kermuffle Posted April 9, 2007 Posted April 9, 2007 hi guys, i'm looking for a pair of bookshelves, an amp and a sub for a desktop pc setup (2.1 setup). the speakers and sub would have to be magnetically shielded coz they will be placed next to an lcd monitor. i'll be using it for games, music and other media, so general purpose i guess... i'm looking to spend maybe $650ish (although prolly not possible with the sub) not including the sound card which is another issue... i'm looking at either the x-fi xtreme music, or the bluegears b-enspirer or some other creative alternative. price should be below $200... or maybe it's not worth it for pc audio? should i just get something like the logitech z-2300 and plug it into the realtek hd on the motherboard? apologies if this post is in the wrong forum or if i haven't looked into other posts enough. i got pretty confused looking at the other posts. a lot of them would probably burn a hole in my pocket as well as my pants... thanks again guys!
Scalpel Posted April 9, 2007 Posted April 9, 2007 hi guys,i'm looking for a pair of bookshelves, an amp and a sub for a desktop pc setup (2.1 setup). the speakers and sub would have to be magnetically shielded coz they will be placed next to an lcd monitor. i'll be using it for games, music and other media, so general purpose i guess... i'm looking to spend maybe $650ish (although prolly not possible with the sub) not including the sound card which is another issue... i'm looking at either the x-fi xtreme music, or the bluegears b-enspirer or some other creative alternative. price should be below $200... or maybe it's not worth it for pc audio? should i just get something like the logitech z-2300 and plug it into the realtek hd on the motherboard? apologies if this post is in the wrong forum or if i haven't looked into other posts enough. i got pretty confused looking at the other posts. a lot of them would probably burn a hole in my pocket as well as my pants... thanks again guys! Is the shielding to protect the speaker from the monitor - LCD's are not succeptable to electromagnetic interference. Re: onboard sound or card - Depends on the onboard solution. You will loose a bit of CPU clocktime unless the system uses an independant card (eg my upcoming p5n32 e SLI plus seems to have a dedicated SupremeFX Audio Card on it). I found that the sound quality difference between Realtek (Asus A8n MB) and audigy 2 was not very different - although there was a small (?<5%) CPU speed loss. Best solution - try on board sound 1st, then see if you are not happy I use logitech z5500 5.1 speakers for the PC now (previously used cambridge soundworks 5.1). They are fantastic, although the Sub is rather huge. I cant comment on 2.1 speakers. For gaming, I would highly reccomend a 5.1 system, as rear positional sound is very common (assuming you play first person shooters). The z5500's are great multimedia speakers for the PC as well. I bought mine for $385 + $11 shipping from (here). I also use a Sennheiser PC155 headset when I cant wake the family. They are very good (this model has an in-line sound card dongle which is great for using on a laptop (or work computer) that doesnt have a soundcard/chip. J.
sold Posted April 9, 2007 Posted April 9, 2007 i'll be using it for games, music and other media, so general purpose i guess... i'm looking to spend maybe $650ish (although prolly not possible with the sub) not including the sound card which is another issue... At that price I'd look at some active monitors - http://www.storedj.com.au/products/category.php?id=21 (never used that store, just to give you an idea of what's around). As for the soundcard, if gaming is important then the X-Fi is the best choice. Otherwise I'd look at a more music orientated sound card from M-Audio, Edirol, etc.
