Looking through stickies, not exactly sure what I should get.

[Arcane19]

Well right now I am in college, I have a xbox 360 and a 24" Samsung. Basically, I do not have enough room for floor speakers and the works. However, I do want a reasonably nice sound system that would make my video games and movies playing from the 360 to sound great.
At the same time, I am not sure what kind of system, speakers, amp/receiver I should buy so that not only can I have it connected to my 360 but also be able to somehow easily connect it to my laptop so I can play music through some nice speakers.

Right now I am using the standard speakers from the TV on my 360, and some crappy Harman/Kardon speakers the guy at Best Buy told my Dad to buy on my laptop.

How can I get one sound system for both my Laptop and my 360 even if it requires a wire or two to be unplugged when I am switching from one to the other. And what components do I need to buy?
A plus would be something that I could upgrade when I have a bigger room, but not a biggie.

Thanks so much guys, now that I have money of my own I want to invest in a decent sound system.

 

[phlakvest]

How are you connecting your 360 to your tv? SD or HDTV?

What kind of price range are you looking at?

 

[lsiberian]

I suggest you take your budget and look for 2 good bookshelf speakers.

Once we have a budget we can start throwing out some names.

If you are on a budget look for things that were amazing a couple of years ago. usually half the price and still nearly the same quality.

 

[Arcane19]

I have a budget of a $800. Possibly $1000. But $800 is my target.
I am connecting to a HDTV.

Also, aesthetics of the speakers don't matter, I am living in a dorm.

Also, where can I find a speaker store or whatever? I'm looking on yellowpages.com and the only results I get are Best Buy, Sears, etc. What do I type in to get a real sound store? Is there a special name for these types of stores?

 

[lsiberian]

I have a budget of a $800. Possibly $1000. But $800 is my target.
I am connecting to a HDTV.

Also, aesthetics of the speakers don't matter, I am living in a dorm.

Also, where can I find a speaker store or whatever? I'm looking on yellowpages.com and the only results I get are Best Buy, Sears, etc. What do I type in to get a real sound store? Is there a special name for these types of stores?

However since your budget is 800 and you are in college I am going to encourage you to go easy. I am concerned that extra 200 might be on a credit card and also am concerned about the funds for your education. Remember school comes first. Dorms are usually small and don't require a lot of volume to get loud and get you evicted. So be mindful.

You can go two ways. You can build off a great receiver or build off of great speakers. Your goals will determine which is better. If you build off great speakers you will need a budget amp though. I used to use a Panasonic HE100 6.1 and they go for under 100 bucks on ebay these days. It can drive most speakers just fine. If you go this route you have 700 bucks for a speaker system! Speakers have much more staying power than recievers. So I suggest going with this route.

With the 700 dollars. you can get this
http://store.audioholics.com/product/1833/66234/emp-htp-571t-7-1-speaker-system

and this for a receiver.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Panasonic-SA-HE100-6-1-channel-600-Watt-Receiver_W0QQitemZ200303912780QQcmdZViewItemQQptZReceivers_Tuners?hash=item200303912780&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

I have personally used the receiver above and its a good bang for buck deal at under 100 bucks. This method will give you a speaker system you can keep for a long time..

That system will cost 800 bucks. Then you can get speaker wire from home depot or monoprice(get the cheap 16gauge stuff).

Go to monoprice for any audio video cables you need.

I think that my run you a tad above 800, but you will have a sick system.

The EMPs are very popular here another option is the Primus package. I love infinity speakers and would probably buy those instead, but the EMPs are a really good deal.

 

[markw]

OK, you've stated a price. Now, what type of system are you looking for? A 5.1 system with widdle speakers and a subwoofer or a husky two channel stereo system with a pair of meaty speakers?

 

[Arcane19]

I belive I am trying to get a 5.1 system so I can use it for movies and music.

But lsiberian, thanks a lot for the help I'll look into the products you mentioned.

 

[lsiberian]

The emp 5.1 set is going for like 500 I think. So that would save you some money.

http://store.audioholics.com/product/2058/66238/infinity-primus-theater-pack-ii-5-0-speaker-system would be a good package to add a sub too.

The beta series(my speakers) go on ebay for about 50 a pop these days.

But I don't know if they would be good in a dorm. I think they would overpower a small room.

 

[Midcow2]

MORDAUNT SHORT Avant 908i Tower w/ 10" Subwoofer & Dual 5¼" Speakers Maple http://www.accessories4less.com/index.php?page=item&id=MORDAV908IMPL

Nice speakers for $649.99


Yamaha RX-V363 5.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver http://www.4electronicwarehouse.com/products/yamaha/rx-v363.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=yamaha 363&utm_campaign=YAMAHA&engine=adwords!8299&keyword=RX-363&match_type=&gclid=CMrHu7KCwZgCFRo-awodmDKybA

Very good, yet inexpensive AVr (Audio Video Receiver) for $199


To hookup you PC a very simple inexpensive cable: $6.31
PureAV Audio Y Splitter Cable 3.5mm Stereo 2x RCA, 3ft (AV20600-03)
http://www.pcconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Detail.htm?sku=4823215&oext=1038A&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=4823215

Plug the 3.5 mini-audio plug into PC and the two RCA into any left/right receiver input.



