need help woth 2.0 setup (with computer as source)

[psrivats]

Hi folks, I am a newbie member here. I am not an audiophile but I do appreciate quality sound. This is my first foray into audio setup of any kind and I want to do it right.

I am moving to a new apartment soon and want to have a decent 2.0 system. will be living with roommates and do not have the room (or the budget) for fancy setups. My max budget would be about $200-250 (maybe slightly more). I will be using this system with my computer (it has SPDIF out) mostly for music (and the occasional movie). I listen to classical music, rock and a lot of acoustic stuff (not sure if that info helps).

I have never been happy with computer speakers. I did look at better "computer" speakers like the creative i-trigue and gigaworks T20/T40 but I don't know if I'd be better off buying bookshelf speakers (like the polk audio monitor 30) and a used (or a new) reciever for better quality (and future upgradeability when I move out and have a place for myself in about 1.5 years or so). Would something like this be a good route, or am I better off buying computer speakers like klipsch PM?

If buying speakers like polk 30 and a reciever (like sherwood 4109) is the way to go, what do you suggest for me? Would active studio monitors be a better alternative at my budget?

I don't mind buying used stuff as long as they are in good condition, but as I mentioned earlier I am a total newbie and have no idea what to buy. Your suggestions/advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[dkane360]

i use a 2.0 setup for my comp too. I have the behringer b2031p which I love. I dont have a receiver, but i have a 2 channel amp that works well. The smaller b2030p are also great for their cost.

Personally, I would stay away from active monitors. Although it might seem like it would be easier to have everything in one package, you lose the ability to use the speakers in a different setting (like in a surround sound setup as you mentioned).

I had the klipsch promedia 2.1 before I had the behringers, and they have their trade-offs. The klipsch had better low end because of the sub, but the mids and highs are a lot higher on the behringers. If the lower low end bothers you, you could always add a cheap sub.

P.S. always check craigslist for awesome deals on amps and what not. They may be hard to come by, but its definitely worth it.

 

[psrivats]

dkane, thanks for your input ... what do you think about audioengine A2?

 

[shadyJ]

here is one recommendation: Onkyo TX-SR503 for only $99. It's a flawed unit, the reason it's so cheap is because this unit has a video problem, but since it doesn't sound like you will be using it for video purposes, that shouldn't be an issue. 7.1 channels, 75 watts per channel, its way more than what you need, and it allows you to add more speakers for a surround sound system if you ever desire to.

For speakers, these Behringer 2030P studio monitors have impressed some around here, and I am considering getting a pair myself. They are shielded so its not a problem if you are using a CRT monitor. $130 and free shipping.

If I were limited to $250, that is what I would get. Later on I would save up and add a subwoofer, it will make a big difference. Hit us up in the subwoofer forum if you are ever looking for a sub, you will get a lot of bang for your buck if you listen to the advice there.

 

[dkane360]

not sure about the audioengines as i havn't read anything about them or heard them. I'm planing on adding a sub to my system though. If all goes accordingly I should have a nice 12" dayton sub to round out the system.

 

[lsiberian]

Hi folks, I am a newbie member here. I am not an audiophile but I do appreciate quality sound. This is my first foray into audio setup of any kind and I want to do it right.

I am moving to a new apartment soon and want to have a decent 2.0 system. will be living with roommates and do not have the room (or the budget) for fancy setups. My max budget would be about $200-250 (maybe slightly more). I will be using this system with my computer (it has SPDIF out) mostly for music (and the occasional movie). I listen to classical music, rock and a lot of acoustic stuff (not sure if that info helps).

I have never been happy with computer speakers. I did look at better "computer" speakers like the creative i-trigue and gigaworks T20/T40 but I don't know if I'd be better off buying bookshelf speakers (like the polk audio monitor 30) and a used (or a new) reciever for better quality (and future upgradeability when I move out and have a place for myself in about 1.5 years or so). Would something like this be a good route, or am I better off buying computer speakers like klipsch PM?

If buying speakers like polk 30 and a reciever (like sherwood 4109) is the way to go, what do you suggest for me? Would active studio monitors be a better alternative at my budget?

I don't mind buying used stuff as long as they are in good condition, but as I mentioned earlier I am a total newbie and have no idea what to buy. Your suggestions/advice is greatly appreciated!

You have several options.

For speakers get a pair of Behringer 2031p's. Since you won't be using a sub.

For powering the speakers you have 2 choices.

Amp or receiver.

An Amp on you budget will be used. But it's certainly possible. You can use your computer as a pre-processor for volume control in that case.

Your other choice is to get a used receiver. A new one at your price point seems like a bad choice because you will be getting the bottom of the line stuff. I suggest you find a used Denon, Onkyo, Harman-Kardon, or Yamaha receiver and use that for power.

Ebay is probably your best bet.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Denon-AVR-983-7-1-Channel-Receiver_W0QQitemZ360171670055QQcmdZViewItemQQptZReceivers_Tuners?hash=item53dbe78a27&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65:12|66:2|39:1|72:1234|293:1|294:50

is an example of a slick deal that can be had.

And there are many great deals.

Look at the Onkyo NR800 series for some nice used receivers.

 

[alexwakelin]

There are many options that would work with your budget, if you go the amp route I would suggest either an Audiosource Amp 100 or a T-amp. They both provide excellent sound quality for the price.

http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-380
http://www.amazon.com/AudioSource-AMP-100-2-Channel-Bridgeable-Amplifier/dp/B00026BQJ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1248562970&sr=8-1

 

[agarwalro]

The computer is bound to have a 1/4" headphone out. IMHO, given your listening environment, no need to be pseudo-audiophille and needlessly complicate things. You dont need to be constrained by the S/PDIF. Also, given your situation (room mates), I would recommend keeping it simple from a cost and durability perspective. You have only one audio source, your computer and no need to handle video. Getting a receiver just to power bookshelf speakers will be overkill.

Why are you against a 2.1 computer system?

In your budget, a good set of 2.1 computer speakers will be hard to beat for a 2.0 setup in the same price range. I recommend the Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 which can be hand on eBay for $160.00 shipped. For these I don't recommend second hand unless you can try them out while buying. The Din connector is prone to issues if it has been abused by the user.

 

[FNG212]

+1 for the AudioSource Amp 100.

I use that to power my whole house audio setup using my computer as the source. A 3.5mm to RCA cable links them, then your choice from amp to speakers.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10218&cs_id=1021804&p_id=665&seq=1&format=2