Advice for a Newbie beginner

[shinmerz]

Hey guys,
I've recently got into being a audiohoilc and wanting the most out of my music.
Any advice and tips?
I'm currently using a Altec Lansing MX 5021. How do i get more out of it?
All components are stock and its about 4 years/ 5 years old ?
Thanks in advance !

 

[corey]

Educate yourself. Learn some of the principles of sound reproduction. I think there's a whole education section on this web site. Start with the 10 commandments.

Start small & work up. Don't try and do it all at once, because you'll learn more as you do it. Get components, rather than all-in-one systems. Look for a used amp or receiver and a pair of bookshelf speakers. Add a sub when you can. Build from there.

 

[KEW]

I agree with Corey - let your system grow as your knowledge grows. Unless you have been around good sound (including live music); your ears, and what constitutes good sound to you, may well become refined along the way.

Ideally you could buy your perfect system with one purchase and save money, but realistically you are much more likely to waste money on a poor decision. We can assist by eliminating the bad options, but only you can determine your best options.

Start with stereo speakers. They are the biggest contributor to sound quality (the gap between bad and good speakers is much greater than that of electronics). Once you have your speakers picked out, your choice of amplification needs to fit the speaker. In general, buying two speakers will get you better sound than spending the same money on a 5 speaker system. Also if you buy two, it is easy to convert them into rear or garage speakers as you upgrade.

Another early decision is whether you want to start with full range speakers or with bookshelf speakers supplemented by a subwoofer. Both are good options but often your room size or significant other may play a role in this decision.

That should be enough to get you started.

Enjoy the process!

 

[shinmerz]

Thanks for the good advice !
One more thing I currently have a Altec Lansing MX 5021.

Does it qualify as a bookshelf supplemented by a woofer? Also how would i go about upgrading it ?

Been doing some window shopping and demos as well.

Took a look at Bose's, Yamaha's and Altec Lansing's
Which of them is better ? I've heard that a lot of people are flaming Bose as they suck is that true? Because i went to Bose and the speakers sounded ok albeit overpriced for their performance.

Also what would be some brands of bookshelves and woofers that you guys would recommend for a budget of 250 for a woofer and an additional 300 for the loudspeakers

I'm Chorally trained and sing in a choir. I am very particular about sound. Especially its tone, clarity and the "shape" of it.

Thanks in advance !

 

[lsiberian]

Thanks for the good advice !
One more thing I currently have a Altec Lansing MX 5021.

Does it qualify as a bookshelf supplemented by a woofer? Also how would i go about upgrading it ?

Been doing some window shopping and demos as well.

Took a look at Bose's, Yamaha's and Altec Lansing's
Which of them is better ? I've heard that a lot of people are flaming Bose as they suck is that true? Because i went to Bose and the speakers sounded ok albeit overpriced for their performance.

Also what would be some brands of bookshelves and woofers that you guys would recommend for a budget of 250 for a woofer and an additional 300 for the loudspeakers

I'm Chorally trained and sing in a choir. I am very particular about sound. Especially its tone, clarity and the "shape" of it.

Thanks in advance !

The best bookshelf on a budget is the Behringer 2030p. I'd suggest starting with a pair of them.

 

[KEW]

Thanks for the good advice !
One more thing I currently have a Altec Lansing MX 5021.

Does it qualify as a bookshelf supplemented by a woofer? Also how would i go about upgrading it ?

I'm not familiar with the MX 5021, but am a fan of Altec Lansing's PC packages (they generally perform well for the price).

Generally, these PC 2.1 speakers are very much mated to each other. In other words, to keep cost down and maintain decent sound, they design the components to complement one another.
The allocation of power and crossovers are designed exclusively for their specific pieces. You might get them to play nice with new stuff, but you should not expect it.

 

[zhimbo]

Yes, the Bose are pretty bad for several reasons: The obnoxious and misleading marketing, the shoddy construction for the price range, the difficulty or impossibility of integrating with non-bose equipment. They do sound better than the cheapo speakers most people have experience with, and if they sold for 1/3 of the price they wouldn't get quite so much hate...but the idea that they push that they're top of the line is just...... Do not get them.

The Behringers get nothing but praise in these forums for their price range (and for double their price, even). Unless you want to cough up extra for something that looks a little nicer, they'll be the consensus pick at this budget. Furthermore, they leave you with plenty of money left for a good subwoofer (which tends to be expensive - producing good bass is hard to do on the cheap). Hsu Research has very well-regarded subs that would fit into your overall budget. It isn't unusual for 1/2 or more of a speaker budget to go towards the subwoofer, btw.

