Beginner Audio System

[itspb]

College just started and i need a sweet system to put in my room. The room is about 10X18 and I don't have roommates so no worries about noise

I will be using my laptop(Dell XPS 15) and my phone (Samsung Galaxy S) and Nexus 7(coming soon) to play music. The music includes lossless tracks too. I require a speaker system and DAC(which will be used with my phone too). My budget is ~$200. At first i was looking at hi-fi systems like Audioengine A2. But just to keep options open, I'm thinking about buying cheaper systems from Logitech/Altec Lansing/Bose/whatever is there and get a nice DAC as well. I don't mind buying used items. Few things, needs to be loud enough(I usually listen to music very loud) and the bass should blow my mind. As for DAC, should be able to handle lossless music.

I would love to know what you guys have to say/recommend.

Cheers

 

[sholling]

You're not going to squeeze a decent DAC and 1/2 way decent powered speakers with any bass output into a $200 budget. Until you can afford a bit more you're probably going to have to settle for some decent computer speakers like Klipsch's Promedia 2.1 and run them off the earphone jacks on the phone and computer. I used a set of Promedia for a couple of years and they aren't bad for computer speakers. You can probably give them a listen at your local Best Buy.

 

[itspb]

You're not going to squeeze a decent DAC and 1/2 way decent powered speakers with any bass output into a $200 budget. Until you can afford a bit more you're probably going to have to settle for some decent computer speakers like Klipsch's Promedia 2.1 and run them off the earphone jacks on the phone and computer. I used a set of Promedia for a couple of years and they aren't bad for computer speakers. You can probably give them a listen at your local Best Buy.

Maybe bass blowing my mind was an exaggeration. I don't want anything too flat. The last system I used was ASUS Xonar DX and Creative 4.1 speakers, and I quite liked it, so any upgrade will sound good to me.

How much money are we talking for a good system?

 

[sholling]

Maybe bass blowing my mind was an exaggeration. I don't want anything too flat. The last system I used was ASUS Xonar DX and Creative 4.1 speakers, and I quite liked it, so any upgrade will sound good to me.

How much money are we talking for a good system?

Honestly the Klipsch Promedia don't suck and if $200 is your limit I'd go listen to a pair and see what you think. They even have a wireless version ($200) that includes a wireless USB adapter for your computer. I haven't listened to the wireless version but I for sure wouldn't go into debt for anything better while starting college.

I'll toss these out as another option: You could pick up a pair of amplified Behringer B2031A at $200-230 each. The "A" model has built-in amplifiers so you can plug them into a USB DAC or the headphone jacks on your devices. I don't use external DACs so I can't point you at one but I doubt you're going to get anything for less than $100 that's much better than your headphone jacks. The 8" woofer plays pretty deep but the only thing is that Behringer's amplified speakers don't have a great rep for reliability. I'd give a listen at the local Guitar Center if they have any in stock.

 

[jcl]

The NHT superpowers are on sale to email list subscribers for $149 each. They would be another option to consider.

I think your best bet is to put as much of your budget into speakers,then at a later time add a dac, maybe a Fiio or an ODAC.

 

[itspb]

Honestly the Klipsch Promedia don't suck and if $200 is your limit I'd go listen to a pair and see what you think. They even have a wireless version ($200) that includes a wireless USB adapter for your computer. I haven't listened to the wireless version but I for sure wouldn't go into debt for anything better while starting college.

I'll toss these out as another option: You could pick up a pair of amplified Behringer B2031A at $200-230 each. The "A" model has built-in amplifiers so you can plug them into a USB DAC or the headphone jacks on your devices. I don't use external DACs so I can't point you at one but I doubt you're going to get anything for less than $100 that's much better than your headphone jacks. The 8" woofer plays pretty deep but the only thing is that Behringer's amplified speakers don't have a great rep for reliability. I'd give a listen at the local Guitar Center if they have any in stock.

I will definitely give them a try in my local BestBuy. I don't see the point of paying $50 extra for wireless. Behringer are very expensive. Can't afford them.

