2.1 $1000 budget.

[Flyingnugget]

I currently have some crappy $100 Logitech speakers for my computer.

My plan is to purchase a new 2.1 audio system for my computer in a closed 10x12 room. This is 100% for music. I listen to trance, house, D&B, and dubstep so bass is very very important. I would like to spend under $1000 Canadian total.

I need bookshelf speakers and was originally looking at the Polk monitor 40/ Tsi 200. Since I found this site I have also been looking at the Behringer 2031a, Yamaha 6490.

I wanted to get the Emotiva ultra sub 10, Epik Legend, or a HSU subwoofer however none of those ship to Canada and I cant find them locally.

Ill also need a receiver.

Ive been doing tons of searches but cant figure out what is best for me.

 

[sholling]

The big problem with grabbing just any old speakers for a computer is that up close (like on a desk) some otherwise decent speakers can get fatiguing really quickly.

If you have an optical port on your sound card then I would look for a used A/V receiver (with bass management) and a pair of Behringer B2030P studio monitors. Stereo receivers usually lack bass management and you have no need for fancy video features.

I have no idea who ships subwoofers to Canada but with your taste in music I'd want something that digs low and clean. Have you checked with Elemental Designs? They do have a wait but they have a couple of offering that are affordable at least in the states. I've never heard their products but Funky Waves is made up there. They aren't cheap but maybe not that bad compared to to getting something decent shipped to Canada.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

+1 on Behringer 2030p
Emotiva does ship internationally. Ask them for quote
Ultra 12 sub, now on sale, its what you need

Other sub options include:
SVS - they don't ship, but they have Canadian dealers:
http://www.sonicboomaudio.com/sb12nsd-powered-box-subwoofer-12-nsd-series-woofer-black-p-48.html
Def Teks - Look for 10 to 12" sealed sub within your budget

Even better deal if you'd be ready do some basic assembly -
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-760
or buy it ready at $150 premium:
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-761
Parts express should ship to Canada as well

 

[zumbo]

EDIT: Posting at the same time as BoredSysAdmin.

Sonic boom handles SVS in Canada.

SVS SBS-02. $269 pair
http://www.sonicboomaudio.com/sbs02-bookshelf-speaker-pair-black-p-14.html
PB10-NSD $579
http://www.sonicboomaudio.com/pb10nsd-powered-box-subwoofer-10-nsd-series-woofer-black-p-5.html

5% off with code might work "packagesub". This is offered on the US site.

848 + shipping.

 

[InTheIndustry]

I currently have some crappy $100 Logitech speakers for my computer.

My plan is to purchase a new 2.1 audio system for my computer in a closed 10x12 room. This is 100% for music. I listen to trance, house, D&B, and dubstep so bass is very very important. I would like to spend under $1000 Canadian total.

I need bookshelf speakers and was originally looking at the Polk monitor 40/ Tsi 200. Since I found this site I have also been looking at the Behringer 2031a, Yamaha 6490.

I wanted to get the Emotiva ultra sub 10, Epik Legend, or a HSU subwoofer however none of those ship to Canada and I cant find them locally.

Ill also need a receiver.

Ive been doing tons of searches but cant figure out what is best for me.

Don't know an absolute TON about your system... Sound card, ETC. But I would use this: http://signalpathint.com/index.php/decco/the-decco.html . Really take a few minutes to read and understand what it does to see if it's a fit for you...... I think it's perfect. Also, search a few other threads for the words Decco or Nova and see a few other posts from me about it and my impressions. For Digital audio from a PC, it's very special. Best products for digital music from your PC or streaming sources on the market when it comes to performance for the price, IMO.

At $500, that's half of your $1000, but worth it because you'll be getting an incredibly high value, high performing piece of audio equipment that should really not need to upgrade for a long long time.

Speaker wise? Hmmmm, well, I can only think of two very different choices......

PSB Alpha B1. Review here: http://www.psbspeakers.com/reviews/Stereophile-Alpha-B1-Review This is a phenomenal bargain. I believe this is the least expensive speaker to make Sterophile’s recommended components list and shares company with speakers considerably more expensive. I would characterize the Alpha B1 as an incredible value and one of the best bargains in audio with an MSRP of $279 a pair. You as you should be able to get a bit of a break (probably expect $249 or a bit lower from a dealer) which will allow you to appropriate a fair amount towards a decent sub.

