Audio-newb (PC DIY enthusiast tho) needs help with sub $400 quality sound.

[n-sane]

Hey guys,

Just made the account to start this thread.
I'm no audio enthusiast (yet...) but i am a pc enthusiast... dyi overclocker (running a chilly1 evap homemade single cascade) and general know-how dude.

I can see this scene is quite similar to the pc modding scene, so i shouldn't be too lost in here

Here's my dillema: I've heard $4000 studio sound (a friend's dad is a @home composer)... and i want it

Currently I've a small but mighty Sony hi-fi setup with crappy 5" cones and 3way bass + 1" and 0.5" tweets running from a 150w or so 5cd changer... basic small system, pumps out decent sound (much better then the burly looking 'gansta' systems that look like something of a cannon more then a speaker), surprisingly clear. Problem is - midrange somewhat lacks, bass definitly lacks and one of the tweeters is ripped. I took the thing apart when it was broken, replaced the power cable (utter crap), fuses and the HSF on the amp. Overall satisfactory - but of course distorts like a ***** at higher volumes.

Now, birthday's coming up and i want some serious sound I mostly listen to 80's,90's trance, rock, but sometimes a bit of jazz and stuff like adriano celentano I needs me good midrange, quality tweeters and sub. No need for over-the-top power - i know there are 45W speakers out there that run circles around the advertised 500w systems.

I was considering the logitech z-5500, since it is all assembled for me and of course is 250bucks now. After some research, i've come to realize that while these will blow most other pc speaker systems out of the water in all categories, despite the impressive specs, the speakers are 3" alum plugs and and the sub is a plain ol' dirty 10" woofbox. Sinse obviously tiny speakers simply lack the volume to produce good midrange, these are cut-off @ 180hz, that being the crossover to the subwoofer. I don't want a 10" shaking quaking thunderbox to attempt any midrange in my room (unless you can convince me this isn't such a bad idea). ALSO - no need for 5.1 really, i'm not going to set up surround properly since i simply don't have the room for it, 2.1 or just stereo (so long as it does have some serious bass) is just fine for me.

Hence the problem... sub $400 speakers with a good clear amp, preferrably ones that will take sound in over optical or spdf, instead of the regular 3.5mm stereo plug running from my pc...

If this can be done, and will noticeably beat the z5500, please continue reading.

I live in Toronto Canada, so shipping from america or someplace far would be somewhat out of the question unless you can convince me otherwise.

I am more then willing to buy used (heatware under n-sanity: 11-0-0), preferrably with local pick-up or drop-off.

Oldies but goodies are fine, but i'd prefer newer equipment (oldies being 70's advent and such, newer being 95-2008 )

Amp doesn't need to be anything fancy - i am an eq freak, and always set my equalizer depending on the music im listening to, if this can be done in the actual receiver, great, if not - the pc's drivers will do it just fine

I'm not afraid to do any dyi dirty work, but would prefer not cutting into physical cabinets. Soldering, wiring etc is no problem, i do it all the time.

Please orient me on the price tiers in this industry, what the bang/buck systems are and if anything generally fits my description, please let me know !

Cheers and thanks in advance.

 

[satish536]

It depends on what your looking for if its music only and 2.1 would suffice, look at audioengine A5, Axiom Audiobyte, Offerings from swan.

If 5.1 is necessary then i think klipsch promedia 5.1 (discontinued i think) is still available in some online canada stores, do a search.

I think the klipsch will kill the logitech in mid range clarity, but the highs can get a little over bearing with the horn tweeter.
You might love it or completely hate the sound of the horn its purely subjective.

good luck

 

[Midcow2]

Cambridge Audio S30s ($220) and Sony STR-DG510 ($140) = $360

Cambridge Audio S30s ($220) and Sony STR-DG510 ($140) = $360


Analog connection: As we mentioned, all PCs have analog audio output. This output is green and labeled line out or speaker out.Or if the PC has Digital connection (coaxial) or Fiber Optic connection (optical):

Get subwoofer later.

