as high as three-four times the price just to get same level sub.

10" Subs from Elemental Designs and Velodyne are pretty good , but both out of your total budget.

p.s: Mark, Which $160/pr "those Klipsch" are you talking about ?? OP Listed $99 CV bookshelfs in his first post.....

 

[markw]

I found the XLS-6's for $85 by googling and on Amazon and must have misread it.

But, with shipping it does come out to about $100

 

[Seth=L]

$300 total? Look on craig's list for sed gear. Just test it before buying.

I'm beginning to realize this isn't optimal for newbies. Newbies get hosed a lot because they don't know what they're buying.

If the OP plans to buy used, I recommend he ask us about what he's looking at before he purchases it.

If high output, and lots of bass is what you're looking for then I have to recommend finding some old 3 way floor standers with at least 12" woofers. I also recommend listening to any possible candidates before making a purchase. A cheap stereo or dolby pro logic surround receiver should fill your power needs, also buy this used if possible.

 

[sholling]

I'm beginning to realize this isn't optimal for newbies. Newbies get hosed a lot because they don't know what they're buying.

If the OP plans to buy used, I recommend he ask us about what he's looking at before he purchases it.

If high output, and lots of bass is what you're looking for then I have to recommend finding some old 3 way floor standers with at least 12" woofers. I also recommend listening to any possible candidates before making a purchase. A cheap stereo or dolby pro logic surround receiver should fill your power needs, also buy this used if possible.

I'm starting to think that for situations like this (newbies with a $300 budget and champagne taste) that a refurb Onkyo HTIB is just about the only choice. The newer but $50 outside the budget S5300 looks to have a receiver that's good enough to use as the basis for upgrades.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I'm starting to think that for situations like this (newbies with a $300 budget and champagne taste) that a refurb Onkyo HTIB is just about the only choice. The newer but $50 outside the budget S5300 looks to have a receiver that's good enough to use as the basis for upgrades.

I'm not sure if OP will get best possible SQ (Lots of BASS) from these HTIB for his budget, but it will make shopping process hell lot easier and worry-free

 

[Seth=L]

I'm starting to think that for situations like this (newbies with a $300 budget and champagne taste) that a refurb Onkyo HTIB is just about the only choice. The newer but $50 outside the budget S5300 looks to have a receiver that's good enough to use as the basis for upgrades.

Honestly, that's not that bad of a way to go. It's got a decent subwoofer with it, and as you said, it has room to expand.

 

[Seth=L]

I'm not sure if OP will get best possible SQ (Lots of BASS) from these HTIB for his budget, but it will make shopping process hell lot easier and worry-free

Agreed, a seasoned audio nut like myself could piece together a system of better quality from used components. However, since the OP is not me, and I assume fairly un-knowledgeable about audio components, then that puts them in a tough situation. I can't see all the used stuff he has access to, and he make overlook one great thing and think another mediocre thing could be a great thing.

 

[jinjuku]

I would say the OP should take a swipe at the used market. Let us know what is being looked at and we can give some pointers as to what to look for and how to test.

This is most likely the best way to a decent receiver that is going to allow a stretching of the budget. The OP can always opt not to purchase it.

 

[jinjuku]

I would tell you to get the Yamaha NS 6490 speakers.

They are being blown out at $60 for the pair and you will have to call your local stores to see if they have any stock left.

Next take $150 and get the Dayton sub mentioned. Take the other $100 and find a used receiver.

Check ebay for a guaranteed non DOA Yamaha RX-V659 or 658 if you can.

 

[Mr.Domino]

WOW! Thanks so much for all the feedback!

Sorry I didn't reply earlier, as I had a micro exam today.


Okay, here comes the flurry of responses:

1) As Mark already noticed - I already rec'd you a 12" Subwoofer under $200, which is not "shitty"

2) Not all 10" useless, Polk generally doesn't have high value in their sub, so in other words to get same SQ/output from Polk sub vs Dayton you'd need to go as high as three-four times the price just to get same level sub.

My sincerest apologies for not seeing your rec. I was basing my experience of the subwoofer market by only looking at Newegg and other wholesale marketers. It fits my tastes very well and looks like, although it is entry level quality, will certainly match my expectations in bass output. Thank you very much for the find!

I also recommend listening to any possible candidates before making a purchase. A cheap stereo or dolby pro logic surround receiver should fill your power needs, also buy this used if possible.

Solid advice. I have gone through Craigslist, and although the offerings are not exactly all promising, the discounts are seemingly worth it, scams aside. Concerning the amp itself, my dad used to be in the ham radio market, so I'll ask him if he might have any old amps lying around in the attic somewhere.

I'm starting to think that for situations like this (newbies with a $300 budget and champagne taste) that a refurb Onkyo HTIB is just about the only choice. The newer but $50 outside the budget [S5300 looks to have a receiver that's good enough to use as the basis for upgrades.

I admit my desires far exceed my budget, but I really just want to get the best for my scant amount of money I am setting aside. This brings me to a burning question I should have asked earlier: What provides a better listening experience, smaller surround sound speakers or large frontal ones like the system I first proposed? Again, this system is intended for my dorm only, and therefore a very small listening area, but I like to feel my music, which is the basis for the bass heavy request earlier.

Thanks for the incredibly intuitive responses!

Okay, since the majority of the responses deal with buying used, here is a search query on CraigsList for my surrounding area, limited to my parameters:

columbus.craigslist.org/search/ele?query=speaker+system&srchType=A&minAsk=&maxAsk=300&sort=pricedsc
(No, that's not a hyperlink, sorry. I am not able to embed html links in text just yet)

In particular, I really liked:

columbus.craigslist.org/ele/1959640691.html

for $300 including the amp, speakers, manuals, and speaker wire. I have already sent the seller an email asking for personal pictures of the system, as it seems like they ripped it from google images.

Thank you again for the overwhelming responses! You guys far exceeded my expectations!

 

[markw]

Life's a gamble.

Trust me on this one. Pick up a pair of these for $30 plus shipping. They might prove to be a great start for your system, particularly when mated with that Dayton subwoofer. If you don't like 'em, flip 'em for what you paid for 'em.

Based on this thread, I picked up a pair of these and was pleasantly surprised.

Who knows? You might wind up coming in lower than you expected...