Sound systems

[twitchee2]

So i just moved into my dorm at chico st and i brought my z5300e's for my sound system and it works. I thought the sound quality was great when i was at home because i had the best sound system in the house. Anyway, i got here and my buddy down the hall has a kiplish 2.1 system that just blows mine out the water in clarity and power. So now me being me wants something with better sound quality because i now can hear that my speakers seem a little blown out. I'm just brain storming but i would like some opinions on what i should do, i wont be getting anything till probably closer to thanksgiving time so im just planning now.

I know i could just order a set on kiplish promedia 5.1's and im sure i would be happy, but i don't watch movies on my comp and its never set up in a 5.1 configuration. I could also just get the 2.1's and have the same thing my buddy has but i want to be different. I think it would probably be more worth my while if i got a pair of bookshelf speakers, really nice clear sub, and a receiver to power them. Im not sure what i would get weather it be polk or jbl's or something else along with either a denon or pioneer receiver. What are you opinions on this and what i should be looking for.

PS school doesnt start for 2 more days so i have time so do some research during the day so i wont be too tired for the night life here

Thanks

 

[PurdueRy]

How much are you willing to spend

 

[twitchee2]

Sorry i knew i forgot something

i would like so stay fairly cheap lets say 500 total but i would make it so that it can use it in an apartment and be able to expand it to what i need. If i needs more to be done right then so be it, i would rather do it right the first time. but cheaper the better w/o sacrificing to much quality.

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: twitchee2
Sorry i knew i forgot something

i would like so stay fairly cheap lets say 500 total but i would make it so that it can use it in an apartment and be able to expand it to what i need. If i needs more to be done right then so be it, i would rather do it right the first time. but cheaper the better w/o sacrificing to much quality.

For $500 you might be able to get a decent 2.1 system w/ receiver. I think a $600 budget would help here.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

m-audio lx4's are pretty good for 2.1 computer speakers. also expandable to 5.1 easily

 

[twitchee2]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: twitchee2
Sorry i knew i forgot something

i would like so stay fairly cheap lets say 500 total but i would make it so that it can use it in an apartment and be able to expand it to what i need. If i needs more to be done right then so be it, i would rather do it right the first time. but cheaper the better w/o sacrificing to much quality.

For $500 you might be able to get a decent 2.1 system w/ receiver. I think a $600 budget would help here.

ok, like i said i would rather do it right. what components would you suggest?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: twitchee2

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: twitchee2
Sorry i knew i forgot something

i would like so stay fairly cheap lets say 500 total but i would make it so that it can use it in an apartment and be able to expand it to what i need. If i needs more to be done right then so be it, i would rather do it right the first time. but cheaper the better w/o sacrificing to much quality.

For $500 you might be able to get a decent 2.1 system w/ receiver. I think a $600 budget would help here.

ok, like i said i would rather do it right. what components would you suggest?

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX...&qid=1188061120&sr=8-1

$231

http://www.av123.com/products_...=speakers&product=82.1

$219

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe...fm?&Partnumber=300-635

$149

If you want to take a bit off this price you have a few options. You could go B-stock from av123:

http://www.av123.com/products_...ion=stock&product=93.1

They make note of what is cosmetically wrong. However, they function perfectly.

You could also reduce the sub to this one:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe...fm?&Partnumber=300-633

I find that the price difference would be worth it, however, if you are on a very tight budget this might help.

 

[LOUISSSSS]

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: twitchee2

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: twitchee2
Sorry i knew i forgot something

i would like so stay fairly cheap lets say 500 total but i would make it so that it can use it in an apartment and be able to expand it to what i need. If i needs more to be done right then so be it, i would rather do it right the first time. but cheaper the better w/o sacrificing to much quality.

For $500 you might be able to get a decent 2.1 system w/ receiver. I think a $600 budget would help here.

ok, like i said i would rather do it right. what components would you suggest?

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX...&qid=1188061120&sr=8-1

$231

http://www.av123.com/products_...=speakers&product=82.1

$219

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe...fm?&Partnumber=300-635

$149

If you want to take a bit off this price you have a few options. You could go B-stock from av123:

http://www.av123.com/products_...ion=stock&product=93.1

They make note of what is cosmetically wrong. However, they function perfectly.

You could also reduce the sub to this one:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe...fm?&Partnumber=300-633

I find that the price difference would be worth it, however, if you are on a very tight budget this might help.

good build i'd drop the reciever down a notch or two to save him some money since he doesn't need anything 7.1 or anything that high end. OR OP can just get a SONIC T-AMP to power his bookshelf speakers since the audio source will be coming from his computer

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: twitchee2

Originally posted by: PurdueRy

Originally posted by: twitchee2
Sorry i knew i forgot something

i would like so stay fairly cheap lets say 500 total but i would make it so that it can use it in an apartment and be able to expand it to what i need. If i needs more to be done right then so be it, i would rather do it right the first time. but cheaper the better w/o sacrificing to much quality.

