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2.0 for PC music use, $500 budget

SithSolo1

SithSolo1

Diamond Member
For my current PC setup I'm running Infinity Entra One bookshelf speakers, TSC ASW-8 sub, and Panansonic SA-XR10 receiver. Onbaord audio powered by this chipset. Used for roughly 70/30, Music/Games&Movies

The "I want something different" bug is starting to bite and I'm looking for some opinions. I've never had what I consider a "nice" set of speakers. Don't get me wrong, the current setup was a massive step up from the old Logitech z-540 but I've had these Infinitys since the early 2000s and they were only $125 for the pair. I'm also fully aware that nice is relative.

Other notes:
Bedroom is roughly 16x11.5x9.5
Receiver has Digital and Analog inputs, 6/8 ohm loads ok
Any cabinet color other than Maple is fine
Buying/looking for used is fine
Prefer speakers no larger than the current Infinitys, smaller would be ideal


1) Should I look into getting a stand alone sound card, knowing it would cut into the budget? Something like an Asus Xonar STX.

2) What speakers should I be looking at?

Current speakers I'm eyeing include the Audioengine P4s, Ascend CBM-170 SEs, Aperion Verus Forte. These choices are assuming I need to fork out for the sound card.
 
Check out the DIY speakers at Parts Express. I bought the Dayon BR-1 kit for $160 or so, and they're fantastic. I've heard that these would be comparable to GOOD speakers you might find for $300-400 at retail. I think it's the lowest end kit they offer!

Granted, you need to put them together. It takes VERY basic solidering, but the rest is mostly putting things in the included enclosures. Takes a few hours if you do a good job, but it's well worth it.

Just an option. I haven't looked into bookshelf speakers much. I would definitely recommend a new sound card. The Xonar you mentioned is great. However, it will best be put to use if you use the analog out on it rather than the digital. If I had to guess, I'd say the DAC on the sound card is better than the one in your receiver.
 
Howard said:
Behringer B2031P

A little bit larger than your current speakers, though.
Click to expand...

Those look pretty nice although they are a good bit larger than my current ones. Hrmm, I could probably make room for them.


I'll give parts express a look too.
 
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Don't be afraid of used gear either. I bought the speakers for my HT used and they're about 20 years old. They're a fraction of the cost with no performance compromise.
 
hans030390 said:
Check out the DIY speakers at Parts Express. I bought the Dayon BR-1 kit for $160 or so, and they're fantastic. I've heard that these would be comparable to GOOD speakers you might find for $300-400 at retail. I think it's the lowest end kit they offer!

Granted, you need to put them together. It takes VERY basic solidering, but the rest is mostly putting things in the included enclosures. Takes a few hours if you do a good job, but it's well worth it.

Just an option. I haven't looked into bookshelf speakers much. I would definitely recommend a new sound card. The Xonar you mentioned is great. However, it will best be put to use if you use the analog out on it rather than the digital. If I had to guess, I'd say the DAC on the sound card is better than the one in your receiver.
Click to expand...

I agree, i got the BR-1 kit as well and they are hands down the best bookshelfs i have herd up to about the 400$ price point.
 
If those are so great, why does the reviewer mention nothing about THD? Sure, 80W RMS @ 8ohms is great but there's lots of crappy amps that make the same claims...
 
For that matter, see if you can find a decent hi-fi shop and audition some speakers. I guess if you have no other choice Magnolia would be ok....certainly worlds better than normal best buy. The trouble is, everyone focuses on home theater these days so its hard to find a listening room designed for music.

My favorite "mainstream" speakers are still Boston Acoustic.
 
Ah, I didn't even look into your receiver. You might consider upgrading that as well. If you don't need a digital inputs or surround sound, Sherwood makes some cheap 2.1 receivers ($100-150) that apparently sound great. They're extremely basic, though. But, if you ran a 3.5mm to RCA cable from a new Xonar sound card to it, what else would you need?

So, my recommendation is to get the Dayon BR-1 kit (I never soldered before as was able to figure it out), a 2-channel Sherwood receiver, and a new sound card to run analog audio out of. I have the same sub as you...no need to change that. It goes great with the Dayon BR-1 bookshelf speakers. That should fit your $500 budget and will get you the most sound for your money.
 
Sherwood? Sorry, that would be a lateral move IMHO.

Hop on ebay or CL and get yourself a nice stereo receiver...Onkyo, Pioneer, Denon, Kenwood etc. They're dirt cheap since stereo isn't popular anymore and worlds better than a new Sherwood.
 
SithSolo1 said:
Current speakers I'm eyeing include the Audioengine P4s, Ascend CBM-170 SEs, Aperion Verus Forte. These choices are assuming I need to fork out for the sound card.
Click to expand...

Are you looking at the Verus Forte satellites? I assume so given your price point. If so (and if you are in the PDX area), strongly recommend you go and listen to them first to see if they will fit in nicely with your sub. My only concern is that they are really smaller. Although they sound very nice (I use a pair as my surrounds), you might end up with a gap in the mid-range. Of course, since Aperion gives you a 30 day trial and pays for shipping both ways, you won't be out any money even if you cannot listen to them first.

I also have a pair of Hsu HB-1s that are well within your price range which sound very good. They are much bigger than the Aperions and do much better at lower frequencies.

Finally, I also have a pair of Energy RC10s which are excellent (although I believe that line has been discontinued, there is a successor). I picked them up for $300/pair.
 
NutBucket said:
Sherwood? Sorry, that would be a lateral move IMHO.

Hop on ebay or CL and get yourself a nice stereo receiver...Onkyo, Pioneer, Denon, Kenwood etc. They're dirt cheap since stereo isn't popular anymore and worlds better than a new Sherwood.
Click to expand...

Hey, I've heard good things about their 2-channel receivers. They're cheap new and sound good. Surely they're better than what he has now, which doesn't seem too great. I only suggested it to fit in with his budget. If he can find a nicer one to fit in with my budget idea, then he should go for that.
 
sherwood as in sherwood newcastle?

they always used to make very nice stuff unless something changed
 
I don't think current sherwood is remotely the same as the stuff they were selling 20 years ago. Hell, the only place I see it being advertised is Parts Express and its pretty cheap. I think some Chinese company must have sucked up the name for marketing.
 
Guess it depends on what sort of sonic character you're looking for. Specifically PC music-wise, if you're looking for something generally balanced-sounding for a small room, then looking at a decent pair of nearfield monitors might be the best bet for a fuss-free solution. That's what I run usually these days in my setups.
 
There is nothing "wrong" with the current setup I've just got some extra cash burning a hole in my pocket atm and I'm exploring expenditure options. Changing my PC setup audio setup is just one of them.
 
SithSolo1 said:
There is nothing "wrong" with the current setup I've just got some extra cash burning a hole in my pocket atm and I'm exploring expenditure options. Changing my PC setup audio setup is just one of them.
Click to expand...

If you're happy with it, spend it on something else.
 
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