Best 2.1 Speakers for Clean Sound in Small Apartment?

[ProfessorPeanut]

Hi All,

I'll try to keep this as simple as possible:

What I'm looking for: Cleanest, high quality sound, at medium and low volume.

What I don't need: I don't need a ton of bass since I'll be in an apartment complex (though I would like a little), and I don't need the speakers to reach extremely high volume (since I'll get the cops called on me). I don't think I need a 5.1 system since my couch will be against the back wall (limited space), but I might be persuaded.

What I'm using these for: Mostly just to enjoy high quality music in my apartment. I have an Airport Express which I will be using to stream music to over MOG and iTunes.

My Budget: <$500, bonus points for <$400

Thanks a ton; I really appreciate your comments. Also, let me know if you have any questions and I'll be sure to answer!

 

[ProfessorPeanut]

Oh, just another note: I'll also be using these for watching TV!

 

[GranteedEV]

Skip out on a sub in such a small budget. Pick up a pair of these:

JBL LSR2325

With your couch right up against the back wall, I strongly recommend some absorption panels right on the wall behind you.

 

[ProfessorPeanut]

Thanks GranteedEV. I have also been thinking of something like what you posted, though I haven't seen the JBLs. do you have any experience with Audioengine A5?

As far as absorption panels: thanks, I never thought of that. I have 0 knowledge on those though? Any recommendations?

 

[GranteedEV]

do you have any experience with Audioengine A5?

Nope.

As far as absorption panels: thanks, I never thought of that. I have 0 knowledge on those though? Any recommendations?

The cheapest approach is to make these yourself with rock wool:

Roxul Rockboard 60

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

I can vouch for these monitors - I have them and enjoy them very much.
p.s: They could very loud as well - 120db at 1 meter - that's about same sound level of near thunder or pneumatic drill

You could shop around and find them a bit cheaper:
tip:
Use "seen in for less" link here:
JBL LSR2325P Active Studio Monitor at zZounds and give this url:
LSR2325P Jbl 90w 5" Active 2-way Studio Monitor

However:
Since you want to use them for TV and Music - you'd need a sort of switch and this complicates matters a bit ....

My suggestion would this:
This pair of these speakers:
Amazon.com: Infinity Primus Two-way 6 1/2-Inch Bookshelf/Satellite Speaker (Black, Each): Electronics

and this receiver:
Onkyo TX-SR508 7.1-Channel 3-D Ready Home Theater Receiver | Accessories4less (or for extra $20 TX-SR606 if you don't care about 3D)

 

[ProfessorPeanut]

Thanks for the recommendation, and especially for the "seen for less" deal!

So if i want to be able to switch between TV and Airport Express I will need a receiver? Thanks for the recommendation on the speakers and receiver. Another noob question: How much better will TV sound be in general from the setup you described above compared to regular TV speakers on a lcd HDTV?

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Thanks for the recommendation, and especially for the "seen for less" deal!

So if i want to be able to switch between TV and Airport Express I will need a receiver? Thanks for the recommendation on the speakers and receiver. Another noob question: How much better will TV sound be in general from the setup you described above compared to regular TV speakers on a lcd HDTV?

JBL speakers are active and do not need amplification. Connecting them to receiver is more complicated as it requires more expensive receiver (like TX-SR707 or higher) however this is a slippery slope in which you'd end up spending more electronics than the speaker - something I don't recommend.

If you decide to go with jbl's - then you might need to get something like that at-least: http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Video-Switch-Switcher-Splitter/dp/B003C2T03G
or if like it fancy with remote:
For only $18.06 each when QTY 50+ purchased - 4 Port Component Video Switch w/ IR Learning | Component Switch

Monoprice should have all the cables you'd need to connect everything.

 

[ProfessorPeanut]

Thanks Bored, you're being extremely helpful.

I think i'm starting to lean towards just getting a receiver and speakers since it will be able to switch between outputs (tv and airport express).

I do have some more money, so lets say the receiver is an investment (for later home theater stuff when I get a house) and the $500 can all be spent just on speakers (and if necessary a sub).

What passive speakers would you recommend for crisp clean sound at low volumes? Also, would passive speakers be able to provide enough bass for low to medium volume in an apartment, meaning I could skip the subwoofer?

 

[markw]

Decision time.

There aren't very many passive subs. You'll wind up with a powered sub.

Now, the big question is do you want your receiver to be two channels or a full-blown multi-channel AV receiver?

The reason I ask is that you can get a perfectly fine Sherwood 4105 STEREO receiver for < $100, which leaves you with about $400 for speakers and a sub, should you so desire. You can get a sub with speaker level inputs/outputs that will mate fine with this receiver.

AV receivers up the ante somewhat and will eat into your speaker/sub budget.

As for powered speakers, they are nice, but are really only good for one source, like a dedicated computer speaker. For more than one, switching becomes a mess and you're better off with a receiver and passive speakers.

 

[AcuDefTechGuy]

I second the Infinity P362 speakers.

But I would stick to Yamaha, Pioneer, Denon AVRs.

 

[ProfessorPeanut]

Man i wish i was at 5 posts already so I could quote you guys.

MarkW - Let's show off my naivety... What's the difference between AV and Stereo receivers? I just realize I'll probably want to plug my PS3 into this as well, if that helps.

I'm also seeing that my budget might be a big constraint. If you take the price of the receiver out of the picture, do you have any recommendations for just super crisp, clean speakers at low/medium volume? Say i could spend $250 on each!

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

Man i wish i was at 5 posts already so I could quote you guys.

MarkW - Let's show off my naivety... What's the difference between AV and Stereo receivers? I just realize I'll probably want to plug my PS3 into this as well, if that helps.

I'm also seeing that my budget might be a big constraint. If you take the price of the receiver out of the picture, do you have any recommendations for just super crisp, clean speakers at low/medium volume? Say i could spend $250 on each!

The more details I hear - the more there is a need for proper a/v receiver.
CBM-170 SE Bookshelf or a bit over budget CMT-370

p.s:
Stereo receiver: is simple audio switch, audio volume control, radio tuner and an amplifier
A/V Receiver: has all the stuff from above plus DAC, Video switch and processor, bass management, auto-room config, surround processing and more

 

[markw]

AV vs. Stereo receiver.

A stereo receiver is yer basic two channel (only) receiver that's been around since the 60's that contains a tuner and all amplifiers needed to drive two speakers. Yes, they do still exist. If two channel stereo is all you want, or will ever expect from it, it can provide the heart of a very fine sounding, yet economical, two channel system.

I just set up for a neighbor a "stereo" system consisting of two small bookshelf speakers, a powered subwoofer, and that aforementioned Sherwood receiver for just under $300 and it sounds like a lot more than she paid for it.

An AV receiver (AVR) is similar except that it also contains 5, 6, or 7 channels and the additional signal processing needed to extract the multi-channel information that movie sound tracks contain.

FWIW, I've got one HT system and three stereo systems in my home even though I have TV's connected to all of them. I simply don't have the room for 5 speakers in all my rooms.

 

[GranteedEV]

I second the Infinity P362 speakers.

But I would stick to Yamaha, Pioneer, Denon AVRs.

I would recommend this NAD:

NAD T747 surround receiver

or this marantz:

Marantz SR6004 110w X 7ch Home Theater Surround Receiver | Accessories4less