Any other cables get from Monoprice or bluejeanscables:

http://www.monoprice.com/
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/


Good Luck!

MidCow2

 

[Arcane19]

Ok, so I think I decided to go with Midcow's recommendation. But I was looking at the Barebones system article so I think I might get the 463 instead of the 363 version of the Yamaha receiver. And I'm still doing more research on speakers. I don't know about my mindset, but would it be better to get 2 better quality bookshelf/floorstanding speakers? Or get a lesser quality but get 5 speakers. The only thing I'm worried about is not getting a nice bass sound since I won't have a subwoofer unless I get a 5 pc. set.

 

[alexwakelin]

Ok, so I think I decided to go with Midcow's recommendation. But I was looking at the Barebones system article so I think I might get the 463 instead of the 363 version of the Yamaha receiver. And I'm still doing more research on speakers. I don't know about my mindset, but would it be better to get 2 better quality bookshelf/floorstanding speakers? Or get a lesser quality but get 5 speakers. The only thing I'm worried about is not getting a nice bass sound since I won't have a subwoofer unless I get a 5 pc. set.

There is no reason you can't go with a 2.1 or 3.1 system.

Last year's model receiver ~$150

SVS PB10 $429
http://www.svsound.com/products-sub-box-10nsd.cfm

Which leaves ~$200 for a set of bookshelf speakers and wires/cables. $200 is enough to buy a very nice set of bookshelf speakers.

I have no personal experience with the logitech z5500, but I have heard great things about it, especially when used in small rooms such as a dorm. It has inputs for digital optical and coaxial, your xbox should plug right into it.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121120

The Logitech system is more of a temporary solution though, a well thought out 2.1 system can be expanded upon, while the Logitech would have to be completely replaced if you wanted to upgrade.

 

[lsiberian]

Or you could build your own sub

To be honest if your goal is home theater I think you would be better served by getting a 5 speaker set. I know that one can be put together on a budget via Ebay and Craigslist very easily. My speakers satisfy me and upgrading isn't to rough because I ebay off my old stuff. Builds my ebay business and my home theater

Ironically I just sold my center speaker on ebay for more than I bought it for off ebay. LOL, life is good.

I think grabbing that emp set or getting an SVS 5 speaker set without the sub would be a great start. You could always use a low end dayton to bridge the gap until you can afford a nicer sub or build your own.

If you listen to music mostly and your goal is music then just get a nice pair of bookshelves and a sub. For that I think you should just grab a couple infinity beta 20s and maybe that SVS mentioned. It would make a nice set. Remember to remove the cover from the beta 20s when listening to music. Gotta see the insides

 

[lsiberian]

MORDAUNT SHORT Avant 908i Tower w/ 10" Subwoofer & Dual 5¼" Speakers Maple http://www.accessories4less.com/index.php?page=item&id=MORDAV908IMPL

Nice speakers for $649.99


Yamaha RX-V363 5.1-Channel Digital Home Theater Receiver http://www.4electronicwarehouse.com/products/yamaha/rx-v363.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=yamaha 363&utm_campaign=YAMAHA&engine=adwords!8299&keyword=RX-363&match_type=&gclid=CMrHu7KCwZgCFRo-awodmDKybA

Very good, yet inexpensive AVr (Audio Video Receiver) for $199


To hookup you PC a very simple inexpensive cable: $6.31
PureAV Audio Y Splitter Cable 3.5mm Stereo 2x RCA, 3ft (AV20600-03)
http://www.pcconnection.com/IPA/Shop/Product/Detail.htm?sku=4823215&oext=1038A&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=4823215

Plug the 3.5 mini-audio plug into PC and the two RCA into any left/right receiver input.



Any other cables get from Monoprice or bluejeanscables:

http://www.monoprice.com/
http://www.bluejeanscable.com/


Good Luck!

MidCow2

Towers in a dorm. His neighbors will not be pleased.

But he sure will be

 

[Midcow2]

stick with better quality 2 speaker add inexpensive sub

Ok, so I think I decided to go with Midcow's recommendation. But I was looking at the Barebones system article so I think I might get the 463 instead of the 363 version of the Yamaha receiver. And I'm still doing more research on speakers. I don't know about my mindset, but would it be better to get 2 better quality bookshelf/floorstanding speakers? Or get a lesser quality but get 5 speakers. The only thing I'm worried about is not getting a nice bass sound since I won't have a subwoofer unless I get a 5 pc. set.

Get the better quality, excellent 2-speakers system , forego the 5 speaker now.

Long term add some surround speakers.

Yes , if you want to get higher level Yamaha such as 463 go for it. My suggestion of 363 was a inexpensive, but very good entry AVR.

Long term plan on getting a very good SVS or Hsu subwoofer. For right now, a good inexpensive subwoofer that is affordable is the Dayton SUB-120 HT Series 12" 150 Watt Powered Subwoofer for $155.23 from Parts Express.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-635 This gives you good subwoofer sound at an affordable price.


Good Luck!

MidCow2

P.S. - you will thanK me that you got the better quality speakers