Components required for a simple 2.1 computer speaker set

[eyeless]

Hi,

I wanted to make a simple computer speaker system and I couldnt figure out what all I will need to do this. I know theres much more than just buying two tweeters and one woofer and plugging them into the audio port of the laptop. I came across something called "crossovers" and some other terms I don't really know.

All I want to know is what components I will need to make a simple 2.1 computer speaker system. Can anyone help out?
Thanks.

 

[its phillip]

a pair of speakers, a subwoofer, and a receiver or integrated amp

 

[sholling]

The simplest and by far cheapest way to do it is to buy a decent set of computer speakers. My favorite 2.1 computer speakers are Klipsch's Promedia 2.1 ($150). The sub is a bit boomy but overall it's a decent choice.

The next simplest is also the most expensive. Buy a pair of powered speakers like Audioengine's A5, and a powered subwoofer like Dayton's SUB120 ($155 + S&H at Parts Express). Run the speakers out of the speaker out and the sub off the sub/center out on your sound card. Once you balance the output of speakers and sub you'll adjust the volume via the computer.

The solution that I use is to run an old receiver off the digital out on the sound card and run Behringer B2030P ($110/pr) studio monitors and a sub off the receiver. You can usually find an old used receiver with a digital input for $50-75.

 

[eyeless]

I understand the easiest and cheapest way to get decent 2.1 speakers is to buy them but i have some time on my hand these days and i want to experiment with speakers. What I first wanted to try is to get a hold of some speakers and woofer and put them on an old 2.1 speaker system i have lying around. I thought I would just replace the existing tweeters and sub with better, more powerful ones. I would use the existing amplification circuit, which has the bass and volume control, and it takes an input from the sound card so i wont have to modify anything (i think). Do you think that would work?

 

[Knucklehead90]

While it might work there are many other considerations to take in. Not all drivers are suited to just any enclosure and some will take more power than others. Some reproduce a wider frequency range than others. Not all parts are created equal - they may be intended to do different things. Parts Express has a wide variety of speaker components. If you are going to buy speaker parts why not get out a saw and make your own cabinets to put them in? Or buy the cabinets and separate parts and finish the cabinet and then assemble the speaker.

 

[markw]

K-head speaks true.

These things are designed as a system. A box is designed to fit certain speakers and unless they are very, very similar, you'll lose performance.

Add to that that many of the amp/crossovers built into these things is designed for the original speakers in that enclosure.

So, yes, you can buy speakers that may fit and it will work, to some degree, and it will change the sound, but it may not be quite what you're hoping for.

But, hey, it's your money. Have fun.

 

[eyeless]

oh yea for sure i'm going to build a new box. That is basically why i wanted to build my own speakers. I just wanted to know if the there will be any problem with the electronics part if I was to just switch the speakers and woofer with new ones.