2.1 vs studio monitors vs 5.1

[Molinjir]

This is actually my second topic here. My first was asking Klispch 5.1 vs Logitech Z-5500.
Now I am faced with a greater issue (at least, to my relative ignorance)

What speaker setup should I use for music and the occasional movie?
I have a friend who recommends the StudiophileBX5 (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/StudiophileBX5a-main.html), which retails for about 300$. It's just standard 2, but he says I'll get the best general sound from that setup. However, I'm not too sure, as I want stronger bass (a sub).

My next option is the M-audio 2.1 offering, http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/LX421System-main.html, which retail for about 280$. These do have a subwoofer, but I've heard the sound wouldn't be as good.

Another option i've considered (and personally lean towards) is the Z-5500 offering from Logitech, for 240-280$.

Finally, another source recommends getting the harman kardon soundsticks II (175$)

I'm really going to be listening mostly to instrumental jazz, with the occasional Frank Sinatra or Bobby Darin, and probably the occasional movie. What will give me the best balance of price, sound, style, and size?


Thanks in advance,

Molinjir

 

[ribbon13]

Build the shielded BR-1 kits from partsexpress.com (requires basic soldering skills and equipment though) and use the external stereo amplification device of your choice. Now that I've revamped my 7.1 mains, my gf uses two pairs of BR-1s on one of these with excellent results.

 

[imported_Crusader]

Originally posted by: Molinjir
I'm really going to be listening mostly to instrumental jazz, with the occasional Frank Sinatra or Bobby Darin, and probably the occasional movie. What will give me the best balance of price, sound, style, and size?


Thanks in advance,

Molinjir

Def not bloated bass heavy Logitech products. :thumbsdown: You need tight, defined bass.

And you also need dedicated tweeters if you want balance.
I suggest Klipsch iFi.
If you need beyond that level of quality (Klipsch RSX-3 sats).. then I suggest pulling out the checkbook for a $1000+ stereo or surround setup.

Forget the Logitech stuff though.. unless you enjoy sloppy inaccurate bass and a major lack of mid/high range balance due to not having dedicated tweeter/midrange speakers.

The other ones you mentioned I'm not sure about.. but M-Audio is a great company.
I'd def take whatever they have over that ridiculous logitech set.. thats a kids set for bloated rocket bass in Quake 4.
I'll put the Klipsch sub or M-Audio sub up against Logitechs ridiculous offering anyday in a audiophile test.

 

[SonicIce]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
Build the shielded BR-1 kits from partsexpress.com (requires basic soldering skills and equipment though) and use the external stereo amplification device of your choice. Now that I've revamped my 7.1 mains, my gf uses two pairs of BR-1s on one of these with excellent results.

those are the ugliest speakers i have ever seen . i might save up for these. gotta find some reviews.

what about a sub?

 

[Molinjir]

Ok, so Logitech is probably out of the question.

The Klipsch iFi vs the Klipsch ProMedia 5.1? Which would have better sound?
Also, would M-Audio be a better deal yet?
Another other brands to consider?
Thanks for the replies,

~Molinjir

 

[imported_Crusader]

Originally posted by: ribbon13
Build the shielded BR-1 kits from partsexpress.com (requires basic soldering skills and equipment though) and use the external stereo amplification device of your choice. Now that I've revamped my 7.1 mains, my gf uses two pairs of BR-1s on one of these with excellent results.

thats a very cost effective way to getting a great setup!

i like that stuff you linked

 

[Molinjir]

Also, are Bose Companion 3 any good for music use? I'm rather clueless on the whole thing, I must admit, despite reading an immense number of reviews.

Thanks again,

~Molinjir

 

[imported_Crusader]

You wont find too many people supporting Bose. They've had some scandals.. expensive prices on 'audiophile' speakers that as people tore them apart were cheap paper drivers ect and so on.

Klipsch is respected. M-Audio is good stuff too. Dayton def is too (the speakers the other guy linked).
The prob with logitech is what i went over, no dedicated tweeters and horrible bass (quantity over quality). On most all logitech sets you have to keep the bass all the way down to even get anywhere near balanced and its still too much for the vast majority.
And not too much in a good way. I love bass like everyone else!
I had the logitech Z560 4.1 set. Also have had Altec Lansing sets and Klipsch.
Swan makes good speakers I know (expensive tho).

I personally have nothign against any of them besides Bose and Logitech (logitechs other products are obviously great though).

My main pick for my own personal use.. without piecing together a system like what that one guy linked you.. is just pick out the Klipsch set that you want.
You will hear ppl complaining about the older Promedia 2.1 set having amplifier failures tho. Not an issue with iFi or 5.1 sets.

 

[ribbon13]

Originally posted by: SonicIce

Originally posted by: ribbon13
Build the shielded BR-1 kits from partsexpress.com (requires basic soldering skills and equipment though) and use the external stereo amplification device of your choice. Now that I've revamped my 7.1 mains, my gf uses two pairs of BR-1s on one of these with excellent results.

those are the ugliest speakers i have ever seen . i might save up for these. gotta find some reviews.

what about a sub?

Those on a good stereo amp will pwn most multimedia/PC 2.1's subwoofer for bass. Partsexpress Titanic kits are good subs though. You can also get a TC2+ from oaudio.com