For $500 you might be able to get a decent 2.1 system w/ receiver. I think a $600 budget would help here.

ok, like i said i would rather do it right. what components would you suggest?

http://www.amazon.com/Onkyo-TX...&qid=1188061120&sr=8-1

$231

http://www.av123.com/products_...=speakers&product=82.1

$219

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe...fm?&Partnumber=300-635

$149

If you want to take a bit off this price you have a few options. You could go B-stock from av123:

http://www.av123.com/products_...ion=stock&product=93.1

They make note of what is cosmetically wrong. However, they function perfectly.

You could also reduce the sub to this one:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe...fm?&Partnumber=300-633

I find that the price difference would be worth it, however, if you are on a very tight budget this might help.

good build i'd drop the reciever down a notch or two to save him some money since he doesn't need anything 7.1 or anything that high end. OR OP can just get a SONIC T-AMP to power his bookshelf speakers since the audio source will be coming from his computer

I would go with a stereo receiver, however, I believe the OP also would want this system to be able to easily expand when he gets, for example, an apartment at college.

 

[twitchee2]

i really like that setup. ive only just read reviews on the speakers, ive heard good things about the dayton. I havent heard much about onkyo receivers so i need to read up on them. I have a feeling the sub might be a little too much but for that price it could possibly be perfect. Do you know of any places that sell the AV123 speaker in store so i can go and hear them?

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: twitchee2
i really like that setup. ive only just read reviews on the speakers, ive heard good things about the dayton. I havent heard much about onkyo receivers so i need to read up on them. I have a feeling the sub might be a little too much but for that price it could possibly be perfect. Do you know of any places that sell the AV123 speaker in store so i can go and hear them?

AV123 is internet direct only. You can "audition" them, however. Read their return policy for more details on it.

http://www.av123.com/support_warranties.php

 

[twitchee2]

Ok thank. i guess the in home thing isnt bad. Do you have any personal experience with them?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: twitchee2
Ok thank. i guess the in home thing isnt bad. Do you have any personal experience with them?

You're not located in Madison, WI... are you?

Using a T-amp and X-LS for my office system
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="https://mywebspace.wisc.edu/spmclaughlin/web/8%20Work%20System/X-LS%20grilles%20off.JPG">https://mywebspace.wisc.edu......0grilles%20off.JPG</a>

They get plenty loud in an office environment with the T-amp, but I'd be thinking about something with a little more power for a dorm environment, especially if you're starting yourself on an upgrade path to a full system.

The X-LS are a little laid back, which some may prefer and some might not. Sound is a really personal thing so it's hard to say if you're going to like something for sure.

I had the Dayton 10" in a dorm room and it worked well. I moved up to an SVS PB10 in the dorm and that was incredible for a room that size, but I think either of those daytons would be a good bet.

From what it sounds like, you have a good idea of the idea of an upgrade plan, but I'm going to send you a PM of a entry guide to HT stuff that I've been working on very slowly (I stopped right before the good part )

If you're looking at those b-stock AV123 speakers, I think it would be hard to beat those prices and get something better unless you like brighter / more forward speakers.

How much space do you have in your dorm? My office setup has those X-LS next to a 19" monitor for reference.

EDIT: Oh, and http://www.frappr.com/av123

 

[twitchee2]

whats going on yoyoyo long time no see. I dont have much room, ill get a pic up in a few min, but i have enough room on the shelf on the desk and i can put a sub under my bed. What do you mean by laid back?

What are some other good options for speakers about that size?

 

[twitchee2]

http://i26.photobucket.com/alb...twitchee2/DSCN3070.jpg

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: twitchee2
whats going on yoyoyo long time no see. I dont have much room, ill get a pic up in a few min, but i have enough room on the shelf on the desk and i can put a sub under my bed. What do you mean by laid back?

What are some other good options for speakers about that size?

I don't get into GH much anymore

By laid back I mean the upper frequencies are a bit subdued and you get more of a warm sound to them. I'm afraid I'm not too good at describing sound in writing and I had a hard time understanding what I was reading before I went out and listened to some different options to myself to figure out what kind of differences were out there.

The X-LS are rear ported which means you'd want to have some space behind them. For best results, it's usually best to keep speakers away from walls and things by several inches at least, but I know you're going to be fairly limited with your options.

AV123, Aperion audio, Ascend, Axiom, SVS, and HSU are some online brands that have bookshelf speakers in the $200-$300 range.