Subwoofer I would look at the Velodyne Impact series. The 10" model retails at $299 so $250 is within reason. A Dayton Audio 12" model (or 2) from Parts Express would be my first recommendation if they will ship to Canada. http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-635

My second recommendation for speakers will keep the same Dayton Sub, but change out the PSB Alpha B1 for the ERA D4. This is a better speaker for near field use (PC) and offers a smoother, more refined sound & image over the PSB. It MSRPs at $700 so $500/$550 is within reason. This will cause you to go over budget some, but the ERA D4 is an incredible product all around and is one of my favorite speakers. Truly a high end value, IMO. Here is a review: http://www.stereophile.com/content/era-acoustics-design-4-loudspeaker-sub10-subwoofer .

IMO, the way you could build something really special would be if you went with the ERA D4 and planned to add a higher quality sub than the Dayton later, perhaps with another $500 or so down the road. The only issue with this is that while the D4 puts out excellent bass, it would NOT be the end all for you with your type of music. However, these are speakers that would last you a life time as your taste in music changes. The ERA line of speakers are beautiful and incredibly well built (they weigh a 1/2 lbs more than the PSB despite being much smaller and having a smaller woofer. See pics of the magnet & driver in the review). A fantastic sounding product all around that I would say is a high end value for where they are priced. Especially for how you plan on using them. You will have to add a sub though eventually.

Hope this gives you some things to consider. I don’t think you would be “wrong” with either of these two systems.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Don't know an absolute TON about your system... Sound card, ETC. But I would use this: http://signalpathint.com/index.php/decco/the-decco.html . Really take a few minutes to read and understand what it does to see if it's a fit for you...... I think it's perfect. Also, search a few other threads for the words Decco or Nova and see a few other posts from me about it and my impressions. For Digital audio from a PC, it's very special. Best products for digital music from your PC or streaming sources on the market when it comes to performance for the price, IMO.

At $500, that's half of your $1000, but worth it because you'll be getting an incredibly high value, high performing piece of audio equipment that should really not need to upgrade for a long long time.

From Peach Tree Website:

even compressed MP3 files sound almost indistinguishable from the original CD when played through the Decco.

Hard to come across such gross bunch of marketing crap and lies.
This would $500 you're wasted down the drain.
Just get Asus Xonar DS card for tenth of cost you'll get 99% of the benefit of $500 DAC

 

[sholling]

From Peach Tree Website:

Hard to come across such gross bunch of marketing crap and lies.
This would $500 you're wasted down the drain.
Just get Asus Xonar DS card for tenth of cost you'll get 99% of the benefit of $500 DAC

Or just use the DAC in the receiver.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Or just use the DAC in the receiver.

Yes, of-course. this one will be fine for your needs, including bass management.
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTXSR607BLK/Onkyo/TX-SR607-90-watts-channel-7.2-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html
ac4l do ship to canada

 

[Boerd]

NHT absolute zero is really good (350 $):

http://www.nhthifi.com/Absolute-Zero-Black?sc=12&category=3772


I would also look at Canton (but it is 599$ a pair):

http://store.audioholics.com/product/3508/19/canton-gle-420-2-bookshelf-speakers--black-pair-

Also look at Pinnacle (450$):

http://store.audioholics.com/product/3076/19/pinnacle-bd-500-bookshelf-speakers--pair-black-


Also Absolute two (again from NHT 550$):

http://www.nhthifi.com/Two-Black_2?sc=12&category=3772


For sub:
Emotiva 12 - (429$):
http://emotiva.com/ultra_sub12.shtm

 

[InTheIndustry]

From Peach Tree Website:

Hard to come across such gross bunch of marketing crap and lies.
This would $500 you're wasted down the drain.
Just get Asus Xonar DS card for tenth of cost you'll get 99% of the benefit of $500 DAC

At their price points, the Peachtree products are incredible integrated amps with very high quality DACs. The product was designed to work with PC based streaming audio and they do so very well. I've used their products several times and think it's a great line for people wanting really high quality 2.1 sound from their PC.

Snarky comments are cute & all, but coming from behind ignorance they don't carry any weight. If you've never heard or even seen a product, to judge it based on a few minutes looking at a web page is asinine. Why comment on a product if you have no practical experience or even a frame of reference with "like" pieces of gear?

