I'm looking for thunderous bass, and good clarity.. is this the answer?

[alexsabree]

I want a good 2.1 setup for my PC and $400 is my absolute budget. When I shoot a M60 on a Video game I want to FEEL the gun, not just hear it.

Right now I'm considering these: ( I heard tSc was the best budget wise )

P6 Bookshelf Speakers $90
T250 Subwoofer $250

I'm a little confused on how these connect up.. is it like this? (will I need a receiver/amp or anything?)

PC Sound Card ---> 3.5in to RCA Adapter ---> Sub RCA in ---> Speakers

 

[markw]

No, you need either a receiver or an integrated amplifier.

Subwoofers don't provide power to any speakers except their internal subwoofer.

They do "pass through" power from a power amp to the mains when you use their speaker level inputs and outputs though.

 

[alexsabree]

Subwoofers don't provide power to any speakers except their internal subwoofer.

They do "pass through" power from a power amp to the mains when you use their speaker level inputs and outputs though.

So I will need to buy an amplifier or reciever in order to power any other speakers other than my subwoofer?

 

[markw]

So I will need to buy an amplifier or reciever in order to power any other speakers other than my subwoofer?

Yes. I'm pretty sure I said that in the subject line of my other post and explained my reasoning within the body of it.

 

[strube]

You could also just buy a Logitech 2.1 system, it is not up to my standards for sound quality, but it has lots of bass, which is what you are after.

If you aren't interested in that or a receiver, you should look into some active monitor speakers, plus the sub. You can do this as long as your computer has an analog output for everything. Obviously you would have to select some different speakers.

On another thread I just referred to some affordable but very good for the price powered monitors (I have the ones on the second link for my laptop):

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-AV-Powered-Speakers/dp/B000MUXJCO/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1236910514&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/M-Audio-Studiophile-Professional-Reference-Speakers/dp/B000SDLNKA/ref=pd_bbs_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1236910514&sr=8-2

Again, if you went this route, you would need to be sure that your PC has a sound card with analog outputs for your sub and your fronts. Most Soundblasters have this, and some motherboard audio does as well.

 

[alexsabree]

Yes. I'm pretty sure I said that in the subject line of my other post and explained my reasoning within the body of it.

Sorry man, I'm just wanted to make sure that we were talking about the same thing. "Pass through" Just doesn't seem to make any sense.. what would be the point of having this?

I've been building and upgrading PC's forever, and its hard to get used to this audio thing.. thanks for the help though.

Those MAudio's are a little too under my budget and they don't have a dedicated subwoofer. Also, do you really think I should get a Logitech? I mean, wouldn't it be better to get what I linked?

 

[strube]

Sorry man, I'm just wanted to make sure that we were talking about the same thing. "Pass through" Just doesn't seem to make any sense.. what would be the point of having this?

I've been building and upgrading PC's forever, and its hard to get used to this audio thing.. thanks for the help though.

Those MAudio's are a little too under my budget and they don't have a dedicated subwoofer. Also, do you really think I should get a Logitech? I mean, wouldn't it be better to get what I linked?

No, you didn't understand what I was saying. Since you don't want to buy a receiver, I was suggesting the solution would be to buy powered speakers like the M-Audios and a nice powered subwoofer - the sub you linked would work (it is powered as most are), but there are probably better options there too. If you just buy the speakers (passive - not powered) you linked, as markw said, you have to buy a separate amplifier or receiver to power them, or they won't work at all.

I personally wouldn't buy the Logitech stuff, but if boomy bass is all you care about, that is what they do best.

 

[alexsabree]

No, you didn't understand what I was saying. Since you don't want to buy a receiver, I was suggesting the solution would be to buy powered speakers like the M-Audios and a nice powered subwoofer - the sub you linked would work (it is powered as most are), but there are probably better options there too. If you just buy the speakers (passive - not powered) you linked, as markw said, you have to buy a separate amplifier or receiver to power them, or they won't work at all.

I personally wouldn't buy the Logitech stuff, but if boomy bass is all you care about, that is what they do best.

I have no problem with buying a receiver, I was planning on buying speakers like the one I linked and finding a used/cheap receiver on ebay or something. I understand the whole passive/active thing, but when I was looking at the back side of that sub I saw some connections that made me think that the sub could possibly hook up to two passive speakers and power them.

I've never really listened to good speakers, all my friends care for loudness and never in my life have I heard quality. That's why I want to avoid brands like logitech. Not to long ago went from some cheap cans to some AudioTechnica's A700 Headphones.. and what a difference that made. Now I'm planning to do the same with my speakers.

Also, one of the main reasons I don't want to get powered monitors is because I plan to upgrade or add more speakers later on. (unless they are really good like AudioEngines)

What would you recommend as some good passive speakers for my budget?

 

[lsiberian]

In your budget I suggest you pick up a pair of
Infinity Beta 20s Watch ebay the factory sells these on ebay a lot. Usually they go for around 50 each. with 20 shipping.

