Basic setup for a begginer

[magic5227]

I listen to classical music and I've decided to get into home audio and have a few questions.

1) Book shelf vs floor speakers, is there a difference in quality or realism? Or just loudness/bigness of sound
2) If I only care about quality not number of speakers (7.1) or other options, is there a difference in A/V Receivers from basic models to $$$ ones
3)Whats the best way to send music from my comp to my stereo? (I have Creative XFi)
4) If you had $1300 to spend on 2 speakers, receiver and a sub, what would you buy?

I dont really understand the basics, and would appreciate any resources you know of for a newbie.

Thanks!

 

[bandphan]

I listen to classical music and I've decided to get into home audio and have a few questions.

1) Book shelf vs floor speakers, is there a difference in quality or realism? Or just loudness/bigness of sound
2) If I only care about quality not number of speakers (7.1) or other options, is there a difference in A/V Receivers from basic models to $$$ ones
3)Whats the best way to send music from my comp to my stereo? (I have Creative XFi)
4) If you had $1300 to spend on 2 speakers, receiver and a sub, what would you buy?

I dont really understand the basics, and would appreciate any resources you know of for a newbie.

Thanks!

You stated that you listen to music, so you might not want and Audio/Video receiver, as for you paying for video functions.
Your first question can be answered in many ways but esthics, and room size might be your consideration, if you go with bookshelves do they have a place to sit or will you need stands?
Second question is yes yes yes.
Third. comp>souncard>cable>recv input>speakers
Fourth. Is buying new your only consideration?

 

[fmw]

If you combine a sub with bookshelf speakers you will have the equivalent of full range speakers at a lower cost. You will also have the ability to reproduce movie LFE through the sub which very few full speakers can do.

The differences between basic and full featured receivers is a fairly complex issue. I would suggest you spend most of your budget on the speakers and let the receiver fall where it may. It is trivial compared to the speakers

What would I buy with your budget? I don't know. I haven't worked on it. I would look at specs and choose something from a known manufacturer with good specs that met my budget.