Buying advice for 2.1 setup home office

[legendzlive]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking for buying advice regarding a 2.1 setup for my home office.
At home I have my gaming desktop (Rog Strix B650E-E) that I use with my simple PC speakers, the Bose Companion 2 Series III (from 2014 ish?).

The reason I became triggered to buy this setup is because I experienced a song in my new car (with bass) for the first time, and it felt really epic.
When listening to the song on my computer speakers the experience was nowhere near the same. This motivated me to upgrade my sound system.

I had 0 knowledge (and as of now, still very little) as to audio specifications, knowledge, know-how etc, but I'm quickly learning through googling and reading up on things.

My budget is around €1600.

I would like to purchase an epic subwoofer to get the same feels I experienced in my car. But along with a good subwoofer (I assume) come a new pair of bookshelf speakers.
These have to be 'active', otherwise I need to purchase another device, an AV, which is costly. However, the draw back (from what I understand) is that this means in the future I cannot expand my system with a center speaker and rear speakers. Since my active speakers would not play nice with an AV. As for the subwoofer, this 99% of the times comes with a build in amplifier.

After starting my search I went from Logitech Z906 -> Klipsch R100sw (with my current/old speakers) -> Triangle Tale 340 (with my current/old speakers) -> SVS PB 1000 Pro + Triangle Borea BR03 Connect (active speakers).

Now I'm wondering if this is the best setup I can get for this money, or if it would be wise to invest perhaps less in my subwoofer, more into speakers, or even less into my speakers so that I can buy an AV so I can expand in the future.

I live in Europe, Belgium, so my purchase options do not match the reddit recommendations, at least not for bookshelf speakers. As for subwoofer I picked the SVS SB 1000 Pro (music) because the PB 1000 Pro was more bass heavy and more for movies. Since my interest was mainly in music, and I read that this unit also does well on movies I figured it would be a good pick.

Any and all advice is welcome, the stores are unfortunately not really keen on helping me since I have a 'low' budget. Their answers have been very short and not helpful, everything was left up to me.

I think it's a shame, because if it was the other way around and people were asking for hardware advice on PC's I'd be more than happy to configure them a build and explain why which parts were picked. However, audio is not (yet) my expertise and I feel like I'm drowning because there is so much out there and every hole leads to a new rabbit hole.

Kind regards,
Legendzlive

Edit: attached office layout. The current speakers are the green circles on my desk. The subwoofer would be placed behind my desk, facing me. But this is not a must. If need be I can buy a longer cable and place it elsewhere.

 

[ski2xblack]

In general, it's advisable to not skimp out on the speakers. If compromise must be made, make it elsewhere, in other aspects that aren't as detrimental as compromising on speakers would be.

The good news is that there are quite a few respectable active monitors to choose from. James Larsen, @shadyJ , is our resident speaker tester, so hopefully you can get his input on what's available to you. I would imagine your market has a plethora of options. Details about the room and setup will help guide suggestions for appropriate speakers.

While the SVS sub is a worthy contender, RSL and Hsu are probably the current value leaders with subs. Are those brands available in your market?

I'll let others who are more up to date help suggest options for upstream kit. This is where you could cut costs, e.g. if you need an AVR for features such as expansion into multichannel, bass management, etc, consider buying used kit. (An AVR with preouts is perfectly compatible with powered monitors, and may open up options for passive speakers.)

 

[everettT]

Kali Audio would be my choice, JBL a close second.

Kali Audio LP6

Kali Audio LP-6v2 (Second Wave) 2-Way Studio Monitor Review

Kali Audio LP-6v2 2-Way Studio Monitor Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

JBL LSR308
If you sit more than 1.5' away get the JBLs.

JBL 308P MKII Studio Monitor Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the JBL 308P MKII 8-inch Monitor (powered speaker). I purchased this from a member a few months ago. New, they cost US $249. The 3 series look the same for good or bad: The large plastic waveguide is really in your face. Wish JBL would provide...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Either should leave you with enough to get a decent sub.

 

[legendzlive]

In general, it's advisable to not skimp out on the speakers. If compromise must be made, make it elsewhere, in other aspects that aren't as detrimental as compromising on speakers would be.

The good news is that there are quite a few respectable active monitors to choose from. James Larsen, @shadyJ , is our resident speaker tester, so hopefully you can get his input on what's available to you. I would imagine your market has a plethora of options. Details about the room and setup will help guide suggestions for appropriate speakers.

While the SVS sub is a worthy contender, RSL and Hsu are probably the current value leaders with subs. Are those brands available in your market?

I'll let others who are more up to date help suggest options for upstream kit. This is where you could cut costs, e.g. if you need an AVR for features such as expansion into multichannel, bass management, etc, consider buying used kit. (An AVR with preouts is perfectly compatible with powered monitors, and may open up options for passive speakers.)

Thank you for your reaction. I have now included a picture of the office-room setup.
I'm always open to changing things up if it helps improve sound/acoustic. (For now no complaints)

As for not skipping out on the speakers, duly noted, this makes a lot of sense.