The NHT superpowers are on sale to email list subscribers for $149 each. They would be another option to consider.

I think your best bet is to put as much of your budget into speakers,then at a later time add a dac, maybe a Fiio or an ODAC.

$300 for 2 speakers is quite a lot. I think thats my plan now, get good speakers now and a DAC later on.

What do you guys think about Audioengine A2, Harman Kardon Sound Sticks III and M-Audio Studiophile AV40?

 

[sholling]

I will definitely give them a try in my local BestBuy. I don't see the point of paying $50 extra for wireless.

I can't see the extra $50 either but you seemed to want to get away from using the headphone jack on the computer. I'd also give a listen the Corsair SP2500 while down there just based on the review. A quick online search shows prices from $208-275.

What do you guys think about Audioengine A2, Harman Kardon Sound Sticks III and M-Audio Studiophile AV40?

I can't help you with that. I just haven't been computer speaker shopping in 5 years.

 

[GranteedEV]

$300 for 2 speakers is quite a lot.

It is very reasonable and yes, it is below the law of diminishing returns cutoff point.

For what its worth though consider some Pioneer BS-22 from newegg and an SMSl SA-50 amp off ebay

 

[itspb]

I can't see the extra $50 either but you seemed to want to get away from using the headphone jack on the computer. I'd also give a listen the Corsair SP2500 while down there just based on the. A quick online search shows prices from $208-275.


I can't help you with that. I just haven't been computer speaker shopping in 5 years.

I would rather go with Audioengines A2, the extra $50 can be later invested in DAC.

It is very reasonable and yes, it is below the law of diminishing returns cutoff point.

For what its worth though consider some Pioneer BS-22 from newegg and an SMSl SA-50 amp off ebay

Well, i know $300 is cheap, but i'm just in college dude.

What do you think about this config: Dayton B652 Speakers and Lepai LP 2020A+ amp. Just google "Build your own desktop stereo for under $70". Sorry, cant post links yet.

 

[GranteedEV]

What do you think about this config: Dayton B652 Speakers and Lepai LP 2020A+ amp.

I think you can do better.

If you're willing to DIY, consider these speakers instead:

Overnight Sensation Speaker kit (Single) - Small Kits - Speaker Kits DIY Sound Group

 

[zieglj01]

What do you think about this config: Dayton B652 Speakers and Lepai LP 2020A+ amp. Just google "Build your own desktop stereo for under $70". Sorry, cant post links yet.

The Pioneer BS22, is way better than the Dayton B652 speaker
The BS22 can work near-field

The Dayton B652 treble went on a long vacation.

 

[jcl]

NewEgg has the older model Pioneer SP-BS21-LR for $50 a pair for email subscribers, and an open box pair for $40. Then add an inexpensive amp or avr.

 

[itspb]

The Pioneer BS22, is way better than the Dayton B652 speaker
The BS22 can work near-field

The Dayton B652 treble went on a long vacation.

Its good that you are posting images but unfortunately i'm not knowledgeable in audio stuff, so couldnt really interpret what you were trying to say. Although BS22 look great, they are kinda on the expensive side. What about Pioneer SP BS 21 LR as suggested by jcl??

NewEgg has the older model Pioneer SP-BS21-LR for $50 a pair for email subscribers, and an open box pair for $40. Then add an inexpensive amp or avr.

When i goto NewEgg, its showing $79. How do i get the $50 deal?

 

[zieglj01]

Its good that you are posting images but unfortunately i'm not knowledgeable in audio stuff, so couldnt really interpret what you were trying to say. Although BS22 look great, they are kinda on the expensive side. What about Pioneer SP BS 21 LR as suggested by jcl??

When i goto NewEgg, its showing $79. How do i get the $50 deal?

The treble/highs on the B652, will play at a lower level
compared to the midrange and bass.

The BS21 is also a nice speaker

There is a promo code in green
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882117405

You need to sign up for the EBlast deals at Newegg.
Move down the page, and look to the right side
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, Laptops, Electronics, HDTVs, Digital Cameras and More!

