Super-basic help

[giant016]

Hi all,

I'm looking to start building a home audio setup. I don't know a ton about decent systems as my budget has always (and still is) quite limited, so I always stuck to an off the shelf stereo system for cds, the stock TV speakers for video, and all the music on my computer was just for listening to when I was doing computer stuff so the $25 pair of computer speakers was sufficient.

I'm still a college kid so money is a factor, but I'm just wondering what I should be looking for so when I see something cheap I'll have an idea if I want it or not, and hopefully over time build a nice setup.


Given my large digital music/video collection the heart of the system will be a PC. Laptop for now. It is for a small room, and 95% of the usage will be for music. I'd like to think of my tastes as eclectic so a versatile speaker setup is best.

My biggest complaint about my current budget speakers is lack of depth as I would call it. I don't care as much about perfect highs/lows, etc, I just HATE anything that comes close to a tinny sound.

I see systems with just two large floor speakers, some with 8+ pieces, external subs, etc. What is the advantage over a setup of a few large expensive floor speakers over say an 8 speaker home stereo setup?

I don't need crazy-party volume either.

Also, what should the whole setup consist of? If I get a good soundcard should I just run everything into the laptop or have a separate receiver for other inputs like TV and maybe a record player?

My budget for speakers is about $200-$300

That's about all I can think of for now. Thanks in advance.

 

[Midwesthonky]

So your PC will be the main source? Will you be routing the PC music through a receiver or wanting to drive the speakers straight from the PC and no AVR?

That would probably help the knowledge base get a better understanding and help you better.

Also, are you planning on running purely music through the speakers or a mix of music and movies/tv? That will make a difference. If just music, then a good two speaker setup would probably be best and would maximize your budget into as few of components as possible.

Let's see what other come up with. I haven't driven purely from a PC in long time so my knowledge base isn't good enough to offer you solid advice.

 

[jliedeka]

What you want are good speakers and decent amplification. Some decent budget speakers are the Infinity Primus p162s. I'd start out with a pair of those and add a sub when you can afford it. You'll need a receiver if your shelf system can't power them. In the bang for buck category, look at Onkyo, Yamaha and Harman Kardon. I'd start with a good 2.1 system and then add on from there.

Jim

 

[giant016]

What you want are good speakers and decent amplification. Some decent budget speakers are the Infinity Primus p162s. I'd start out with a pair of those and add a sub when you can afford it. You'll need a receiver if your shelf system can't power them. In the bang for buck category, look at Onkyo, Yamaha and Harman Kardon. I'd start with a good 2.1 system and then add on from there.

Jim

Thanks. Is a receiver the same as an amplifier? In doing research it looks like a receiver has an amp built in, but if somebody could clarify that'd be swell.

 

[dkane360]

Thanks. Is a receiver the same as an amplifier? In doing research it looks like a receiver has an amp built in, but if somebody could clarify that'd be swell.

A receiver is a sound and video processor/switch with an amp. I would look at used receivers rather than buy a new stereo receiver.

 

[JerryLove]

I'd suggest a pair of Behringer 2030P speakers (it sounds like you will be listening nearfield), and a used receiver (if you get an AVR with optical ins, you can bypass the DAC on your computer (assuming it, like most modern motherboards, includes an optical out)).

Then add a sub as soon as you can afford it.

 

[dkane360]

I'd suggest a pair of Behringer 2030P speakers (it sounds like you will be listening nearfield), and a used receiver (if you get an AVR with optical ins, you can bypass the DAC on your computer (assuming it, like most modern motherboards, includes an optical out)).

Then add a sub as soon as you can afford it.

I second that. I think you can get a pair of 2030p's for 75ish, which leaves money for a receiver. Come to think of it, someone awesome is selling a Denon AVR-3300 in the classifieds section . It would work well (although it doesn't have a remote).