To the OP....
Some Bad News: In this hobby, particularly on internet message boards, some people have a hard time putting aside their own personal values or financial decisions when consulting others and feel that what is good enough for them should always be good enough for everyone else. Often times people will recommend or condemn products based on their very limited scope of experience (often handcuffed by their financial commitment to the hobby) which is why it's always a good idea to either find products out there for yourself to check out, or spend a bit of time doing research on exactly what you're looking for. Time and time again I see products/types of products recommended on here that people have ZERO 1st hand knowledge about. They are recommended based on reputation gotten on message boards such as this one, which are often made through disingenuous means and the snowball effects of ignorance. That's sad to me, but at least you can avoid some of those pitfalls because you are out there investigating things for yourself. Keep it up and don’t spend your money until you find exactly what you're looking for!

Some Good News: Small companies in the audio industry, like Peachtree are very customer service focused and are happy to receive calls from prospective customers. Feel free to call them and have an honest, open conversation and ask what their products do to see if they're the right fit for your system goals. In my dealings with them I have found them to be incredibly nice, audio focused people who have their customers interests at heart when designing their gear.

- The Decco Integrated Amp I recommended to you was an Electronic House Magazine Product of The Year award winner in 2008 and the more powerful Nova unit (nearly identical except for power ratings) was a Stereophile Magazine 2009 Product of the Year.

Lots of really great reviews are out there for the Nova: http://signalpathint.com/index.php/Nova-Reviews/

Again, the only real difference between the Nova and Decco is power. The Decco is PLENTY enough for what you're doing and then some. My first time with the product I heard a demo of the Decco unit powering a pair of Totem Columns (Arro) and it was excellent. Bookshelves in your price range will be perfectly fine.

- The Onkyo receiver will work (I've been an Onkyo dealer for 11 years now an it’s a good product), but you are paying for a surround sound receiver with a bunch of features and functions that you'll never use under your proposed list of needs. I would suggest finding a quality 2ch integrated amp over an entry level receiver for what you described.

As far as bass management in a surround sound receiver vs. integrated amp is concerned…. That will only be an issue if you get one of the few subs on the market that do not have crossover, & phase controls on the subwoofer amp itself. We could also get into lowpass filters and other bass issues that can happen when some receivers do stereo, but that should be in a whole separate thread entirely.

 

[sholling]

$500? I just don't see anything compelling unless size is the priority. On the other hand if it were $200-300 and included true bass management maybe. But that's an individual choice. With an optical out on the computer I'd buy the AV receiver. That's not a put down of the product or the recommendation. A receiver just brings lots more bang for the buck, and in reality a used AV receiver will give even more bang for the buck. But to each their own - we all have different tastes and priorities which is part of what keeps the world interesting.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

At their price points, the Peachtree products are incredible integrated amps with very high quality DACs. The product was designed to work with PC based streaming audio and they do so very well. I've used their products several times and think it's a great line for people wanting really high quality 2.1 sound from their PC.

First:
I've no doubts about this is a decent product, however their web site claim as I quoted before come straight from marketing people and make no sense from technology standpoint. That's would be an instant no-no for me were I shopping for such product.

Second:
At $800 this product is not cheap by any means and not good value for person whom total budged is $1000. In fact its ignorant and "asinine" to make such recommendations.

Regardless of performance this unit and it price - In the end - this is very basic unit, without even bass management. It also lacks tons of other of convenience features typically found in $300-400 AVR.

Snarky comments are cute & all, but coming from behind ignorance they don't carry any weight. If you've never heard or even seen a product, to judge it based on a few minutes looking at a web page is asinine. Why comment on a product if you have no practical experience or even a frame of reference with "like" pieces of gear?

Was comment was "snarky" - yes. Did I physically used this product - no.
HOWEVER based on information, specs, features and price I can draw a logical conclusion regarding it.
Calling this process in addition to my knowledge and experience ignorant does not carry any weight in my book and not gain you any points ether.

 

[InTheIndustry]

$500? I just don't see anything compelling unless size is the priority. On the other hand if it were $200-300 and included true bass management maybe. But that's an individual choice. With an optical out on the computer I'd buy the AV receiver. That's not a put down of the product or the recommendation. A receiver just brings lots more bang for the buck, and in reality a used AV receiver will give even more bang for the buck. But to each their own - we all have different tastes and priorities which is part of what keeps the world interesting.