nocode11503559589 Posted April 10, 2007 Posted April 10, 2007 I would go with the Logitech Z-2300 I have apir and they are awesome, best $170 ive spent
kermuffle Posted April 11, 2007 Author Posted April 11, 2007 i guess i'll stick with the onboard audio for now, as well as a 2.1 setup. i just don't have space in my room for a surround system... i've heard about the z-2300's, and have read some reviews about them. they seem to be really good, but not as "musical" as something like the klipsch GMX 2.1 speakers, although i think they look a bit weird. i've also heard good things about the sennheiser, though i'm afraid of hurting my hearing by using headphones... (hypochondria?) however, i don't mind spending a few hundred more if i can get something better. i read in a post somewhere that no matter how good these computer speakers are, satellite speakers will simply not hold up in comparison to proper bookshelf speakers driven by a dedicated stereo amp/receiver. perhaps they're talking in terms of music rather than games? still, i wouldn't want a system focused on games... so, can anyone recommend a cheap 2.1 amp/receiver and bookshelves for total of $300 - $400? sold, what's the difference between monitor speakers and ht/stereo type bookshelves? i wikied "monitor speakers" and got the idea that they are mainly used for music recording and editing etc., should i consider them or bookshelves? thanks again
jel Posted April 11, 2007 Posted April 11, 2007 I'm using an Altec Lansing 5021 PC speaker system. Reputed to be one of the better ones, it sounds quite good
Alfred Smee Posted April 11, 2007 Posted April 11, 2007 For gaming, I would highly reccomend a 5.1 system, as rear positional sound is very common (assuming you play first person shooters). The z5500's are great multimedia speakers for the PC as well. I bought mine for $385 + $11 shipping from (here).J. Surround audio in gaming is very much a maybe. Due to the many "standards" that currently exist, and which manufacturer you believe in this week, correct implementation is dependent on which game, soundcard, drivers, what you had for breakfast this morning and a thousand other factors. There are too many types of surround audio - EAX, EAX 2.0, Dolby Surround, Dolby Digital 5.1, Directsound 3d etc etc. It's just too inconsistent and a game won't even sound the same on different PCs. I've heard claims that it can provide an advantage with online play where. for example, another player tries to sneak up behind you. But it's never worked that well for me. Having said all that, I have found 5.1 audio is great on a PC for watching DVDs and surround music.
KernelPanic Posted April 11, 2007 Posted April 11, 2007 I'm using an Altec Lansing 5021 PC speaker system.Reputed to be one of the better ones, it sounds quite good You really cant go past almost any of the Altec Lansing systems. For their price, they are amazing.
sold Posted April 12, 2007 Posted April 12, 2007 i've also heard good things about the sennheiser, though i'm afraid of hurting my hearing by using headphones... (hypochondria?) If you are interested in headphones take a look at www.headphones.com.au, they have a good range. As for hearing damage I guess it depends on how restrained you are with the volume control. sold, what's the difference between monitor speakers and ht/stereo type bookshelves? i wikied "monitor speakers" and got the idea that they are mainly used for music recording and editing etc., should i consider them or bookshelves? thanks again Active monitors are generally used in music editing recording situations as you've discovered. The main difference between the and standard bookshelves is that they are 'active', meaning they have the amp (often one for each driver, with an active crossover) built into the speakers. Also due to their inteded usage they tend to have a rather neutral sound, which not everyone likes (worth heading into a music store like Allans, etc. to see what you think of them). Main reason I suggested looking into them was that $600 may not go very far if you are having to buy an amp + speakers. No matter which way you'd go I'd definitely get a new soundcard. You don't need to spend much, the Chaintech AV-710 goes for about $40 and does a good job for music if you remap the front speakers to use the rear ouputs (which have better DACs than the other outputs for some reason).
trev79 Posted April 12, 2007 Posted April 12, 2007 If u want to go all out and spen 900 dollars. There is an icub which is a 2.1 subwoofer. all u need to do is plug in speakers and ur away. http://www.lenwallisaudio.com/products/details.php?pid=1059
kermuffle Posted April 12, 2007 Author Posted April 12, 2007 looks like the amp dream isa going down the drain... is there a big difference in quality anyway? hmmm.... both the altec lansing 5051s and the 6061s look pretty tempting. what kind or brand of monitors would you guys recommend? do you think they'd be better then the altec lansings? cheers
rrobbie Posted April 12, 2007 Posted April 12, 2007 if u can find logitech z3's they are awsome and look great with wood and aluminium finish http://www.tomshardware.pl/video/20031013/...gitech_z3_1.jpg
jim7777777 Posted April 14, 2007 Posted April 14, 2007 I would go with the Logitech Z-2300 I have apir and they are awesome, best $170 ive spent I used a set of these for quite a while. They were awesome for the price. Strongly recommended... I sold them off and bought a Yamaha 457, pair of Wharfedale Valdus 100s and a Panasonic sub. Different kettle of fish sound-wise and plenty more $$$, but I do spend a bit of my time on the PC so I justify it that way...