 

[itspb]

The treble/highs on the B652, will play at a lower level
compared to the midrange and bass.

The BS21 is also a nice speaker

There is a promo code in green
Newegg.com - Pioneer SP-BS21-LR Bookshelf Loudspeakers Pair

You need to sign up for the EBlast deals at Newegg.
Move down the page, and look to the right side
Newegg.com - Computer Parts, Laptops, Electronics, HDTVs, Digital Cameras and More!

Ohh. Understood. So the highs wont be really high?

Didn't see the code earlier So, BS21 or Dayton B652?? BS21 is just $10 more than Dayton, so i don't mind paying that much if I get better sound quality, especially bass(keeping in mind I listen to Electronic, rock and pop). And are the BS21 loud enough?

 

[zieglj01]

Ohh. Understood. So the highs wont be really high?

Didn't see the code earlier So, BS21 or Dayton B652?? BS21 is just $10 more than Dayton, so i don't mind paying that much if I get better sound quality, especially bass(keeping in mind I listen to Electronic, rock and pop). And are the BS21 loud enough?

Both speakers, have limitations in the loudness department. Also,
raising the volume on a low power amp, will not help.

Compromise tends to be the name of the game, with a real tight
budget. For the type of music, and the bass that you desire - you
will need a subwoofer in your system.

 

[itspb]

Both speakers, have limitations in the loudness department. Also,
raising the volume on a low power amp, will not help.

Compromise tends to be the name of the game, with a real tight
budget. For the type of music, and the bass that you desire - you
will need a subwoofer in your system.

I understand. So I need to get a more powerful amp and a subwoofer that can be added on later if required. Any suggestions on the Amp? And DAC?

 

[markw]

With your budget you're gonna have to live with some serious compromises.

You'll be lucky to get a decent amp/receiver and two decent speakers for that budget. Get a sub when you have more $$ and the DAC after that.

That toy amp you're looking doesn't have the stones to do any sort of bass, particularly from those speakers you're looking at. The least expensive NEW unit that has the cojones to do any bass I'd consider is a Sherwood 4105 receiver which sells, with a 2 year guarantee, for around $100.

But, if you're feeling froggy, you could be scouring Craigslist, pawn shops, thrift stores, rummage sales, garage sales, anything you can think of, even Ebay, for a decent, clean, working used two channel receiver, even from 30 - 40 years ago.

In fact, you might want to see what used speakers are out there while searching or a vintage receiver.

 

[itspb]

You'll be lucky to get a decent amp/receiver and two decent speakers for that budget. Put that DAC idea out of your mind for now.

That toy amp you're looking doesn't have the stones to do any sort of bass, particularly from those speakers you're looking at. The least expensive NEW unit I'd consider is a Sherwood 4105 receiver which sells, with a 2 year guarantee, for around $100.

But, if you're feeling froggy, you could be scouring Craigslist, pawn shops, thrift stores, rummage sales, garage sales, anything you can think of, even Ebay, for a decent, clean, working used two channel receiver, even from 30 - 40 years ago.

In fact, you might want to see what used speakers are out there while searching or a vintage receiver.

I understand that I'm on a tight budget.

However my current plan is:

Step 1. Get a pair of speakers(Pioneer BS21 $50 or Dayton B625 $40) and an amp(Lepai LP 2020A+ $24 or "suggestions awaiting")
Step 2. Get a DAC(~$120)
Step 3. Get a Subwoofer if required.

Step 2 and Step 3 will be taken later on. The total budget for everything is around ~$250. I will be able to extend the budget for DAC and sub later on.

What about this amp Amazon.com: AudioSource AMP-100 Stereo Power Amplifier: Electronics ?

 

[markw]

I'm honestly surprised that with the price difference between that audiosource power amp and the sherwood receiver, you just blew the sherwood off without a thought.

Putting money into a DAC with that system is like putting $3,000 wheels and 20 inch tires on a Yugo.

But, it seems you know what you want to do. Good luck.