2.1 for PC on a budget ($500~)

A

alcoholics

Audiophyte
Hey guys,

First post here, but I've lurked for a while... always impressed with the level of knowledge and information on this forum.

I'm looking at getting some speakers for my PC. I'd seen in older threads that the Behringer 2030p is a good solution for a budget. The best price I can find them for is about $220AUD. It seems more than what they used to cost, so my question would be are they still the most competitive bookshelf monitor for that price range?

As for sub, near field sound/complimenting the speakers is more important than ground shaking bass. Also would be important if it can be bought in or shipped to Australia.

The goal is clear and accurate sound reproduction, mostly for playing music.

Budget is variable since I want to get gear I'll stay with, rather than upgrade later. Because of this, the Ascend CBM-170 SE's are a consideration.. but not sure if postage would be a killer or not.

What I've currently got:
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V430 (65w/ch, not sure if it's too underpowered for this purpose)
Soundcard: Asus Xonar DX
Room size: Small

Any input/advice greatly appreciated!
 
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BoredSysAdmin

BoredSysAdmin

Audioholic Slumlord
Hey guys,

First post here, but I've lurked for a while... always impressed with the level of knowledge and information on this forum.

I'm looking at getting some speakers for my PC. I'd seen in older threads that the Behringer 2030p is a good solution for a budget. The best price I can find them for is about $220AUD. It seems more than what they used to cost, so my question would be are they still the most competitive bookshelf monitor for that price range?

As for sub, near field sound/complimenting the speakers is more important than ground shaking bass. Also would be important if it can be bought in or shipped to Australia.

The goal is clear and accurate sound reproduction, mostly for playing music.

Budget is variable since I want to get gear I'll stay with, rather than upgrade later. Because of this, the Ascend CBM-170 SE's are a consideration.. but not sure if postage would be a killer or not.

What I've currently got:
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V430 (65w/ch, not sure if it's too underpowered for this purpose)
Soundcard: Asus Xonar DX
Room size: Small

Any input/advice greatly appreciated!
Ascend CBM-170 SE would be on my very short list, however they are quite pricey

Check local prices for Infinity Primus bookshelfs P1xx series . P16x would be highly preferable, but P15x would be ok too.
 
B

bikemig

Audioholic Chief
Hey guys,

First post here, but I've lurked for a while... always impressed with the level of knowledge and information on this forum.

I'm looking at getting some speakers for my PC. I'd seen in older threads that the Behringer 2030p is a good solution for a budget. The best price I can find them for is about $220AUD. It seems more than what they used to cost, so my question would be are they still the most competitive bookshelf monitor for that price range?

As for sub, near field sound/complimenting the speakers is more important than ground shaking bass. Also would be important if it can be bought in or shipped to Australia.

The goal is clear and accurate sound reproduction, mostly for playing music.

Budget is variable since I want to get gear I'll stay with, rather than upgrade later. Because of this, the Ascend CBM-170 SE's are a consideration.. but not sure if postage would be a killer or not.

What I've currently got:
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V430 (65w/ch, not sure if it's too underpowered for this purpose)
Soundcard: Asus Xonar DX
Room size: Small

Any input/advice greatly appreciated!
By AUD, I take it you mean Australian dollars? Here in the states, since you have a receiver, I'd seriously consider the NHT superzeros and the super8 sub for $500: Super Stereo System | High End Speakers | Powered Subwoofer. Cambridge products have to be available in Australia and the S-30 speakers have been getting great reviews; just find a sub you like within your budget and you are good to go.

Edit: it is clear that by AUD, you do mean Australian dollars after I reread your post! Cool, check out the Cambridge S-30s then.
 
sholling

sholling

Audioholic Ninja
Hey guys,

First post here, but I've lurked for a while... always impressed with the level of knowledge and information on this forum.

I'm looking at getting some speakers for my PC. I'd seen in older threads that the Behringer 2030p is a good solution for a budget. The best price I can find them for is about $220AUD. It seems more than what they used to cost, so my question would be are they still the most competitive bookshelf monitor for that price range?

As for sub, near field sound/complimenting the speakers is more important than ground shaking bass. Also would be important if it can be bought in or shipped to Australia.

The goal is clear and accurate sound reproduction, mostly for playing music.

Budget is variable since I want to get gear I'll stay with, rather than upgrade later. Because of this, the Ascend CBM-170 SE's are a consideration.. but not sure if postage would be a killer or not.

What I've currently got:
Receiver: Yamaha RX-V430 (65w/ch, not sure if it's too underpowered for this purpose)
Soundcard: Asus Xonar DX
Room size: Small

Any input/advice greatly appreciated!
The hard part is even guessing what it costs to ship over there but if you can swing the CBM-170SE it's a great choice. Behringer B2030P were an awesome bang for the buck speaker when they were $120US/pr but at the current $220 they aren't in the same league as the (current holiday sale price) $300US Ascends. The knock on the Behringers is cabinet resonance. The thin poorly braced and barely stuffed cabinet resonates like a bell. It's fixable and I've modified a set but not something I have enough expertise in to be of much help. Both need the support of a subwoofer and need to be crossed over to the sub at 80hz. If you go with the Behringers I'd plan to put some sort of isolation pad between them and your desk.
 
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A

alcoholics

Audiophyte
Thanks for the responses!

I've ordered the CBMs for $328 delivered, so I'm sure they'll do me well.

The only thing I need to sort out now is a sub, which I'll probably need to post in the appropriate section.

But otherwise, if anyone can recommend one at around the $300 range that would compliment these speakers (and for this purpose), I'd really appreciate :)
 
sholling

sholling

Audioholic Ninja
Thanks for the responses!

I've ordered the CBMs for $328 delivered, so I'm sure they'll do me well.

The only thing I need to sort out now is a sub, which I'll probably need to post in the appropriate section.

But otherwise, if anyone can recommend one at around the $300 range that would compliment these speakers (and for this purpose), I'd really appreciate :)
It depends on room size. For music only in a sealed room that's under 1500cuft the Emotiva Ultra 12 will do fine for most music. In my experience it doesn't have much output under 30hz but that's fine for music. If the room is larger than that then I'd save a bit longer.
 
A

alcoholics

Audiophyte
Thanks again Sholling. I've checked out the Emotiva 12 and it seems to review pretty well for its price.

Only problem is that I'm not sure it would handle 240v input, which is kinda crucial for Australia (too late to edit my previous posts). Unless of course, there's an easy solution or other alternatives?
 
sholling

sholling

Audioholic Ninja
Thanks again Sholling. I've checked out the Emotiva 12 and it seems to review pretty well for its price.

Only problem is that I'm not sure it would handle 240v input, which is kinda crucial for Australia (too late to edit my previous posts). Unless of course, there's an easy solution or other alternatives?
Subs are so heavy that you may want to look for a local product or build your own.
 
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