 

[zhimbo]

Any advice and tips?
I'm currently using a Altec Lansing MX 5021. How do i get more out of it?
All components are stock and its about 4 years/ 5 years old ?

The Altec-Lansing, while probably pretty decent for what it is (an inexpensive integrated multimedia speaker system), will likely be a weak link. Until you do replace it...:

What do you use as a source of music? Is this a computer system? What kind of music files do you use? That would be an obvioius place to start making sure you're getting the best possible sound.

 

[jamie2112]

Welcome to AH.I agree with Isiberian the Behringer 2030p with a sub from Dayton would be a great start.....

 

[KEW]

I agree that the Behringer is a great option. Don't be discouraged by the inexpensive price. It is a quality product, well researched by the members here.
B&H is a good source with a good reputation though you may find it for not too much more at your local pro audio store (Guitar amps, etc. - These speakers are designed as recording studio monitors)

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/321847-REG/Behringer_B2030P_B2030P_2_Way_Passive.html

However, I would recommend a better sub than the Dayton. With your budget of $550 for speakers and sub, the speakers will cost about $130. I would apply the remaining ~400 to the sub.

Dr. Hsu makes what are probably the most musical subs available in this price range.

I'm assuming your interest is primarily music (as opposed to gaming or Home Theater) and your room is not too large (not over 3000 cu. ft.). For gaming or HT, subs are expected to rumble your guts on explosions.

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/stf-2.html

Make sure you check the dimensions of the sub and envision it on your room.
The STF-1 is a bit less expensive, but for only $50 difference, I would stick with the STF-2. For music, this will hold you for a good while.

Edit: If you have any questions about the subwoofer, don't hesitate to contact HSU via email. Their communication is outstanding and they are the rare company that is more interested in helping you realize your objective rather than maximizing their profit off of you!

 

[shinmerz]

The Altec-Lansing, while probably pretty decent for what it is (an inexpensive integrated multimedia speaker system), will likely be a weak link. Until you do replace it...:

What do you use as a source of music? Is this a computer system? What kind of music files do you use? That would be an obvioius place to start making sure you're getting the best possible sound.

I use a computer system with mostly apple lossless and FLAC files. So i'm pretty sure i'm getting CD quality audio.

Any comments about Yamaha's ?

Thanks in advance !

 

[shinmerz]

Oh yeah one more thing i've heard about velodyne woofers are they any good?

Also I'm looking at a system which is 1/2 for music 1/4 for gamin and 1/4 for movies will a B2030P and a dayton do that or should i get something else ?

And whoa haha the prices are steeep

 

[zhimbo]

I use a computer system with mostly apple lossless and FLAC files. So i'm pretty sure i'm getting CD quality audio.

That's all good. There hasn't been any talk of a reciever and/or external amp yet in this thread, has there?

 

[shinmerz]

Nope not yet and are they necessary ? Because I have no idea what are those and they sound expensive...

 

[KEW]

Oh yeah one more thing i've heard about velodyne woofers are they any good?

Also I'm looking at a system which is 1/2 for music 1/4 for gamin and 1/4 for movies will a B2030P and a dayton do that or should i get something else ?

And whoa haha the prices are steeep

There's nothing wrong with Velodyne subwoofers, but they are overpriced for what you get (compared to the Dayton). If you can find one discounted 40% or better, it is probably a reasonable option, but at standard pricing, the Dayton will perform better.

Look at SUB-80, SUB-100, or SUB-120 for decent economical subs:

http://www.parts-express.com/wizards/searchResults.cfm?searchFilter=&srchExt=CAT&perPage=27&sortBy=1&layout=grid&page=1&srchPrice=&srchCat=620&srchMfg=301&srchPromo=&srchAttr=

The catalog page (lower right) is a better source for basic comparison:

http://www.parts-express.com/catalog/pdf/2010/013pec10.pdf

To answer your question, the Dayton will do the job. I was recommending the HSU because it appeared you had the money and the Hsu would be a more permanent sub. I think I can speak for most of us here and say we are a bit obsessive about sound and the Dayton is viewed as a great "stepping stone" to give you something good as you progress to a higher quality system. The HSU is viewed more as a final component (as long as you don't move it to a room that is too large).
Of course, this is all relative. If you get this speaker/sub combo and a good amp/receiver, you'll have better sound than (I'd guess) 98% of the population!

If you are okay with your original $550 budget, then the Behringer/Dayton combo will run you about $300. ~$200 should get you a decent amp/receiver to go with this system.

Someone who has their PC integrated with their audio should provide recommendations on amplification.