How should I setup my PC music system

[MisterPresident]

Basically, I want to get a nice set of speakers for my PC. I figured there were two ways to go. I'm looking into the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 or maybe the Swan M200. These are about $150-$175.

Another option is using a cheap amp (If I can find a Sonic Impact T-Amp, for example) with a decent set of bookshelf speakers. Any recommendations experiences with this route?

Most of my music is ripped at 192VBR Eac/Lame alt preset standard or better.... will there be a noticeable difference between a "high end" setup, or should I not even bother with either of the above? I don't really want to re-rip it all (true wannabe audiophile here)

Also, college people, do you think one of the options mentioned above is overkill? Do you mostly use headphones? (alredy have a decent set of these)

A million questions. I know.

 

[Toastedlightly]

I'd get a good sound card and decent 5.1s....

 

[sniperruff]

well to answer your last question, in college dorms loudness = penis size. the louder will show that you have a largest wenis

seriously that is how some people think. i think if you want really really good sound, get an amp and some huge nice speakers

if you want the easy route, just a regular sound card plus a 5.1 setup will do.

 

[Toastedlightly]

easy route will cost you ~125 total if you get some z640s....

 

[loup garou]

You don't need a 5.1 sound setup for music, don't listen to these guys. The Klipsch 2.1 system is excellent.

 

[MisterPresident]

Yeah I really don't have a need for 5.1.... I watch movies occasionally but I'd probably end up with all the speakers sitting next to each other anyway.

 

[MisterPresident]

Originally posted by: sniperruff
well to answer your last question, in college dorms loudness = penis size. the louder will show that you have a largest wenis

seriously that is how some people think. i think if you want really really good sound, get an amp and some huge nice speakers

if you want the easy route, just a regular sound card plus a 5.1 setup will do.

All I can say is wow.

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: MisterPresident
Yeah I really don't have a need for 5.1.... I watch movies occasionally but I'd probably end up with all the speakers sitting next to each other anyway.

:thumbsup:

better off spending the money on a quality 2.1... I bought a 5.1 setup a couple months ago and totally regret it. the extra speakers are just wasting space on my desk.

 

[Baked]

What decent headphone are you using?

Get E-MU 1212, optical out to integrated amp w/ optical in, slap a pair of full size bookshelf speakers on it, crank up the volume. PC speakers... heh.

 

[MisterPresident]

Originally posted by: Baked
What decent headphone are you using?

Get E-MU 1212, optical out to integrated amp w/ optical in, slap a pair of full size bookshelf speakers on it, crank up the volume. PC speakers... heh.

Gah... probably out of my price range....

 

[MisterPresident]

And to answer the question, Shure e2c's.... probably better for portable listening though, they get uncomfortable after an hour or two.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I agree with the quality 2.0 or 2.1 vs. a cheap surround setup. If you're going to be doing mostly music vs gaming, a nice stereo / 2.1 set is probably all you need and you're going to be able to get a higher quality set than a 5.1 set for that price.

I've really read great things about the Swan M200 set. I think those would be a sure bet for good sound.

If you're looking for the T-amp route, partsexpress has it for $30 and a wall wart to go with it for about $25. That would leave you about $100 or so (depending on shipping) to get a good set of bookshelf speakers. For example, these rockets from av123 are on sale for $129 a pair and I've heard great things about them. They only go down to 65hz though, so maybe if you're into bass, you'd want a sub to go with... something with a passthrough so you could still use the t-amp. I had this sub before I got my SVS and it was very nice for the money. Maybe you could start with 2.0 and then add a sub later... this sub goes on sale for $99 once in a while. I seem to have gone over your budget by quite a bit if you add in a sub.

You're going to have a lot more options with a bookshelf speaker set as far as what you can get and how you can upgrade later.

If you want to get this over and done with, you're probably better off going with swans or promedias. If you want to add to the system as time goes on, the bookshelves are the way to go.

 

[MisterPresident]

Thanks for the tips. I'm not a bass freak, and was actually considering the bookshelf option for the exact reason that the Klipsch sats probably aren't what drives the price of the 2.1 system up to $179.

Saw the t-amp at parts express.. only problem is that it looks to be consistently out of stock... everywhere. There, pcmall, ecost, target, amazon. Also, I remember reading because amp puts out so few watts, high efficiency speakers are a must for decent volumes... I guess it would suffice for now, as I probably won't be blasting it, and it'll be in a small room anway.

