sub $400 basic home audio setup

[-maddog-]

I'm thinking of getting a sub $400 home audio setup. I like a lot of techno/trance/dance along with alternative and classical. I don't really care if it is surround. Any suggestions?

[MadMan007]

So 2-channel? One thing to know first is what you already have or might use along with it. Sources? (CD player, DVD player, computer and which outputs it has, mp3 player, vinyl) I'd think you're more likely to have at least some of those but also if you have any amps, receivers, or speakers say so.

$400 is pretty tight even to get decent quality (not HTIB level) even if you're just looking for a 2-channel receiver and 2 speakers. Are you open to used items?

[pinky33]

MadMan007 asked a great question at the end. If you are open to used items and fixing/modding them then that is a great start.

How big is the room?

[-maddog-]

The room is ~10'x20'. I am open to used, but don't have the time to be fixing the equipment. The source is just going to be a computer.

[ratbuddy]

The room is ~10'x20'. I am open to used, but don't have the time to be fixing the equipment. The source is just going to be a computer.

So you need a 2 channel amp and pair of speakers at least. Subwoofer would be good for the techno stuff but would probably put you over budget.

There's a million speaker options out there but right now, Newegg is having a very nice sale on some decent Polk floorstanders. $110 each with free shipping. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290017

They also have a decent Sony receiver on sale, $160/free shipping gets you 5.1 with plenty of inputs and outputs. Run optical from your computer to the receiver and you're all set. You can find them for $5 less or so but I don't like Amazon's free shipping option. Took two weeks last time I used it.

Couple paychecks down the road, if you want more bass, grab http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-635 or similar and you'll be all set.

Note that there are certainly other options. You could go for a higher quality pair of bookshelf speakers if you're going to be listening from up close, and get a somewhat better 2 channel amp for the same cash, but it's tough finding one that'll accept digital input from the computer in your price range. If you don't mind using the analog outputs from the sound card, and aren't looking for something that'll fill the room with sound, that's an option worth looking at.

[jhanby]

Are headphones out of the question ?

[pinky33]

Unless you are sitting close to speakers get what ratbuddy has suggested. Or even better yet go to best buy and listen to a few they have to get an idea of what you want.

If you want something on your desk let me know as I feel I have a great freaking desk setup I can show you for under $400.

-pinky

[-maddog-]

So you need a 2 channel amp and pair of speakers at least. Subwoofer would be good for the techno stuff but would probably put you over budget.

There's a million speaker options out there but right now, Newegg is having a very nice sale on some decent Polk floorstanders. $110 each with free shipping. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290017


Those are pretty bass anemic from what I've read about them, but still are a decent deal.

Unless you are sitting close to speakers get what ratbuddy has suggested. Or even better yet go to best buy and listen to a few they have to get an idea of what you want.

If you want something on your desk let me know as I feel I have a great freaking desk setup I can show you for under $400.

-pinky

Shoot away. I'll be listening mostly from my desk in the room.

[ratbuddy]

Those are pretty bass anemic from what I've read about them, but still are a decent deal.



Shoot away. I'll be listening mostly from my desk in the room.

Well, yes, they only have 3x5.25" drivers which aren't going to give you much bass, but they will still deliver some. My floorstanders only have 3x6.5" drivers and the bass (with no EQ) gets plenty loud enough for my similar sized room.

What might be better for you, if you are listening at the desk, is a pair of powered 2.0 speakers, say Audioengine A2's along with that subwoofer linked above. The midrange won't be anywhere near as full as the Polks, though.

Audio at any level is about tradeoffs, even if you have a million bucks to spend on a 2.0 system. What are you willing to sacrifice, and what is most important to you?

[Evilsizer]

if your ok with building, why not these, TriTrix (http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-702). if you need smaller and wanting to add a sub, why not these, Dayton BR1 (http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-640).

i would say get the BR1's then get a sub to fill in the low end... like this sub, Dayton ES8 Elite $99 (http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-390).

[pinky33]

Evilsizer, funny you mention the BR1, it is what i have. I feel they are missing the low mid rang. But not big surprise since there is no mid range driver, just a tweeter and small woofer.

Again this is why I don't like the polk audio that much. They should have a tweeter, mid range 4" and then two 6.5 woofers. Or at least make one of the 3 woofers a mid range via cross over and slightly different driver.

maddog here is a pic of my setup with BR1 (shielded) mated to an AudioSource apm 100

I only recommend these if you want desktop speakers. The polk audio will sound better.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v53/pinkfloyd33/?action=view&current=IMG_0354.jpg


If you can find a way of setting up the floor standing polk audio speaker behind your desk, but still angled towered you correctly without anything blocking them (items between you and the speaker) then get them. You will not be disappointed. If you want to spend more, get a higher end polk audio or Klipsch.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v53/pinkfloyd33/IMG_0354.jpg

[Evilsizer]

well this project from what i understand has better midrange.
http://www.speakerbuilder.net/web_files/Projects/DBP/dbp.htm

there is also a modded xo from what i recall for the BR1's. might want to search PE forums...

[tweakboy]

Very nice room setup my friend... good stuff!