For PC Gaming Rig

[Soundman]

That is a good question. If he wants to eventually have a surround setup then he will need to use the analog outputs unless he has one of a select few cards that have a Dolby Digital Live or DTS encoder.

I have the Axiom AudioBytes and they are great. They are not, however, surround sound capable.

My sound card is pretty basic. Here are the technical specs:

CREATIVE LABS SOUND BLASTER AUDIGY SE - BULK
Specification

Technical Specifications

* 24-bit Analog-to-Digital conversion of analog inputs at 96kHz sample rate
* 24-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion of digital sources at 96kHz to analog 7.1 speaker output
* 16-bit and 24-bit recording with sampling rates of 8, 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, 48 and 96kHz
* SPDIF output up to 24-bit resolution at selectable sampling rate of 44.1, 48 or 96kHz
* 64-Voice polyphony and multi-timbral capability
* 128 GM & GS compatible instruments and 10 drum kits
* 2MB or 4MB GM SoundFont Bank included

On-Board Connectors

* Line level out (Front / Side / Rear / Centre / Subwoofer) or Headphone out
* Line In / Microphone In / *Digital I/O
* Aux Audio in

* Supports SPDIF Out for Stereo Digital Speaker/ connection with Creative Digital I/O Module (sold separately)

Sound Blaster Audigy SE Audio Performance

Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-Weighted) = 100 dB (2V)
Frequency Response at -3 dBr = <10 Hz to 40 kHz
Specifications are based on digital-to-analog audio playback (for example: CDDA, WAV, MP3, Dolby Digital)

 

[nfm]

Hi,
Powered subs can be connected straight to a sound card without need of a receiver correct?

 

[WmAx]

Hi,
Powered subs can be connected straight to a sound card without need of a receiver correct?

If the sound card has bass management/crossover, yes.

-Chris

 

[Midcow2]

Look at Yamaha RX-V363

In addtion to the Cambridge Audio S30 speakers at $219 I would get a good low-end Stereo receiver such as the Yamaha RX-V363 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver for $185

http://www.tvsdepot.com/product.php?id=172624&ref=ad332&KW=Yamaha+RX-V363&gclid=CLTC_YKx-ZUCFQNHFQodoRZOEQ

This would make your total cost $404. If later you want to add a sub the The Dayton 10" sub recommende earlier by other is a good start for $130, which would make your total cost around $535 ...close to your budget.

Later, with the Yamaha RX-V363, you could get some front towers and center and use the Cambridge Audio S30s as surround and migtate to a full HT system

 

[Soundman]

In addtion to the Cambridge Audio S30 speakers at $219 I would get a good low-end Stereo receiver such as the Yamaha RX-V363 5.1-Channel Home Theater Receiver for $185

http://www.tvsdepot.com/product.php?id=172624&ref=ad332&KW=Yamaha+RX-V363&gclid=CLTC_YKx-ZUCFQNHFQodoRZOEQ

This would make your total cost $404. If later you want to add a sub the The Dayton 10" sub recommende earlier by other is a good start for $130, which would make your total cost around $535 ...close to your budget.

Later, with the Yamaha RX-V363, you could get some front towers and center and use the Cambridge Audio S30s as surround and migtate to a full HT system

Sounds like a very do-able solution.

 

[Soundman]

Okay, where are the measurements?

My statement/suggestion is based on an extensive comparison of measured performance and correlation with the perceptual research texts.

Here are some B2030P measurements: Behringer B2030P

The B2030P has a very clean driver response(see waterfall graph) and the off axis performance is incredible, and will yield superb results in the average environment due to the off axis reflected sound having nearly identical spectrum/response as the on axis response. At +/- 60 degrees, the response, even at 15kHz, is only a few dB difference from the on-axis response. This is remarkable. The overwhelming majority of speakers dive bomb the response over 7-8kHz, off axis.

-Chris

These sound like a very do-able option as well, especially for that price.

 

[Soundman]

Originally Posted by WmAx
Okay, where are the measurements?

My statement/suggestion is based on an extensive comparison of measured performance and correlation with the perceptual research texts.

Here are some B2030P measurements: Behringer B2030P

The B2030P has a very clean driver response(see waterfall graph) and the off axis performance is incredible, and will yield superb results in the average environment due to the off axis reflected sound having nearly identical spectrum/response as the on axis response. At +/- 60 degrees, the response, even at 15kHz, is only a few dB difference from the on-axis response. This is remarkable. The overwhelming majority of speakers dive bomb the response over 7-8kHz, off axis.

-Chris

Is there a center channel that matches these? If going with these, I'll eventually expand to a 5.1 system.

 

[Alex2507]

I think the idea with these that if you order 3 pairs, that is enough for 5 channels and you end up with a spare.

 

[WmAx]

I think the idea with these that if you order 3 pairs, that is enough for 5 channels and you end up with a spare.

Correct. Using the same speaker for the center and main channels is usually superior to using dedicated center channel speakers. Traditional center channels exist because of cosmetics, and usually compromise sound in the process.

-Chris

 

[Soundman]

Correct. Using the same speaker for the center and main channels is usually superior to using dedicated center channel speakers. Traditional center channels exist because of cosmetics, and usually compromise sound in the process.

-Chris

Yes, I understand. That usually is the best setup, accoustically speaking, but how well will this speaker work if placed in the center of my computer desk? That is my main concern.

 

[WmAx]

Yes, I understand. That usually is the best setup, accoustically speaking, but how well will this speaker work if placed in the center of my computer desk? That is my main concern.

I am not sure exactly what position you intend to use it. But this speaker works excellent in near field proximity; it was actually designed primarily for near field use, but it also happens to excel in far field, due to it's extraordinary off axis response characteristics.

-Chris

 

[Soundman]

I am not sure exactly what position you intend to use it. But this speaker works excellent in near field proximity; it was actually designed primarily for near field use, but it also happens to excel in far field, due to it's extraordinary off axis response characteristics.

-Chris

Great! It does appear they are marketed somewhat to be used as computer speakers too. In my current setup, I have a center channel right in front of my computer monitor. Of course, the B2030P's, being vertically aligned may block the view. Other then that, it sounds like a great deal.

 

[WmAx]

Great! It does appear they are marketed somewhat to be used as computer speakers too. In my current setup, I have a center channel right in front of my computer monitor. Of course, the B2030P's, being vertically aligned may block the view. Other then that, it sounds like a great deal.

Actually, it would work as good as any traditional center channel, sitting on it's side, if that was an issue.

-Chris

 

[Soundman]

Actually, it would work as good as any traditional center channel, sitting on it's side, if that was an issue.

-Chris

OK, That works, if necessary. Thanks!