Advice On My First System

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Albinoblackbear

Audiophyte
Hi, I've recently just gotten interested in improving my music-listening experience. I have a ten-year old mini-stereo that I've been listening to since I've gotten it, and want much more.

I listen to music in my bedroom, and would like something that could go around my bed (I like being surrounded by my music).

At first, I looked into purchasing computer speakers (this seemed to be the fastest route), and just purchased some Klipsch Promedia 2.1's. When I plugged them in and listened, it sounded very average. I guess I'm picky. I'll be returning them tomorrow.

My friend recommended I build a system, but I don't really know where to start. I know I need speakers & a receiver. I'd be playing music through my Macbook Pro. This would go in my bedroom so it should be rather compact. I'd be willing to spend around $500 max for the system (if that would even work.) I listen to all kinds of music.

To summarize, I'd like clarification on what I need for a new system, what I could get with around $500, if it's worth it, and any recommendations. I love my music.

Sorry for the long post. Thanks for the help.
 
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It sound like you will want a surround sound system. That will be tricky to do well for under 500- but it is doable. I would look to used or a bit older surround sound receivers, because you don't sound like you would be using a lot of the features of newer receivers, such as HDMI, and high definition upscaling and DTS-HD MA, and so on. You should be able to find a decent 5.1 receiver with a good amp for two to three hundred on ebay or maybe craigslist.

For speakers, it is hard to get compact speakers that will sound good on your budget. You might look at the Energy Take 5 classic or the Hsu Research Ventriloquist set. If you can accommodate the size of a bit larger bookshelf speakers, check out Behringer 2030p's or Infinity Primus p152's.You will eventually want a subwoofer though, for that on a limited budget, I would turn to Hsu Research, Elemental Designs, or BIC Acoustech.
 
^^^^^^^^i think he is wanting this mostly for music. ^^^^^^^^
but being surrounded by music is actually doable even with stereo sound. my advice to you would be to look at a receiver with Pro Logic IIx on it (most all of them have it) since this will turn regular stereo into very convincing surround sound. if you want to try and do it for under 500 you may have to go a bit over but it can be done for about 600-800.

this receiver is about $200 and features Pro Logic II, and in the future it can be used for movies as well. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882105432 also on newegg you can get a pair of polk monitor 30s for $109 or 40s for $119, these speakers sound good and i own the 40s and would be excellent for a starter system, you can also get a polk center channel from there for $99 bringing the price up to about $530, those speakers will need a sub if you want strong bass, but the 40s can be used without one and dont particularly sound too weak and thin but if you decide to start off subless GET THE 40s, the 30s are not even slightly bass capable. so that would be a good option for starting a multi-channel music system for $500, this will certainly blow away your shelf system and you can save up for nicer speakers over time and really expand your system, and, since that is a surround receiver, you could eventually go whole home theater if you wanted.

also make sure you set the center channel on the receiver settings to small as it does not have as low of an extension as the 40s. those speakers are not crap, they are such a low price because they are now discontinued by polk and newegg is giving anywhere from a 50% to 75% discount on the monitor series, those 40s are valued on the polk website for $349. snatch em up while you can.
 
yepimonfire said:
this receiver is about $200 and features Pro Logic II, and in the future it can be used for movies as well. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882105432
Click to expand...

I'm gonna have to respectfully disagree with the recommendation of the Sony. I'd try and find an older used unit like a Denon, some Pioneers, some Yamahas, or even an Onkyo. Craigslist is a good place to start, so is ebay (where I bought mine).

What was it about the Klipsch Promedia's that you didnt like? Just overall sound or was it 1 thing in particular?
 
well i've listened to the klipsch promedia and i thought they were pretty crummy, no tweeter, if i remember right the cabinets were plastic etc. not very good. and the sony isnt the most fantastic, i was trying to stay in the 500 range, it does what its supposed to do anyways.
 
yepimonfire said:
well i've listened to the klipsch promedia and i thought they were pretty crummy, no tweeter, if i remember right the cabinets were plastic etc. not very good. and the sony isnt the most fantastic, i was trying to stay in the 500 range, it does what its supposed to do anyways.
Click to expand...

The klipsch promedias have a tweeter, and the cabinets are plastic. I dont think youll find many that arent plastic at that size. you can still stay at the 500 price range, but 200 spent on a solid unit that is a proven performer with better specs is a better idea than spending 200 on a unit with crummy amplification and features he wont use.
 
you cant get a better surround receiver for 200, can you?
 
yepimonfire said:
you cant get a better surround receiver for 200, can you?
Click to expand...

