Need speaker setup advice!

[fn0rds]

As I mentioned recently in another thread, I'm about to put together a new rig. Here's the deal, though:

My roommate and I are currently living with her mom while she pays off some debts and saves up money in preparation for moving into our new place. Since my current living situation doesn't really facilitate loud music listening, I decided to treat myself to a pair of Audio Technica ATH-A900's for Christmas, which sound absofrigginlutely awesome! I'll be using these in lieu of actual speakers for the next three or so months.

Eventually, however, I'm going to want to get some speakers for my new computer. Considering that I just got this pair of killer cans, I'll probably only be using these speakers for music (I use "only" with a great degree of hesitation) while I'm doing stuff in my room or hanging out with friends. For gaming, the headphones are much better suited than a surround sound speaker setup.

So... with that in mind, what kind of speaker setup would you guys recommend? 5.1 may be great for gaming and watching movies, but does it fair as well when it comes to accurately rendering music? Space is also a consideration, since I probably won't be able to actually place rear channel speakers behind me at my desk. I'm also wondering whether or not I should get a nice set of computer speakers from the likes of Klipsch or Logitech, or go the home theater route. I've heard good things about the Cambridge Soundworks Modex Six's, though I'm open to any other suggestions as far as bookshelf speakers are concerned. Should I pick up a low-end X-Fi card or a receiver, or both?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[slash196]

I'm not an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination, but I am a music lover, and I can't imagine myself ever needing anything more than a 2.1 system. Save surround sound for the TV room; movies and such are better there anyway.

 

[BOLt]

IMO, the Klipsch ProMedia THX 2.1 speakers are the way to go. About $130-140 shipped if you look hard enough (or you could buy them from me here for $100 plus shipping). They've got unmatched audio fidelity, great lower and highs, compact size, not too bass-heavy like the Logitech Z-2300s (though you might want that). Highly recommended. I get props for having them from my suitemates and fellow AT members all the time.

 

[Quick1]

BOLt: Good call!

I second the Klipsch ProMedia THX 2.1. I have the ProMedia 4.1 system (4x60w + Sub=160W) and it's as close to "Neutral" as you're going to get for PC speakers. The BASH amplifier is very stout!

But, if you want "Boomy", look elsewhere.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

I guess it depends on how much you want to spend. For a mostly music system, 2.0 or 2.1 is the way to go.

Seems like you're willing to put a few hundred dollars into this.

A nice card for 2.0/2.1 operation is the Chaintech AV-710. The analog out is good when you set it up properly, and it has good optical digital out as well if you wanted to use that instead.

If you're doing a lot of headphone gaming though, and X-Fi would probably be a good bet next time there's a rebate deal. It's a great card for music (especially if you have nice headphones or nice speakers) and it has a surround headphone feature that you'll probably benefit from.

As far as the speakers go, it depends on what you want to do. You could get a "real" speaker solution for going under $100 if you want to or you can easily spend your whole budget ( no matter what it is ).

In these three months or so it would probably be a good idea to demo some stuff in your area. There are probably several locations around you that you could demo a variety of brands (B&W, Paradigm, JBL, Infinity, Klipsch, etc.) and you could get an idea for the kind of sound you like.

 

[fn0rds]

Yoyo,

At what price range would a pair of good bookshelf speakers and stand-alone sub blow the ProMedia 2.1's out of the water? I'm actually using the ProMedias with my current computer, and I love them, but I'm passing this entire system off to my roomie when I buy my new one.

I would readily continue to use the Klipsch setup, but if I can get much better sound for not much more money, I would do so gladly. And if I can get way better sound for one- or two-hundred more dollars, I'd even do that. =P

Thanks for the recommendations so far! The X-Fi sounds like a good bet to pair with my A900's, and if I can't come up with something better, it looks like I'll be buying another set of ProMedia 2.1's.

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

There's a sub at partsexpress that goes on sale for $120 shipped that's about as cheap as you'd want to go for a hometheater type sub and it should perform better than most computer speaker set subs.

For the speakers, you'd proabably want to spend at least $200/pair to get into the significantly better options, and more if possible. The bulk of the budget should be spent on the speakers for the best balance of performance vs. cost.

You'll also need to power the speakers. I was thinking sonic t-amp and Polk R15s as the sub $100 option figure I posted, but that might not be the best option for you unless you get very sensitive speakers. You could get a vintage integrated amp off ebay/other used audio site or you could get a new/refurb stereo receiver for the set.
You're probably looking at $100 or more here.

It adds up quickly, doesn't it?

Before you decide to get into something like this try some demo-ing with some material you like and see what you think.

 

[Auric]

Do you really need a "sub-woofer" which, in the PC realm, is really just a woofer substitute in lieu of a full-range drivers in the stereo speakers? Some folks like 'em for the ability to create noise as opposed to accurate sound. But as you appreciate the quality of your headphones...

A surround setup is obviously nice for movies but again, the ones with tidgy main speakers will not match your headphones for music and a universal set will require spending much more. Then again, maybe a PC surround set will be okay for space considerations, movie use and limited music given the headphones remain available when quality and/or isolation are desired for gaming and music.

I would not buy a PC set without trying 'em out but the problem is even when possible it is difficult to judge in most stores so you may have to rely upon a generous return/exchange policy.

Generally, I am more keen to recommend the receiver route, starting with a good set of stereo speakers and adding as the budget and space warrants.

partsexpress 'n' the like have DIY offerings and there is always the refurb option also to maximize bang for the rupee. shoponkyo is worth checking out, especially for receivers and HTiB's.