Sholling, a receiver would certianly work fine and be an easy, common answer. My only point was, for a $1000 budget and given what the OP was going for, which is best? That's all I was trying to do was offer something different and geared towards PC based audio.

At 1st glance I know it just looks like an expensive 50 watt channel box. Not too compelling, as you put it. However, it really is a different type of Integrated amp geared towards PC based stereo systems. The guys at Signal Path went for something different for a different market and I think it turned out to be a great piece of equipment. At the very least it's something new to read about if you're into audio. The Decco is only available refurbished now, but the info on the Nova is virtually the same accept that the power rating is higher. Check out here: http://signalpathint.com/index.php/Nova/Digital-to-Analog-Converter.html
& here: http://signalpathint.com/index.php/Nova/The-Pre-Amp.html


Connections: The company recommends using USB from the PC and the optical inputs for other sources.

A lot of people are starting to use their PCs more and more to stream audio. Most products that are geared towards that focussed more on convienience rather than sound quality. That's where, I think, Peachtree did something great. They went for high quality. NOTE: Dimensions on the Decco are 15"W x 5"H x 14"D. It's a substantially sized unit and not really a form factor designed product. It also weighs 22lbs.

Bass ManagementI don't understand what you mean by "True bass Management" in relationship to setting up a stereo system using the electronics in the receiver vs. the adjustments on the subwoofer itself (crossover, phase, lowpass on/off, etc.).

Rather than type out something long and drawn out, here is a link from an article on ecoustics discussing sub-preout jacks & stereo in surround sound receivers and why it can sometimes be more difficult to do electronically.....

2nd Bodled Section "The Case Against Subwoofer Output Jacks.
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/119794.html

There are often times limits on the sub, in the receiver (more common), and with the users understanding of working both pieces of equipment properly (even more common). Regardless, managing the bass for a stereo only system for music is not any more different using the electronics on the receiver or the controls on the sub. Managing bass for a typical stereo setup using an integrated amp would be simple as long as it had the preamp L/R outs.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

True Bass Management:
Very simple concept defined in THX standards:

No channel shall have bass info below 80 Hz other than the subwoofer channel.

http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/get-good-bass/bass-management-the-right-stuff

 

[InTheIndustry]

First:
I've no doubts about this is a decent product, however their web site claim as I quoted before come straight from marketing people and make no sense from technology standpoint. That's would be an instant no-no for me were I shopping for such product.

Second:
At $800 this product is not cheap by any means and not good value for person whom total budged is $1000. In fact its ignorant and "asinine" to make such recommendations.

Regardless of performance this unit and it price - In the end - this is very basic unit, without even bass management. It also lacks tons of other of convenience features typically found in $300-400 AVR.


Was comment was "snarky" - yes. Did I physically used this product - no.
HOWEVER based on information, specs, features and price I can draw a logical conclusion regarding it.
Calling this process in addition to my knowledge and experience ignorant does not carry any weight in my book and not gain you any points ether.

Just because a products initial marketing fluff doesn't pull at your heart strings doesn't mean the product isn't a good one. I can understand why a company would want to put general terms like MP3 out there and not technical breakdowns as to how it works with certain files.... Most people would be more turned off by the latter than the former. Just because you're smart and into tech doesn't mean everyone else is!

The product I recommended is $499, as I stated in my post, NOT $800. The $800 model is the Decco2. Here is a link to it: http://signalpathint.com/index.php/Buy-Online-Landing-Page/Original-Decco-Refurbished-$499.html

Again with the bass management stuff! Integrating a sub into a 2 channel system is not a challenging thing to do. Easily done using the crossover, low pass filter (the Decco has a LP on/off), phase, and volume controls on the typical sub. The only difference is using the sub vs. using the receiver. This is not a benefit nor a drawback of using a surround sound piece or an integrated amp. In fact, it's a heck of a lot easier to use the integrated and subwoofer controls as there are less variables.

The Decco/Nova IAs are not basic products. To someone pulling it up and going through a quick blurb about it and rolling their eyes... sure. But, when I listened to the thing streaming music off of Rhapsody form a laptop into an $1900 pair of speakers (Totem Arro).... It's an awesome piece of equipment for $500!