starsky1503560106 Posted April 22, 2007 Posted April 22, 2007 I would have recommended something like the Klipsch for a PC. I have a set of the Promedia Ultra 2.0's on my PC. BUT, the problem is that lots of users are experiencing problems crackle and sound cutting in and out. It looks like a cheap part somewhere. http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/1/904056/ShowThread.aspx The Sound that comes out of these without a sub is awesome, but the quality for the price is obviously suspect. When you read through their forums you will notice that other speakers have similar problems. more cheap parts? http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/thread/897741.aspx http://forums.klipsch.com/forums/thread/903118.aspx for 2.1, I would be looking seriously the logitech Z-2300.
kermuffle Posted May 6, 2007 Author Posted May 6, 2007 thanks for the ideas guys, i might be going with the z 2300s after all... but before i get them, there's an ad from encel stereo for a 2.1 tangent audio system with polk audio bookshelf speakers, a cd player, amp and tuner for $1600. is that a good deal/bargain? i don't mind spending a little more for a good cd player and tuner
nocode11503559589 Posted May 8, 2007 Posted May 8, 2007 From previous experiance with Encel the are usually over priced in the stuff they sell, i can honestly say you will not be disappointed with the Z-2300 just stick with them. cheers p.s Let us know how you go
alfalfa Posted May 8, 2007 Posted May 8, 2007 thanks for the ideas guys, i might be going with the z 2300s after all... There is a huge difference between a pair of proper bookshelf speakers and a sub/sat combination. I use a pair of infinity primus 150s as my pc speakers. They retail for $400 but i got them for under $300. They sound great (almost as good as my Energy connoisseur C-1s that I have in the lounge). Here is a stereophile review. Look at the measurements and see how well designed they are for the price. http://www.stereophile.com/budgetcomponents/404infinity/ Only downside is they are a bit ugly. For a bit more cash you can get the wharfedale diamond 9.1. It looks curvy and pretty, has more bass response (because of a bit of a hump around 100hz), and has better high frequencies (better tweeter). It retails for $499 and people have got them for under $400 (try jb hifi). Here is a stereophile review. Again great measurements. http://stereophile.com/standloudspeakers/1105wharfedale/ I teamed them up with an integrated amp (with a toroidal transformer) from dick smith for less $200. Unfortunately they dont sell them anymore. However you can get a decent digitech amp for $199 (or less). It also uses a toroidal transformer. http://www.theloudspeakerkit.com/shop/prod...p;ProcessType=2 http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-Digitech-Stereo...1QQcmdZViewItem That gets you a brand new pair of bookshelf speakers and an integrated amp for less than $600. I guarantee they will sound a lot better than the logitechs you are thinking of. Of course if you are willing to buy second hand / ebay then there are plenty of other options.
kermuffle Posted May 10, 2007 Author Posted May 10, 2007 thanks alfalfa, i might go to jb hifi this weekend to have a look at the wharfedales. i was wondering what i should team them up to though: an integrated amp, a stereo amp, or a stereo receiver? it'll be used for a combination of things, so i'm not really sure what i should get... cheers
alfalfa Posted May 11, 2007 Posted May 11, 2007 thanks alfalfa, i might go to jb hifi this weekend to have a look at the wharfedales. i was wondering what i should team them up to though: an integrated amp, a stereo amp, or a stereo receiver? it'll be used for a combination of things, so i'm not really sure what i should get... Not sure what you mean by a stereo amp. A stereo receiver consists of a tuner (radio), a preamp (volume control and source selection) and a power amp (to drive the speakers). An integrated amp is a preamp and poweramp in one unit. I would never recommend connecting a power amp directly to a computer soundcard. So that leaves either a stereo receiver or an integrated amp. If you want a radio then getting a stereo receiver is an option. Alternatively you can get an integrated amp and a separate tuner. There are plenty of second hand tuners on ebay. For a soundcard I would recommend looking at the new HT omega claro or claro+. Alternatively the azuntech x-meridian uses a similarly chipset (though with higher quality construction). If you are on a budget the chaintech av-710 has already been mentioned as a good option. http://www.hdaudiovisual.com.au/mcpc/clarop.htm http://www.bettercomputers.com.au/auzentec...card-p-599.html
Andre281503560612 Posted May 11, 2007 Posted May 11, 2007 I haven't read most of the other responses yet, so apologies if this has already been said. While you dont need magnetically shielded for your LCD monitor, you do need it if you plan on placing the speakers, and especially the subwoofer, anywhere near your tower. I had a small sub (from a HTIB) next to my tower, even though it was partitioned by the computer desk side, and it ruined my hard drive. The magnets from the woofer did something and the drive would routinely stall and even cause the system to shut down.