Makes em 140 overall. They come with the full factory warranty. But at the price it will cost nearly as much to ship them as they cost.

and a
Dayton 12" http://store.audioholics.com/product/1974/0/dayton-sub-120-12--150-watt-powered-subwoofer 150

Grab a nice two channel receiver off ebay or this one
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTX8255/Onkyo/TX-8255-2-Channel-Stereo-Receiver-50W-x-2ch-BLACK/1.html

130

420 total max and you get a very good 2.1 system.

And you might get the beta's cheaper.

 

[alexsabree]

In your budget I suggest you pick up a pair of
Infinity Beta 20s Watch ebay the factory sells these on ebay a lot. Usually they go for around 50 each. with 20 shipping.

Makes em 140 overall. They come with the full factory warranty. But at the price it will cost nearly as much to ship them as they cost.

and a
Dayton 12" http://store.audioholics.com/product/1974/0/dayton-sub-120-12--150-watt-powered-subwoofer 150

Grab a nice two channel receiver off ebay or this one
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTX8255/Onkyo/TX-8255-2-Channel-Stereo-Receiver-50W-x-2ch-BLACK/1.html

130

420 total max and you get a very good 2.1 system.

And you might get the beta's cheaper.

You are a god.. thank you

What about this?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882180022
Seems to do exactly what I need, simple, small.. cheap.. brand new!

Don't really care about all that DTS Dolby Digital crap 'cause I'm using my Sound Card to decode all of that.

 

[lsiberian]

You are a god.. thank you

What about this?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882180022
Seems to do exactly what I need, simple, small.. cheap.. brand new!

Don't really care about all that DTS Dolby Digital crap 'cause I'm using my Sound Card to decode all of that.

Make sure you can crossover your speakers with the sub.

I don't know about AudioSource. Looks like junk

 

[Fredhizzle]

In your budget I suggest you pick up a pair of
Infinity Beta 20s Watch ebay the factory sells these on ebay a lot. Usually they go for around 50 each. with 20 shipping.

Makes em 140 overall. They come with the full factory warranty. But at the price it will cost nearly as much to ship them as they cost.

and a
Dayton 12" http://store.audioholics.com/product/1974/0/dayton-sub-120-12--150-watt-powered-subwoofer 150

Grab a nice two channel receiver off ebay or this one
http://www.accessories4less.com/make-a-store/item/ONKTX8255/Onkyo/TX-8255-2-Channel-Stereo-Receiver-50W-x-2ch-BLACK/1.html

130

420 total max and you get a very good 2.1 system.

And you might get the beta's cheaper.

aww you know im trying to get betas for cheap the last thing I need is more competition

 

[Fredhizzle]

im not to sure but some stereo receivers have an lfe out, look at companies that make 5.1,7.1 receivers like Onkyo they might make 2.1 stereo receivers also if you choose the TSC bookshelfs they have good sensititvity so you wouldnt need an expensive receiver to handle those TSC so a cheap receiver from ebay would work

 

[Fredhizzle]

I think this is a 2.1 look up this model on ebay the specs didnt come out on the website I googled 2.1 stereo receivers this is what came out

Harman/Kardon HK3485 2.1 Receiver
and

http://dealnews.com/Harman-Kardon-HK3490-Stereo-Receiver-for-270-29-s-h/255862.html

 

[lsiberian]

I think this is a 2.1 look up this model on ebay the specs didnt come out on the website I googled 2.1 stereo receivers this is what came out

Harman/Kardon HK3485 2.1 Receiver
and

http://dealnews.com/Harman-Kardon-HK3490-Stereo-Receiver-for-270-29-s-h/255862.html

That's a bad move if you ever want to do surround sound. for 270 you can get a Marantz 4002 from a4less. Gives you room for growth too.

a Behringer DCX2496 would be much better. than a receiver, but the cost is high. I wonder if there is a less expensive option out there.

 

[lsiberian]

I think this is a 2.1 look up this model on ebay the specs didnt come out on the website I googled 2.1 stereo receivers this is what came out

Harman/Kardon HK3485 2.1 Receiver
and

http://dealnews.com/Harman-Kardon-HK3490-Stereo-Receiver-for-270-29-s-h/255862.html

Make sure to scan craigslist. I've seen some good deals in the DFW area.

A full iQ set for 500 bucks is a steal.

 

[alexwakelin]

I don't know about AudioSource. Looks like junk

The Audiosource Amp 100 is a pretty good amp for the price, and the output is pretty close to what is claimed.

 

[lsiberian]

The Audiosource Amp 100 is a pretty good amp for the price, and the output is pretty close to what is claimed.

Thanks for the info. But it does look more like a post-amp than a receiver. Still he could use it later if he got theater system.

 

[Highbar]

Thanks for the info. But it does look more like a post-amp than a receiver. Still he could use it later if he got theater system.

The Audiosource is just an amp. It's not receiver. I'm pretty sure that PDawg uses one for one of his extra zones.

 

[Nextlevelaudio]

you didn't spec if your sound card output was multi channel?
For a 2 channel setup, I would suggest the HK SoundsticksII. They sound great for computer gaming use and include a powered sub with a good deal of kick. The "sticks" have 4 drivers each and sound fantastic. You can demo them at an Apple store as I think they sell them.