Please, if you could take a moment, read the links I listed in my post to Sholling. If you think it's crap... no worries! I would totally be interested and 100% all ears to hear why if you would take the time to respond. I bristled at your response because it seemed like you caught one or two sentences from their site and then wrote the product off.

- The reason I'm on AH is to learn about consumers impressions, problems, comments, how they shop & buy, etc. This helps me become a better problem solver, stay up on new tech, and help my clients here in my physical market space in OH. In return to the forum for the interaction, I find threads that are interesting to me and try to offer ideas and solutions from my 11 years InTheIndustry and living, eating, breathing, sleeping with this stuff for a 3rd of my life. You guys teach me and open my eyes to a lot of neat products and concepts and help me to understand how NOT to introduce things to clients as well as what products out there should be avoided or looked at closely before investing in them. In fact, I would have never tried my favorite speaker brand, Phase Technology, if it weren't for a member here (Jaxvon?) auditioning it and posting his thoughts. I also never hide the fact that I’m a dealer of a lot of what I recommend. But I do so not to sell anything (my company name isn’t in my sig or profile as it is for other dealers on this site) to you guys personally but to let people know that I have some sort of substantiated point of reference on things that I recommend. Have I sold things to members on here? A few times, sure! But only in the classifieds or if someone’s contacted me and asked. Usually I just do so at my dealer cost plus 10% for my time to order and ship. I don’t need to sell anything or pimp any company’s products on here in the least. My business is booming. And part of that success is because of constructive interactions with the AH forum.

Regardless of all that, I try to type out thoughtful in depth posts for people because they deserve it. To get back something snarky just for the sake of being snarky and not having any sort of thought provoking information was a brutal, unnecessary response.

 

[InTheIndustry]

True Bass Management:
Very simple concept defined in THX standards:

http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/get-good-bass/bass-management-the-right-stuff

Again, a snarky response. When I started my company 4 1/2 years ago I went through THX Home Theater II certification at CEDIA thinking that clients would care (most do not). I didn't really need the AH version but, since you took the time to link it, I read the article.

How is this article pertinant to our discussion in relation to the OPs goals of a 2.1 system?

From the conclusion of the article.... I BOLDED & underlined important info to consider when recommending a surround sound receiver for a 2 channel rig....

The point I was attempting to convey in the bass management flowcharts was versatility in the system that can accommodate all speaker types and configurations. The same basic two channel audio bass management principals should be carried over for multi channel applications. For example, if you have large bass capable main speakers and a musical subwoofer that you wish to cross over below 50 Hz to provide added bass boost to your mains, your Receiver / Processor should have the ability to route bass signals to your subwoofer at the desired cut-off frequency, or offer a defeat option on its internal LPF for you to use the LPF of your sub, while still maintaining full frequency range output to your main speakers. There are so many Receivers / Processors on the market from the big name brands that still don't understand this concept and thus either do not allow you to operate your subwoofer in two channel mode at all, or if you have the mains set to large. In fact only about 10-15% of the Receivers and Processors on the market allow for an adjustable LPF for the subwoofer, and fewer units allow you to defeat the internal LPF in case you desire to use the one built into your subwoofer. Why?

The multi channel bass scheme does add complexity over that of the two channel one, but the fundamental concepts are the same. The bottom line is as follows:

Any speaker set to small must route the bass information for that speaker to the main channels if no subwoofer is present, or to the subwoofer if one exits.

This general article is for MULTI CHANNEL bass management. Multi channel is much more challenging and different to do because of the variable pieces of equipment and manufacturing standards, processes, controls, etc. than 2 channel using an integrated amp in a stereo config. Every 2 channel stereo system does not have, should not have, nor needs the front L/R channels cutoff at 80hz. If so, there would be hardly any speakers manufactured that would go below 80hz.

EDIT: Not only that, but with all of the varying types of crappy, price point designed gear out there.... Could you imagine the crap that would come out of some subwoofers mixed up that high, playing those notes by themselves for 2 channel music listening? Gross!

Ideally, depending on speakers, multi channel movies and 2 channel music should be set up differently per input in your receiver. Movie sound tracks are meant for the mains to be cut off at 80hz.... Music is not mixed that way at all. On top of that, bass controls and management are not solely in the electronics. As I mentioned before, the subwoofer and it's output can be tuned manually.

 

[Boerd]

I currently have some crappy $100 Logitech speakers for my computer.