Lonx1503561155 Posted May 15, 2007 Posted May 15, 2007 (edited) I'm looking for the same thing at the moment... Running off my M-Audio 192 soundcard for a bit of gaming, but also music & movies occaisonally. Currently I have it running SPDIF to a Kenwood receiver & Wharfedale speakers which sounds pretty good to me (not the highest end gear, but good bang for buck I found). However this is setup around my TV and so I don't get stereo sound for gaming, and means I can't have PC sound while someone watches TV/DVD. I have a few options, but the other half is limiting those a bit because she doesn't want 'ugly' looking speakers in the main living area of our apartment. However I may be able to twist her arm a bit The choice she likes is Klipsch ProMedia GMX A-2.1, which would have to be connected to the 1/4" outputs from my M-Audio using RCA to 1/4" adaptors. The other option I found (which is a possibility with her) is a pair of Behringer MS40 or MS20 active monitors which would accept a direct SPDIF input - http://www.behringer.com/MS40/index.cfm?lang=ENG Budget around $200 - 300. Other suggestions are definitely welcome... I'm looking at various active studio monitors in the low-end price range atm, as I think the quality will be likely to be higher than most general PC speaker solutions. Edited May 15, 2007 by Lonx
kermuffle Posted May 15, 2007 Author Posted May 15, 2007 lonx, is the kenwood +wharfedale setup stereo? i had a look at jb hifi knox on sunday, not much of a range there. the only thing i saw were sherwood stereo receivers, AX-5103 for $479 AX-4103 for $379 definitely rrp, couldn't get service from anyone, only one guy was manning the whole av section. not much in bookshelf speakers either... might have to go to the city store on saturday and see what they've got. i don't mind spending a little more for an amp and speakers, if just for the functionality. i've got some game consoles that i want to use it with as well... (toslink, coax, stereo rca). i guess if i didn't need the inputs, i might have just gone for the z-2300s after all.
50mxe20 Posted May 15, 2007 Posted May 15, 2007 My son wants to get a set of 5.1 speakers for his laptop to listen to his MP3's etc. I think he is looking at the low end Logitech range and/but I had read somewhere else on this forum that the Z5400s were very good 'bangs for buck', but I'm wondering, is there any real advantage in getting 5.1 vs 2.1 if it's just for music? What do you guys reckon? If he was playing a lot of games then the 5.1 surround might be a lot of fun but just for music is it a waste?
Lonx1503561155 Posted May 15, 2007 Posted May 15, 2007 (edited) The Kenwood receiver (KRF-V6080D) is currently setup in 3.1 with some cheapish Atlantic 400s on the sides, a satellite used as a center and the active sub I originally picked up with the 5.1 satellites. All Wharfedale speakers but generally entry level stuff - not worried about them at the moment, quite happy actually as I'm only in a 2 bedroom apartment so they fill the place quite well (waiting to find some nice stands to make it 5.1 or 6.1 tho). I'm after a PC setup so then I can get away from using this stuff for everything and have a left/right around the monitor again as its basically mono when its all on my right-hand side in the room. Plus I don't want speakers that sound like they're from the reject shop. Almost considered a cheaper lower-powered receiver & some nice but well (low) priced bookshelf speakers, but would just rather keep it simple for now. I'd prefer something with digital coax input as well but with my price range for the computer ATM it won't happen. My other option is to move the Kenwood receiver to my PC and buy a better receiver & amp for the hifi setup. Then add speakers as required. However I'd rather wait 6 months before looking at this - plus my computer doesn't exactly need 700W when its in the same room as my hifi & will still be connected to it for music duties most of the time. Edited May 15, 2007 by Lonx
alfalfa Posted May 15, 2007 Posted May 15, 2007 Almost considered a cheaper lower-powered receiver & some nice but well (low) priced bookshelf speakers, but would just rather keep it simple for now. I'd prefer something with digital coax input as well but with my price range for the computer ATM it won't happen. Why do you want to use the digital output of your m-audio soundcard? The DACs in the m-audio are as good or better than what you would get in most budget receivers or speakers with digital inputs.
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