2.0 for PC music use, $500 budget

[SithSolo1]

For my current PC setup I'm running Infinity Entra One bookshelf speakers, TSC ASW-8 sub, and Panansonic SA-XR10 receiver. Onbaord audio powered by the VIA Vinyl VT1708S chipset. Used for roughly 70/30, Music/Games&Movies

The "I want something different" bug is starting to bite and I'm looking for some opinions. I've never had what I consider a "nice" set of speakers. Don't get me wrong, the current setup was a massive step up from the old Logitech z-540 but I've had these Infinitys since the early 2000s and they were only $125 for the pair. I'm also fully aware that nice is relative.

Other notes:
Bedroom is roughly 16x11.5x9.5
Receiver has Digital and Analog inputs, 6/8 ohm loads ok
Any cabinet color other than Maple is fine
Buying/looking for used is fine
Prefer speakers no larger than the current Infinitys, smaller would be ideal


1) Should I look into getting a stand alone sound card, knowing it would cut into the budget? Something like an Asus Xonar STX.

2) What speakers should I be looking at?

Current speakers I'm eyeing include the Audioengine P4s, Ascend CBM-170 SEs, and Aperion Verus Forte. These choices are assuming I need to fork out for the sound card. Behringer B2031P have also been suggested though they are larger than my current speakers.

Thanks for reading the wall of text or at least glancing at it.

 

[jonnythan]

What computer/motherboard do you have? Does it have digital outputs? If so, a sound card would be silly. Even if you need to get a sound card, you only need to spend $15 or so on one that has an optical output.

 

[SithSolo1]

Its an MSI 785gm-p45, it does not have optical/coax out.

I bought a s/pdif for it but output is 96/24 vs the 192/24 of the analog outputs. I don't know if that is enough of an issue to warrant buying a card.

It does have an HDMI port but my receiver does not.

 

[jinjuku]

Since Redbook (CD) audio is 44.1/16 bit I wouldn't worry about a dedicated sound card.

You have a ways to go before you have a set of speakers that will outstrip and expose the motherboard integrated audio.

I would look at Behringer 2030p and a sub. The 2030P's will fit since they are smaller than the 2031's. This will leave you with $300 for a sub. So I would have you look at something like the BIC H-100 for $240'ish shipped. Much better than the 8" sub you have now.

That will make a heck of a music only system.

You didn't mention what city you live in or near so we could do a quick drive by of Craigslist.

 

[jonnythan]

96/24 is completely fine. Just use that. Pick up some Infinity P163s and am HSU STF-2 or something. You can get away with a smaller sub, but you won't find anything actually satisfying for under $300 and at $350 the STF-2 is a great deal. Get the bookshelf speakers of your choice. Everyone will have a different recommendation.

 

[bikemig]

P-4 speakers

I own and really like the audioengine p-4 speakers you are considering. They are really small so they work great on my desk. The office where I have them set up is only a bit smaller than your bedroom and they really work well in the space. They lack a bit in the low end but that is not an issue for you because you have a sub in a 2.1 set up. The PSB Image B-4 are about the same size and i like the image line as well.

For getting the best possible sound out of your computer, running a digital output to your AV receiver is the cheapest and makes the most sense. I listen to movies and music in my home theater with exactly that set up (I have a toslink cable running from a mac to an av receiver); it works well and sounds great.

 

[jonnythan]

If you want small, you can always get a pair of SuperZeros...

 

[SithSolo1]

Wow, thanks for all the input.

Few things:

I'm in Athens, GA. Its about an hour from Atlanta.

I know the sub isn't great, I picked it up for $80 bucks a few years back. If I do replace it(probably down the line), would an eD a3s-250 be a better option for music than the HSU STF-2?

Also the lowest cross-over setting for the sub in the receiver is 100hz. Is this a problem?

 

[jonnythan]

100 Hz is fine, especially if you're using small bookshelf speakers.

The A3S-250 is a sealed design that reportedly has a -3 dB of 25 Hz, which is great. Sealed subs sound tighter to me, which is great for music. I think you'd probably be plenty happy with either, but I have a soft spot for sealed subs. Generally a bit less output and extension, but should be fine (especially for music in a smaller room).