There are some retail options for you in this range as well.

 

[twitchee2]

ah yea same about the GH, or the forums for that matter.

I think i really need to hear them in person. what retail brands in the range are best to look at? polk? or something?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: twitchee2
ah yea same about the GH, or the forums for that matter.

I think i really need to hear them in person. what retail brands in the range are best to look at? polk? or something?

You can actually get Polk R-series for very cheap from
http://shop2.outpost.com/searc...query_string=polk&cat=
if you find you like them.

Try Paradigm, Klipsch... well whatever they have where you're going I guess

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: twitchee2
ah yea same about the GH, or the forums for that matter.

I think i really need to hear them in person. what retail brands in the range are best to look at? polk? or something?

You can actually get Polk R-series for very cheap from
http://shop2.outpost.com/searc...query_string=polk&cat=
if you find you like them.

Try Paradigm, Klipsch... well whatever they have where you're going I guess

I would say the Polk R series would be a fairly significant step back in quality. OP, you might be able to find the RTi series in some select stores. I have the RTi6's which are probably too large for a desk speaker. The RTi4 might be able to fit on a desk however.

Most of the big box stores around here only carry Polk's monitor line. This is their budget line which, along with the R series, don't use Vifa drivers or real veneer.

 

[twitchee2]

hmm what makes the AV123s so special?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: twitchee2
hmm what makes the AV123s so special?

They have excellent cabinets in terms of build quality and appearance, the drivers are good quality for the price you're paying, and there's some quality design experience behind the crossover (Danny Richie from G.R. Research is working with AV123 on their crossovers now).
http://www.gr-research.com/

I'm a bit of an AV123 nut having experienced their excellent customer service and owning several of their products. Having seen what Mark and the other AV123 guys are willing to do to take care of "the family" is above and beyond what I have experienced from other companies I have dealt with. There are a lot of good options out there, but X-series (and especially at these B-stock prices) offers excellent price/peformance.

There are a lot of reviews out there for X-LS if you want to look for them. They aren't the perfect product for everyone, but I would definitely have put them on your short list of options to consider.

 

[twitchee2]

good to know thanks. WHat other ones would you place in that category?

 

[YOyoYOhowsDAjello]

Originally posted by: twitchee2
good to know thanks. WHat other ones would you place in that category?

Besides X-LS (and the b-stock ones especially if you can live with minor imperfections)
No 30 day trial on b-stock though FYI

A couple of the big ID Sub companies are putting out basic bookshelf speakers to compliment their sub lines

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html
http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

Axiom and Ascend start at a higher pricepoint
http://www.axiomaudio.com/
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/

Aperion Audio is another company (in addition to AV123 on bookshelf speakers) that does risk-free shipping both ways trials
http://www.aperionaudio.com/ca...-Audio-Products,4.aspx

Are you in to building stuff at all?
There are kits out there that you can build or you can go DIY.
http://www.partsexpress.com/we...=48&ObjectGroup_ID=769
http://zaphaudio.com/

I dunno... those are some of the options for you

 

[PurdueRy]

Originally posted by: YOyoYOhowsDAjello

Originally posted by: twitchee2
good to know thanks. WHat other ones would you place in that category?

Besides X-LS (and the b-stock ones especially if you can live with minor imperfections)
No 30 day trial on b-stock though FYI

A couple of the big ID Sub companies are putting out basic bookshelf speakers to compliment their sub lines

http://www.hsuresearch.com/products/hb-1.html
http://www.svsound.com/products-spks-sbs01.cfm

Axiom and Ascend start at a higher pricepoint
http://www.axiomaudio.com/
http://www.ascendacoustics.com/

Aperion Audio is another company (in addition to AV123 on bookshelf speakers) that does risk-free shipping both ways trials
http://www.aperionaudio.com/ca...-Audio-Products,4.aspx

Are you in to building stuff at all?
There are kits out there that you can build or you can go DIY.
http://www.partsexpress.com/we...=48&ObjectGroup_ID=769
http://zaphaudio.com/

I dunno... those are some of the options for you

Axiom does risk free in home trial as well.

 

[heyheybooboo]

Infinity TSS-450 5.1 Speaker System

Yamaha HTR-5930 Dolby Digital 5.1, DTS, and Dolby ProLogic II, surround sound processing, HDTV capable component video switching, XM Radio

Does your Creative Audigy have optical toslink? If not snag something like a Turtle Beach Riviera or any decent sound card with optical toslink to pass-through the digital audio stream to your receiver. Read and follow the optical digital pass-through procedures carefully! There will be a half-dozen or more adjustments for proper configuration.

Total Cost: $500 - $600

Good start on a nice htpc set-up for that future apartment . . .