Like I said, used. I would take the new low end pioneers or denons over that sony any day anyways. I bought my Denon AVR-3300 for 150 incl shipping (which was a little over avg price for it when I bought it). It has 7.1 analog inputs for blu-ray, dolby digital and dts for surround sound for the TV and 360, and a powerful amplification section (can't remember wattage off hand) that can power 7 channels with ease. I think it's safe to say that my old Denon is a better surround receiver than that low end sony.
 
yepimonfire said:
im sure it is
Click to expand...

Lacks maturity and lacks any information to back up your sarcasm.

I would go with an older high end receiver, some Behringer B2030P's (there are mods you can do to improve their sound too!), and probably a subwoofer. For the subwoofer, I can recommend the Dayton Sub-120 which I have, but beyond that I can't. I'm looking for a new sub as we speak because the Dayton isnt powerful enough for my large living room.
 
i wasnt being sarcastic, i was agreeing with you, i know denon or any other reputable MFG can smash sony to pieces.
 
Thanks for all the info, guys!

Sorry I haven't been back to reply in a while... I saw it disappear off the main stage and thought it was gone forever.

Anyway, I have updates!

My boss gave me a HSU Research True Subwoofer VTF-2. Now I have a subwoofer!

Also, I'm going to purchase an HK 3390 off ebay pretty soon (I saw lots of great reviews and they're relatively inexpensive refurbished).

Basically, I'm just left with speakers around $300. I'm having difficulty picking those... so many people have so many different opinions! However, I do think I'm going to stay at 2.1... I think if I set it up right, it'll work for me. I don't want 5 speakers around my bedroom, especially since it's such a small room and my bed's in the corner.
 
Albinoblackbear said:
Thanks for all the info, guys!

Sorry I haven't been back to reply in a while... I saw it disappear off the main stage and thought it was gone forever.

Anyway, I have updates!

My boss gave me a HSU Research True Subwoofer VTF-2. Now I have a subwoofer!

Also, I'm going to purchase an HK 3390 off ebay pretty soon (I saw lots of great reviews and they're relatively inexpensive refurbished).

Basically, I'm just left with speakers around $300. I'm having difficulty picking those... so many people have so many different opinions! However, I do think I'm going to stay at 2.1... I think if I set it up right, it'll work for me. I don't want 5 speakers around my bedroom, especially since it's such a small room and my bed's in the corner.
Click to expand...

Nice sub and even nicer price! Just to make sure you know, the HK 3390 is only stereo, so you can't change your mind and decide to do surround sound with it. I can't recall if you mentioned it earlier, but are you partial to a certain brand? Are there speakers that you've heard that you liked?
 
I doubt I'll want to do surround sound anytime soon. I'll be living in small rooms for the next few years (just finished freshman year in college). There aren't any good audio shops near where I live, either, so I haven't gotten to do any sound tests. I'm not partial to any brands because I'm so new to the sound world.
 
Although, I think used is your best bet for your budget, if you don't want to go the used route I think this system would be good value for money:

This receiver ($139): http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...atts-channel-5.1-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html

These speakers($199): http://svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

This sub($155): http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-SUB-120-Watt-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000C9NV78

Total: $493

Or, invest in some better speakers, and add the sub later: It think these speakers would be a good bet ($440): http://axiomaudio.com/m22.html

$579 for the receiver and speakers.

Then add an SVS PB10-NSD down the line: http://svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm
 
Just saw your boss gave you a VTF-2. nice guy!

So yeah, invest in some nice bookshelf's. Lots of options in the 300-500 range. The axiom m22's I suggested are supposed to be good. or you can try these for a bit less: http://www.axiomaudio.com/m3.htm

l'm sure some of the other guys can suggest some other alternatives.
 
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE.

Not as pretty as the Axioms, but cheaper and definitely in the same league.
 
HK 3390 is very good stereo avr, however I'd suggest getting it from a4l due to warranty you'll get from authorized reseller.
$300 for speakers -
I strongly suggest to try:
Ascend Acoustics CBM-170 SE
or as value alternative
Infinity p162 - $280 pair/shipped
http://store.audioholics.com/product.php/2019/0
 
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