In need of new speakers (2.0/2.1)

[Poro]

Hey,

I'm currently using a Logitech PC speaker set Z-3. I listened to some hifi speakers a while ago and decided that I need a new set of speakers! Anyway, I need help in picking out the best possible set for me.

At the moment, the only thing I think I could use in the setup is my PC as the sound source with my Creative X-Fi Fatal1ty (The one from the original four card line-up, below platinum.). I also got some SPDIF out ports on the front panel and I guess I should use them to output the signal? As I said, I only have the PC so I guess I'm gonna need an amplifier also. Budget would be somewhere around +-500€ but I'm willing to go above it also for something like 100-150€. The speakers should be bookshelf speakers, I think.

I went to a Hi-Fi shop and they recommended me a pair of Q-Acoustics 2020 and a Firestone BigJoe 3 amplifier. What do you think about these? I'm kinda suspicious about that amp since I've never seen an amp that small. That set would cost me 550€. Also, the sales guy said that I shouldn't get a subwoofer since it's not necessary.

So, what speakers and amplifier (or receiver, don't know the difference) should I get? Should I invest in to a subwoofer also?

 

[sholling]

Welcome to the board! I have no idea what stuff costs in Finland but the usual answer to this question is to go with a a pair of Behringer B2030P studio monitors and a small subwoofer. Then power the speakers off of a used receiver if you can find one. That's about $400-450US in the US.

 

[Poro]

Well, I went to a local hifi shop to see what options I have and they did have Behringer B2030P also there, but I thought I would opt for a different set. What do you guys think of a set with 2x Focal Chorus 705V bookshelf speakers and a Denon AVR-1610 receiver? This set would cost me about 600€.

 

[AJinFLA]

Well, I went to a local hifi shop to see what options I have and they did have Behringer B2030P also there, but I thought I would opt for a different set. What do you guys think of a set with 2x Focal Chorus 705V bookshelf speakers

You should opt for what looks/sounds best to you. If it's the Focals over the Behringer, it matters little what we think.

...and a Denon AVR-1610 receiver? This set would cost me about 600€.

This seems to be a music (stereo) setup, so the Denon would work just fine, but might be overkill for what you need. Or, it may give you the flexibility of upgrading to surround in the future....since you have a nice MCH (surround) sound card.
Be aware, the Denon does not have MCH analog inputs, so the soundcard would have to have (MCH) pass through ability in it's digital output.

cheers,

AJ