But the rockets sure do look nice

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: MisterPresident
Thanks for the tips. I'm not a bass freak, and was actually considering the bookshelf option for the exact reason that the Klipsch sats probably aren't what drives the price of the 2.1 system up to $179.

Saw the t-amp at parts express.. only problem is that it looks to be consistently out of stock... everywhere. There, pcmall, ecost, target, amazon. Also, I remember reading because amp puts out so few watts, high efficiency speakers are a must for decent volumes... I guess it would suffice for now, as I probably won't be blasting it, and it'll be in a small room anway.

But the rockets sure do look nice

You know... you might be able to find a real stereo receiver off ebay or some other place that sells used electronics for around $50 or $60 (maybe even fs/ft forum here). Maybe something like this

I'm not so sure on the necessity for really high efficiency speakers. The rockets are pretty nice at 89 dB/watt and if they're in a computer type situation where they're only like 3 feet away from you, that would be the actual rating for 1 meter. I don't know though, I've never heard / seen the t-amp, just read that it sounds amazing for the price.

 

[Albis]

remember, more noise means more angry hallmates

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: Albis
remember, more noise means more angry hallmates

True... Hot SVS dorm action

But... if you don't have a sub... or keep the bass low it really doesn't travel out of the room much. I recently got some bass shakers in an attemp to keep myself rumbling without having to turn up the sub.

I looked around some more for in stock t-amps.... you weren't kidding about them being nowhere to be found.

edit: I guess if you're really desperate for a t-amp asap, you could get this which comes with a t-amp for about $60 shipped ... maybe you could make the speakers into modern art or something.

 

[MisterPresident]

Gah... just ordered the amp from eCost. I called them up to check availability... 406 backorders, but the guy said at least 380 units were coming in on the 18th, and more within a week or two. $20 and added a free after rebate USB stick to get free shipping.

Now to research speakers further.

 

[MisterPresident]

Hmmm... anyone know if digital active studio monitors would work? Could go directly from soundcard to monitors, and no need for seperate amp... Can monitors be used for normal listening?

 

[aidanjm]

Originally posted by: MisterPresident
Basically, I want to get a nice set of speakers for my PC. I figured there were two ways to go. I'm looking into the Klipsch Promedia 2.1 or maybe the Swan M200. These are about $150-$175.

Another option is using a cheap amp (If I can find a Sonic Impact T-Amp, for example) with a decent set of bookshelf speakers. Any recommendations experiences with this route?

Most of my music is ripped at 192VBR Eac/Lame alt preset standard or better.... will there be a noticeable difference between a "high end" setup, or should I not even bother with either of the above? I don't really want to re-rip it all (true wannabe audiophile here)

Also, college people, do you think one of the options mentioned above is overkill? Do you mostly use headphones? (alredy have a decent set of these)

A million questions. I know.

How about getting a networked media player, and streaming your mp3s to that (with networked player connected to a decent hi fi system using the optical spdif.)

Or you could get studio monitors (speakers) which have their own amplification and give a high quality of output.

 

[aidanjm]

Originally posted by: MisterPresident
Hmmm... anyone know if digital active studio monitors would work? Could go directly from soundcard to monitors, and no need for seperate amp... Can monitors be used for normal listening?

yes, they do work, and I think this is a good way to go. (Altho you might need some adapter thingies, depending on the type of connections on the speakers)

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: MisterPresident
Gah... just ordered the amp from eCost. I called them up to check availability... 406 backorders, but the guy said at least 380 units were coming in on the 18th, and more within a week or two. $20 and added a free after rebate USB stick to get free shipping.

Now to research speakers further.

Good luck getting your t-amp

I remembered I saw a "bookshelf speaker shootout" on AVSforum a couple days ago....


Here we go

That reviewer liked the Infinity Primus 150 ($90 a pair at Electronic Expo with nice reseller rating)

You might want to check out polk, athenas, jbls, klipsch (very high efficiency for your t-amp).

I think it would be a really good idea to head over to circuit city or best buy or wherever and listen to some of these. Maybe pick out a couple you like and then search online for the best price.

After saying all this, I still think the rockets would be a sure bet. I personally think they look a whole lot better than the competition, and they're on sale now for $129 down from $299 (and they were a good deal at that price).

I've never really looked into active studio monitors though... maybe that would be a good option too.

Have you checked out AVSforum or hometheaterforum?

I don't mean to bash anandtech on audio stuff, but if you want a ton of people who know what they're talking about then those are the places to go. Just do a search for $150 in titles in the speaker area of AVSforum or something and a ton of stuff will come up.