New speakers and I think I may do bookshelves + amp

[UglyCasanova]

I'm going to replace the 10+ year old computer speakers on my desktop and instead of grabbing a Logitech setup I was thinking about getting some decent bookshelf speakers and a mini class T amp. From what I gather the sound quality will be much better.

For the listening environment and use, the will be going on my desk in the bedroom. The majority of the time they will be used for watching movies (and lots of bbc documentaries ), but occasionally play games or listen to music.

I'm not sure what speakers I will be getting, it mainly will be based on what deals come around the next couple of weeks. I'm budgeting between $50 to $100 for the speakers, and since I will have a 2.0 setup rather than 2.1, it would be nice if the speakers while not hitting the lows of a subwoofer, could at least not make me miss it too bad).

For the amp, the Lepai seems to be a winner for the price point, and for my uses would probably be more than enough. That said, would it be worth it to splurge on a better one like Topping? Some (the more expensive ones) offer USB input for sound. Would this be noticibly better than running it off of my onboard sound? I don't have a sound card.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

I would think the USB would be a better straight signal with no possibility of post processing. Have you checked out M-audio AV40's? I went from HK soundsticks to those and really like them. Doesn't really conform to your project of utilizing a seperate amp/component setup though.

 

[corkyg]

Your external sound/speaker concept is good. I use that with all my computers - even the laptop.

Use your Line Out port and run it directly to a good quality stereo amp's Line In. That eliminates signal modification by the computer and gives you command of all audio controls.

 

[UglyCasanova]

Your external sound/speaker concept is good. I use that with all my computers - even the laptop.

Use your Line Out port and run it directly to a good quality stereo amp's Line In. That eliminates signal modification by the computer and gives you command of all audio controls.

Do you have an amp you recommend, and if it doesn't come with a DAC built in would that be something I need to purchase also?

 

[UglyCasanova]

I'm thinking about grabbing these for the speakers. What do you think?

Also, my knowledge of speakers etc is very slim. This says 6ohms, and from what I remember most things are 4 or 8. Will this matter?

 

[corkyg]

Those look very decent. As for amp, I went down to Radio Shack and auditioned a couple. Then I checked out what was available at Costco. You can often piuck up a good used amp if your town has such a shop. Folks are often trading in and upgrading.