What is the best bang for the buck?

[oceanax13]

I'm back for more advice.

My current setup is a Sony str-de485 reciever (Sony's base 5.1 reciever in 2002) going out to a pair of Tivoli tdm1 bookshelf speakers.They are small speakers, with conventional dome tweeters and a 5" or so woofer, and they have only been in use for a year. (They sat new in a box in my basement for 8 years after being bought from tweeter, that's a story for another day).

I'm looking to upgrade. While the TDM1's sound great on the high to mid range, they lack bass. This stereo is hooked up to my pc (via toslink cable), and will be used for 90% music, and 10% gaming.

I'm trying to figure out wether I should buy a new sub, or a new set of speakers.

For a sub I have been eyeing the BIC H-100. Or more ideally the hsu stf-2, but that is pricey.

For speakers I've taken a liking to the BIC FH6 LCR, the reviews on amazon are phenominal. They are decently priced, and have horn tweeters which I like.

I've also considered buying a new reciever, as my sony is only rated at 80W per channel.

I'm a college kid, what is the first thing I should add/ replace to inprove my setup and keep this cost effective?

 

[oceanax13]

I feel like I should add that my budget for now is $250-300, I could spend a lot more but I should,'t. Also I am not a BIC fanboy, it is just right now their products seem to make sense for my situation.

 

[j_garcia]

I would split the difference between some decent speakers and a new receiver. Sony receivers are really not that great to begin with and an entry level model is doing you no favors. A used Onkyo or Harmon Kardon stereo receiver shouldn't be too hard to find for around $150-200.

Those Tivolis look fairly basic, but they may not be the problem. You might consider Behringer 2030p which is smaller or the 2031p which is larger and has more bass. Both can be had for $200 and under brand new and I doubt you will have issues with their sound. They are studio monitors and are fairly well discussed here.

 

[oceanax13]

*I meant to say $250-300 per 'component'.

If I do speakers I might as well get a new receiver, I'd feel better if it had more power driving them.

What if I were to get a set of the Behringer's, but active studio monitors?

I was in best buy, and I demo'd a set of Klipsch floor speakers that just blew me away. I think I've figured out what I am aiming for- a receiver with a lot of juice (and ideally 5.1), and a set of floor speakers that can blow me away, for around $500-600

Any advice on what models of used receivers I should target?

 

[jostenmeat]

If you want bass, I'd get the sub first. Most (or possibly all?) of them will break your budget a bit, but I might look into Dayton subwoofer kits.

IF* you go towards speakers, AH store has got Infinity Primus towers at good prices. Well, ok the P252 are $150 each, so even those will hit your budget limit.

Honestly, for receiver or whatever, I'd just keep using the one you have now, and if ANYTHING sounds weird/bad, turn it down. Keep your eyes out on the used classifieds for anything with a good amp section. Since you're 2 channel, you're not going to need the latest n greatest features.

What's nice about the subwoofer route is that inherently means another amp is included . . .

 

[zieglj01]

The Klipsch speakers do not need a lot of juice. If you can find a
good used receiver - then go for it. You can always build your 5.1
system in pieces. For speakers, start with the left and right front
channels first.

 

[oceanax13]

Well I just placed an order for a BIC H-100 Subwoofer, I think that should cover the bass well for awhile.

I'm still going to keep my eye out for a deal on speakers and/ or a receiver.

 

[sholling]

If you don't have a sub then start there and make sure it's sized to the room. Preferably something that extends down to 20hz or below. Once you've solved that issue then decide if you need better speakers.

 

[caper26]

IMO, the sub is the overall important speaker (for music and movies). Then in your case, you are mostly music, so then your mains (L/R) are next in line. For movies, after the sub would be your center ch. Watch kijiji or other classifieds for used gear, you can really score some sweet equipment for cheap if you watch everyday.
In your case, once you get your sub, try EQ'ing your amp if possible to get the right sound...you may not even 'need' to get anything else after that...maybe you will!

 

[Maestro]

I second the opinion on Klipsch speakers. A lot of bang for the buck for HT.