As for subs, RSL and HSU are unfortunately both unavailable here in Europe/Belgium.

 

[legendzlive]

Kali Audio would be my choice, JBL a close second.

Kali Audio LP6

Kali Audio LP-6v2 (Second Wave) 2-Way Studio Monitor Review

Kali Audio LP-6v2 2-Way Studio Monitor Review

www.erinsaudiocorner.com

JBL LSR308
If you sit more than 1.5' away get the JBLs.

JBL 308P MKII Studio Monitor Review

This is a review and detailed measurements of the JBL 308P MKII 8-inch Monitor (powered speaker). I purchased this from a member a few months ago. New, they cost US $249. The 3 series look the same for good or bad: The large plastic waveguide is really in your face. Wish JBL would provide...

www.audiosciencereview.com

Either should leave you with enough to get a decent sub.

Thank you for your reaction.

Are the Kali Audio LP6 much worse than, for instance, the "Triangle Borea BR03 Connect" speakers?
Price-wise the Kali's cost €250 less than the Triangle. I don't see a subwoofer port on the back of the Kali, meaning this would require me to buy an additional device. Do I need an av-receiver for this? Are there any decent av-receiver around €250 that can power this speaker and allow me to connect the subwoofer and expand my setup with REAR and CENTER speakers in the future? Also important: can this connect to my computer? My computer supports "Optical S/PDIF out", Aux port and USB.

 

[everettT]

Thank you for your reaction.

Are the Kali Audio LP6 much worse than, for instance, the "Triangle Borea BR03 Connect" speakers?
Price-wise the Kali's cost €250 less than the Triangle. I don't see a subwoofer port on the back of the Kali, meaning this would require me to buy an additional device. Do I need an av-receiver for this? Are there any decent av-receiver around €250 that can power this speaker and allow me to connect the subwoofer and expand my setup with REAR and CENTER speakers in the future? Also important: can this connect to my computer? My computer supports "Optical S/PDIF out", Aux port and USB.

I haven't heard the Triangle speakers so I can't comment but the linked review shows how strong the Kalis are, especially for the price. You can split your signal from your PC with a y splitter, and depending on your final sub choice they probably include line outs to feed the mains as other option.

I use the Kali in one of our bedrooms and couldn't be happier. Kali also makes a 12" sub that makes pairing easy for their speakers, FWIW.

 

[ski2xblack]

Are the Kali Audio LP6 much worse than, for instance, the "Triangle Borea BR03 Connect" speakers?

Haven't heard them myself, but Erin is also a reputable reviewer you can trust. He's tested both, distinctly disliked the Triangle, and gave the Kali kudos, so in this case the less expensive Kalis may actually be the better performing speakers.

 

[legendzlive]

In that case I'm going to trust you guys on this, you're the experts. To be sure, you are referring to this item right? https://www.amazon.com.be/-/en/Kali-LP-6-Studio-Monitor-Bi-Amplified/dp/B09KNSWFBC

As for hooking the Kali LP 6, and the SVS PB-1000 Pro up to my desktop PC.

Does my desktop feed everything? So I use a Y-splitter on my line-out port (the green one) and feed one aux into each of the Kali speakers. Then I use the 'C/SUB' (orange port) to feed my subwoofer? Any idea which cables I need for this exactly? Is it all just 3.5mm jacks? (I think this is wrong)

On google I see for Kali V2:

Unbalanced Inputs:	1 x RCA
Balanced Inputs:	1 x XLR, 1 x TRS

So I need 3.5MM to RCA? Twice? For both speakers 1 cable. Or is it better to use 3.5MM to XLR or TRS? To me this is all chinese (': If somebody would be so kind to provide a direct link on "amazon.com.be" as to what I should buy it would be much appreciated.

As for the subwoofer, from what I can gather from the specs/images there are about 8 ports. 4 white, 4 red. "Speaker level input, right and left, each with white and red ports", then there's input L and input R, and finally output L and output R. I'm guessing I need to use input L and input R? So how would this work if I have a Y splitter on my green line out port on the PC. Then I need 3.5MM to RCA L/R (tulip)?


Will this affect quality much? Since I know my motherboard also has a SPDIF output, but I don't see how I would connect that in any way with the speakers / sub.

 

[BoredSysAdmin]

1) How big is your office
2) PB 1000 vs SB 1000 - isn't about music or movies. SB 1000 trades some of performance for smaller box. That's it. If you have room for PB 1000 Pro - go with it.
3) Check out XTZ Sound brand - Sprit 4 bookshelves.
4) For sub - BKElec

 

[Matt34]

I run this system minus the sub, it's plug and play for under your budget.