 

[n-sane]

Im aware of the outputs my card has thanks the analogue output is what i was referring to as the line-out 3.5mm jack...

Anyhow's, great big thanks for the replies guys, but i was looking for a 2.1 unless both speakers have 7+" woofers...

After reading some reviews of the Sony STR-DG510 i'm less then excited


I found a personal sale, a guy getting rid of his 5.1 setup consisting of technics speakers and a quest sub. Sub has a patch in the cone.

Front speakers: SB-T100 (35 to 40,000 Hz, 160w 2way 5.5" cones)
Center - SB-C938
Surround - SB-S498
Sub - QS10

How does this stack up against a $100 pricetag... ? And of course how do they sound if anyone knows? Kinda hard to find reviews : /


Anymore 2.1/2 system suggestions will get a big thanks Any links to used equipment or classifieds of any sort will be greatly appreciated!

To drop something in here, i've a chance to snag a pair of SOUND DYNAMICS R 818 loudspeakers... 200w/channel but 12ohm impedance apparently :S ?
Any comments on these? From what i've read these were 1200/pair back in the 90's...

Yet another setup for your consideration, in mint condition for 300$


Front – 2 Merak MT66 Towers – max input 100 W , 8 ohms, 2- 6.5”drivers , 1” tweeter

Center – Merak MC5H – max input 100w 8 ohms , 2 5”drivers 1 horn tweeter.

Rear – 2 Merak MB6 – max input 150 W , 8 ohms, 1- 6.5”driver , 1” tweeter with Quest Em-100C metal stands.

^^^ Am considering this one, all depends on your guys response

 

[n-sane]

Bump ?
Plz guys, this needs to be purchased by friday the 18th...

 

[Seth=L]

Concerning the frequency cut off of 180 hz.

180 hz is not in the mid-range, its midbass. The Logitech systems are very good, rivaling and beating home theater in a box systems costing much more.

Having said that, I would buy a 5.1 Sherwood receiver with something like those Cambridge, or the Athena speakers on closeout at Audio Advisor.

www.audioadvisor.com

Do a search for Athena, they are on closeout and great deals can be had on those speakers.

 

[n-sane]

Thanks for the advice! I've decided to buy used, after seeing the prices of course

Would you say it's worth spending $400 on a dedicated system or sticking with a 240 dollar set of Z5500 speakers? Please relate to me how big, if any, a difference would be observed. And i do have sensitive ears + an appreciation for good sound.

 

[Seth=L]

My system is made from Infinity Interlude Bookshelf speakers, and a Teac CD/Receiver I bought from Ebay refurbished some time ago. The total cost of this system would be under $500 perhaps even $400. I have had countless comparible and perhaps better systems in the past that cost me much less overall. Most full size speakers will beat out the small satellite/sub configurations of home theater in a box systems, or PC speakers such as those Logitechs.

You can check out my review of the Teac CR-H220 Micro CD/Receiver linked beneath my post. I find it's 25 watts per channel are more than adequate to power my moderate efficiency Infinitys to respectable levels of output in a medium size room. Keep in mind this is a stereo only system, but that doesn't mean you can't get a full 5.1 system, or at least a 4.0 system for $400 if you shop around in the used market (ebay, audiogon, or my personal favorite, pawn shops). I have found unbelievable deals on audio equipment in pawn shops. If you have to sift through my old threads you might get an idea of what's out there.

 

[n-sane]

Forgot to mention, feel absolutely free to post your own classifieds / fs thread links here...

 

[Seth=L]

I don't know if you really made this clear before, but are you looking for a full surround sound, or just a stereo setup?

 

[n-sane]

Just a stereo setup.

Right now, considering the following local deals:

Paradigm 5se's
Paradigm 7se MK2's with stands
Mission M71's with stands
Sound Dynamics R818's

Waiting on a reply for 2 KRK V6's and a Rocket 12" sub (these are 1k speakers..) for 400 bucks...

Let me know what you think of these