Looking for entry level speaker setup

[habman6]

Hello,

I am just getting into the whole home theater hobby (or shall I say lifestyle), and am planning on setting up my PC with a receiver+speaker setup. I am a university student, and the room is simply a smaller bedroom, so I do not need anything capable of producing sound meant for a warehouse. Listening to music and music production is the top priority - video is irrelevant at this point. Thus, I suppose I am in need of speakers that produce sound closest to that of the original source data. I will probably be spending around 1000, max 1300 on my setup (receiver + speakers).

Any suggestions for entry level equipment that will produce adequate sound quality?

 

[markw]

So, are you looking for a two channel system?

 

[fredk]

That 'and music production' part is interesting. You are planning on doing some recording/production?

Somebody here was selling 5 Mackie studio monitors recently. I would think that is the sort of speaker you are looking for in a nearfield environment.

 

[habman6]

So, are you looking for a two channel system?

Ya essentially.

That 'and music production' part is interesting. You are planning on doing some recording/production?

Somebody here was selling 5 Mackie studio monitors recently. I would think that is the sort of speaker you are looking for in a nearfield environment.

Production yes, recording not so much.

Thanks for the suggestion, I will look into that.

I suppose then studio monitors are what I should be gunning for? I suppose the music listening and music production needs are almost contradictory.

 

[fredk]

I suppose the music listening and music production needs are almost contradictory.

I'm not a music production guy, but from what I have read I don't think so. It is more important to hear exactly what is in your recording during production, but I think that should be the end goal for a good music or HT system as well.

I don't know anything about the differences between near field and normal stereo listening. There is at least one guy here on the boards who does production type stuff. Hopefully he will chime in here.

 

[habman6]

I'm not a music production guy, but from what I have read I don't think so. It is more important to hear exactly what is in your recording during production, but I think that should be the end goal for a good music or HT system as well.

I don't know anything about the differences between near field and normal stereo listening. There is at least one guy here on the boards who does production type stuff. Hopefully he will chime in here.

Thanks for the help Fred.

As for normal stereo listening, in my price range (hovering around 500$) I've been looking at and plan on testing PSB B25, Paradigm Monitor series, KEF c3 (perhaps c5 towers?). Any other suggestions?

 

[WmAx]

Actually, the Behringer B2030P is ideal for this price range. It is a superbly built speaker despite the low price. It will easily best (quantitatively) most retail speaker in the $500/pair price range.

I recommend these combined with a good quality subwoofer or two, crossed at 80Hz. Use a proper active crossover system. In fact, I do not recommend a receiver unless you get one that has interuptable direct amp input loops on the back so you can insert a proper active crossover into the system. Use component amplifier and a proper active crossover system. All of the equipment will fit in your stated budget if you choose wisely. I can specify models if needed. You also must use some basic acoustical treatment. At minimum, use two of the GIK 244 traps behind your computer to prevent most of the midbass rear wall reflection(s). This is critical to mid-range accuracy/clarity. You should also have a good pair of monitor headphones on hand, as they will let you hear deeper into the mix to detect more subtle problems as compared to the speakers available at this price point. Sony MDR-7506 is my recommendation for professional use of this type.

-Chris

 

[habman6]

Actually, the Behringer B2030P is ideal for this price range. It is a superbly built speaker despite the low price. It will easily best (quantitatively) most retail speaker in the $500/pair price range.

I recommend these combined with a good quality subwoofer or two, crossed at 80Hz. Use a proper active crossover system. In fact, I do not recommend a receiver unless you get one that has interuptable direct amp input loops on the back so you can insert a proper active crossover into the system. Use component amplifier and a proper active crossover system. All of the equipment will fit in your stated budget if you choose wisely. I can specify models if needed. You also must use some basic acoustical treatment. At minimum, use two of the GIK 244 traps behind your computer to prevent most of the midbass rear wall reflection(s). This is critical to mid-range accuracy/clarity. You should also have a good pair of monitor headphones on hand, as they will let you hear deeper into the mix to detect more subtle problems as compared to the speakers available at this price point. Sony MDR-7506 is my recommendation for professional use of this type.

-Chris

I did some research, and oddly enough most American retailers have the Behringer's for 130$, whereas Canadian retailers start at 400$+. That is quite odd, and unfortunate.

My reason for going with the receiver route is so I did not have to purchase a highly expensive dedicated sound card to decode the audio (unless I am wrong in this regard?).

 

[WmAx]

I did some research, and oddly enough most American retailers have the Behringer's for 130$, whereas Canadian retailers start at 400$+. That is quite odd, and unfortunate.

My reason for going with the receiver route is so I did not have to purchase a highly expensive dedicated sound card to decode the audio (unless I am wrong in this regard?).

Ouch! Do you have some one in the states that can ship the Behringer speakers to you via USPS? This would save you substantial money.

Are you sure the B2030P is $400 CA? Or is that the B2030A? You want the P version. The A version is the active unit and I do not recommend it; the passive version is more flexible and reliable.

If you are set on a receiver, check out the Harman Kardon STEREO receivers. I believe these have the DIRECT amplifier loops on the back that I mentioned earlier.

-Chris

 

[habman6]

Ouch! Do you have some one in the states that can ship the Behringer speakers to you via USPS? This would save you substantial money.

Are you sure the B2030P is $400 CA? Or is that the B2030A? You want the P version. The A version is the active unit and I do not recommend it; the passive version is more flexible and reliable.

If you are set on a receiver, check out the Harman Kardon STEREO receivers. I believe these have the DIRECT amplifier loops on the back that I mentioned earlier.

-Chris

It was the B2030P...but I am still looking, since I find that quite odd. Do you have any other suggestions if these cannot be found?

I was debating whether or not I should opt for nearfields. Since most of my listening will be done right at the computer I suppose this is the smartest choice - I can purchase a dedicated stereo when I have the space/need for it. Plus I imagine nearfields will be loud enough for my tiny room.

If I were to go the amp route, which amps/DAC's would you suggest?

EDIT: I found a possibly retailer for 250$ CA