Kali LP6 V2
Kali WS 12 V2 subwoofer(high output, dual use)
DAC SMSL M300SE
4x XLR cables

 

[legendzlive]

1) How big is your office
2) PB 1000 vs SB 1000 - isn't about music or movies. SB 1000 trades some of performance for smaller box. That's it. If you have room for PB 1000 Pro - go with it.
3) Check out XTZ Sound brand - Sprit 4 bookshelves.
4) For sub - BKElec

1. 27m2 / 290ft2 and 59m3 / 2000ft3
2. That's good to hear because I was pretty biased into not getting the PB 1000 because it's 'bad' for music and only good for movies. I definitely have ample room for it so I will be getting this.
3. The XTZ Spirit 4 are priced very good at €280. However I read they are praised for their 'bass'. Since I'm already getting a SVS PB1000 Pro I might be better of getting a speaker with a very good mid / upper soundrange like the KaliLP6 which was recommended to me.
4. These subs are not readily available to me in Belgium/Netherlands unfortunately.

Thanks for your input!

 

[legendzlive]

I run this system minus the sub, it's plug and play for under your budget.

Kali LP6 V2
Kali WS 12 V2 subwoofer(high output, dual use)
DAC SMSL M300SE
4x XLR cables

Thanks! This is indeed under budget, and the subwoofer looks very impressive!
Definitely considering this as well. Only immediate downside is all stores are showing at least 10 +days of order time.They were probably on black friday (': AndI'll also need a USB-A -> USB-B cable.

So far these are my options:

Type	Item	Price
Speakers	Triangle Borea BR03 Connect	€ 650,00​
Subwoofer	SVS PB-1000 Pro	€ 950,00​
	Total	€ 1.600,00​
Type	Item	Price
Speakers	Kali - LP-6 V2 (€211/each)	€ 422,00​
Subwoofer	Kali Audio WS-12 V2	€ 888,00​
DAC	SMSL M300SE MQA Audio DAC	€ 130,00​
Cable	4x XLR cable	€ 40,00​
Cable	1x USB-A -> USB-B	€ 10,00​
	Total	€ 1.490,00​

 

[Matt34]

Thanks! This is indeed under budget, and the subwoofer looks very impressive!
Definitely considering this as well. Only immediate downside is all stores are showing at least 10 +days of order time.They were probably on black friday (': AndI'll also need a USB-A -> USB-B cable.

So far these are my options:

Type	Item	Price
Speakers	Triangle Borea BR03 Connect	€ 650,00​
Subwoofer	SVS PB-1000 Pro	€ 950,00​
	Total	€ 1.600,00​
Type	Item	Price
Speakers	Kali - LP-6 V2 (€211/each)	€ 422,00​
Subwoofer	Kali Audio WS-12 V2	€ 888,00​
DAC	SMSL M300SE MQA Audio DAC	€ 130,00​
Cable	4x XLR cable	€ 40,00​
Cable	1x USB-A -> USB-B	€ 10,00​
	Total	€ 1.490,00​

That SMSL comes with a USB-C cable, that's for both power and data.

 

[shadyJ]

If you need smaller desktop speakers, I can recommend the AudioSmile LBM Desktop speakers. The review for those should go live soon. Kali is a solid brand. I would steer clear of the Triangle speakers unless there is data out there to show they aren't terrible. On the more affordable side, the Kanto ORA speakers are pretty darn good.

For subs, I would opt for the PB-1000 Pro if possible. You can always dial it back with EQ if there is too much low end, but you can't boost the low end of a sub that has no headroom there. Sealed subs don't usually have much low end headroom.

 

[legendzlive]

Update: decided to go with Triangle Borea BR03 Connect speakers and the SVS PB-1000 Pro, both come with 5 year warranty. Will get back to you on whether I'm happy with the purchase or not... it includes 14 day free return if unsatisfied with sound.

 

[MrBoat]

As far as multi channel for desktop, I use my PC into a 7.2 channel AVR, a separate subwoofer amp, and a pair of 12" subs. I only listen to 2.1 and will not have the need for the other channels. "Desktop" somehow ends up limiting a lot of computer systems because people are led by the description to believe the speakers must go on the desk. I have mine on stands next to the desk. And even larger speakers somewhat further back that I listen to when I take the smaller ones out of play. I have 4 pairs in rotation.

A pair of 8" studio monitors up close on stands and the subs are under there as well. Big AVR is right in front of the desk ahead of my feet. I was not happy with smaller speakers for louder sessions.

https://flic.kr/p/2pSiL3q
The speakers that are usually what I use for desk/pc when not playing with other speakers I own in this setup.

7 channel AVR as a desktop amp is the bees knees. 120+ watts per channel/8 Ohms with more features than what is typically afforded by typical products designated for this purpose. I got this AVR for free, and another like it for $75. I own smaller desktop amps, and would not trade what I have for anything in that specific category. There's also a pair of 8 Watt mono block amps in there as well, so there is plenty of room ahead of the desk to mix and match things.

I realize you have already chosen your speakers but figure to post this here for those who don't know that they don't just have to use "desktop" speakers and amps for PC.