Need Advice $600 budget

[jimbodinny]

Right now the best quality sound I've heard is that produced by my Klipsch 2.1 Promedia speakers attached to Soundblaster Audigy 2 card. I really like these speakers , but I'm starting to notice how "bright" they are . I'm looking to spend 600 dollars at most , on a pair of Axiom M22ti and a receiver, to use mostly for music from my PC. 192kbps mp3s. Is it worth to get these speakers to listen to Mp3s in the first place? Also, how do these compare to my Klipsch 2.1 ( I know they are better, how much better is my question). Thanks. my room is 16x13 x9ft

 

[Rob Babcock]

If it's just for PC use, I suggest you buy your Axioms and a Griffin Powerwave USB amp. You can get the Griffin for $80-100; it combines a USB soundcard with a Tripath amp module. I use mine with my PC to drive a pair of JBL HLS610's, and it works well. The Axioms are spec'd at a nominal 8 ohms, so the Pwave should work well. Mine will drive my JBLs to pretty good volumes, especially for nearfield listening like I do at the computer. You only get something like 15 wpc, so it's not recommended for large scale HT use, but he sound is fantastic.

 

[jimbodinny]

sounds good, how does Powerwave compare to Sound Blaster Audigy 2? Can i get a decent receiver for 200 dollars ?

 

[Rob Babcock]

I haven't heard the Audigy, but from what I've read the Pwave is at least as good. You could get a receiver for $200, but with the Powerwave you don't need one: it combines the functions of a soundcard with an 15 WPC amp module. It accepts USB right from the PC, although it has line/mini jack input, too. It can even work as a mic preamp and makes a good 'phone amp.

If you go that route, you connect the Axioms to the Griffin, then the Griffin to your PC. You then use whatever media player to control volume, etc (you can simply use Windows Media Player if you like). That's how I've got my PC sound set up, and I'm very happy. The whole unit is about the size of 2 or 3 CD jewel boxes stacked up and weighs about as much as a couple packs of smokes.

If you're interested you can read more about the Griffin here. It's sort of marketed to Mac users, but it works perfectly with windows/Intel/AMD machines, too.

 

[Cuteman]

I think a real home theatre 5.1 surround would be better.

Get a receiver with optical in.

Then a sound card with optical out (best buy has an external USB one w/ optical out for 49.99)


Bada bing, movies and computer sound in 5.1 (or 6.1, or 7.1, or more)

 

[BMXTRIX]

Check this out if you want to do something fun with your PC.

http://reviews.cnet.com/Onkyo_HT_S770/4505-6740_7-30903741.html?tag=tab

The price is under 500 bucks and includes a full 5.1 setup. Reviews seem really strong. It isn't crazy theater, but it is far more than you are likely to find in a lot of other stuff. No pretty packaging, no overdone marketing. Just simple clean 5.1 and a receiver that can handle a digital input from your PC.

Just an idea.

 

[jaxvon]

If you're just looking for a two-channel setup, you might also want to consider Swans Audio. They make some nice bookshelf sized speakers for computers, as well as subs. You might also want to look at getting an integrated amp. Yawa online has a good one for sale. Though this is only 2-channel, it should mesh well with the M22ti's. Mind you, if you want bass like you've been getting, you'll have to invest in a subwoofer, and you'd be over your budget. Good luck though.