My plan is to purchase a new 2.1 audio system for my computer in a closed 10x12 room. This is 100% for music. I listen to trance, house, D&B, and dubstep so bass is very very important. I would like to spend under $1000 Canadian total.

I need bookshelf speakers and was originally looking at the Polk monitor 40/ Tsi 200. Since I found this site I have also been looking at the Behringer 2031a, Yamaha 6490.

I wanted to get the Emotiva ultra sub 10, Epik Legend, or a HSU subwoofer however none of those ship to Canada and I cant find them locally.

Ill also need a receiver.

Ive been doing tons of searches but cant figure out what is best for me.

Since I already recommended you a few speakers to choose from I'd only say one more thing - don't spend more than 300$ for a receiver:

http://store.audioholics.com/product/3431/66188/yamaha-r-s300-stereo-receiver

or even cheaper; try around 200$. I'm one of those who don't believe in spending too much on electronics - spend on speakers

 

[Flyingnugget]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'm looking at the PB10-NSD subwoofer, and have also sent Emovita an email asking for a quote to ship an ultra sub 12 to canada.

I have read a lot of good things about the Behringer 2030p. Are these speakers good enough to be pared with a SVS PB10-NSD Sub?

I am still pretty lost trying to figure out what receiver to buy. I dont understand what makes the Decco superior compared to a cheap receiver. It says 50wats per channel. The 2030p say they can handle up to 100 watt input. Does this mean the Decco would be under powering the 2030p?

Does the Decco have much higher sound quality than lets say the Onkyo TX-SR607 as it is made for only audio?

Sorry this is my first step into audio and I'm having a hard time grasping this whole receiver/amp thing.

 

[KEW]

ITI,
I don't understand where you are coming from???

2nd Bodled Section "The Case Against Subwoofer Output Jacks.
http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/119794.html

This article does not appear to apply to a modern AVR!
For example:

Unfortunately electronics manufacturers rarely specify the filter characteristics of the sub out jack in their manuals. Carefully check the electronics' specs or contact the manufacturer to find out whether or not your receiver's subwoofer output jack is filtered.

This seems to be referring to a fixed (or non existent) Low Pass filter. On any modern AVR, you have more precise control over the crossover point than at the subwoofer, and there is absolutely no question of whether it exists.

Please correct me if I am missing something, but my understanding is that when a person is using smaller speakers such as the PSB Alpha 1's (which roll off at 55-65Hz), it is beneficial to apply a high pass filter to those speakers so they (or the amp) are not working at producing the frequencies below this range. An AVR offers this ability at a very cost effective price.

You must be aware of the fact that an AVR offers a High Pass Filter for the mains, but why are you not addressing that issue? Do you have knowledge that sending a full range signal to small speakers results in no compromise to the system's sound quality or danger to the speakers? I cannot say that I know this is an issue, only that that has been my understanding.

Thanks!

 

[sholling]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

I'm looking at the PB10-NSD subwoofer, and have also sent Emovita an email asking for a quote to ship an ultra sub 12 to canada.

I have read a lot of good things about the Behringer 2030p. Are these speakers good enough to be pared with a SVS PB10-NSD Sub?

B2030P are good near field monitors for the price and several members run them with the PCs. In the states they go for roughly $160-220/pr depending on the dealer ($100-140ea for singles). The weakness is cabinet resonance but you can even modify them a bit to tighten up the sound a little should the mood someday strike and they are quite good as they come out of the box. Behringer just put all the money into good drivers instead of cabinetry.

A step up would be Ascend Acoustics CBM-170SE but I have no clue what those cost to ship to Canada. They sell for about $300/pr here.

I am still pretty lost trying to figure out what receiver to buy. I dont understand what makes the Decco superior compared to a cheap receiver. It says 50wats per channel. The 2030p say they can handle up to 100 watt input. Does this mean the Decco would be under powering the 2030p?

I would just buy a used AV receiver for $50-100. You don't need all the latest features from a brand new AVR but a receiver with a crossover for the subwoofer will be easiest to setup and have plenty of clean power. I'm no tightwad when it comes to my gear (see home-office below) and I'm just using an old AVR with my computer. You should be able to find an old Pioneer AVR-912 or better or an Onkyo TX-SR50x or 60x for $75-100 or so on ebay or Craig's List - just make sure it works. Or if you want something brand new.