[MSP]

I'd like to beef up my PC sound a little bit, and I'm toying around with getting a stereo receiver / amp instead of buying something like this:

Amazon.com: Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 THX Certified Computer 3-Speaker System (Black): Electronics


I've got two really high quality bookshelf speakers and a subwoofer already, I'm just looking for a small receiver that would fit on my desk without much fuss. I don't need CD, or radio, or any of that other jazz. Suggestions?

[Chair]

what speakers/sub are you using? it'd give me a better idea of what would suit your requirements. As for small compact and really good amps go, I'd suggest eBay: Harman Kardon PM645 Hi Current Integrated Amplifier (item 160077928817 end time Jan-31-07 08:23:20 PST)

[tex]

go used if you're not running digital. No point in getting something newer. The new stuff usually sucks anyways. Try and find a mid 90s NAD, you should be able to for about $100 for a 50wpc. And it'll sound purdy

[ninefivezero]

I agree with the folks above, however if you do want something newer with feature overkill, the Panasonic SA series is very popular with the people at the AVS Forums.

Panasonic Consumer Electronics

I too am interested in knowing what speakers and sub you got

[MSP]

Linaeum LX5

EDIT: Reading up on that Panasonic right now. For my uses it's a bit overkill. Looks like I might go the Klipsch route after all. I can get that 2.1 setup for $111...

[Chair]

yeah definitely go for the klipsch over the radioshack specials :P

[MSP]

Originally Posted by Chair

yeah definitely go for the klipsch over the radioshack specials :P

Hey, HomeTheater magazine gave those a 5 out of 5, they're actually quite good.

[smirnoff]

Pretty hard to beat the Klips for the price, even if you allready have speakers and sub. Perhaps if your speakers were a little more efficient I'd say give the T-amp a whirl, cause it's cheap and some people love the sound they get with em.

Also with those speakers you got, it wouldn't make sense to me to put them on your desk (if that's what you had in mind) because I don't imagine they are meant to be placed so close the the listener... just seems like it would be less than ideal. The imaging (if that's the right term) would be fucked.

[JustinL]

Im happy with my logitech z2300


All > Logitech® Z-2300

[MSP]

Originally Posted by smirnoff

Also with those speakers you got, it wouldn't make sense to me to put them on your desk (if that's what you had in mind) because I don't imagine they are meant to be placed so close the the listener... just seems like it would be less than ideal. The imaging (if that's the right term) would be fucked.

Another good reason to go with the Klipsch. My speakers tend to be a little vague in the imaging department because of the 360 degree tweeters, so putting them a few feet apart would likely ruin the stereo. Well, that pretty much wraps it up for me. Klipsch here I come!

[j0k3r]

Originally Posted by Chair

yeah definitely go for the klipsch over the radioshack specials :P

The Linaeum LX5s are fantastic speakers. You can't get better for the money, but they are meant to be used as surround speakers.

On EDIT: Speaking of audio EQ, Outpost.com has the Polk R15s on sale for $50/pair. Very decent price for a quality bookshelf unit:
FRYS.com*|*Polk

[ninefivezero]

I had the Klipsch 2.1s for a while and they really just irritated me compared to REAL speakers. And those speakers you have are actually supposed to be quite good, I've been wanting a pair myself. If you have the speakers and a subwoofer, spend the money for a used receiver, it will cost less than the computer speakers and sound a whole lot better.

[MSP]

Originally Posted by ninefivezero

I had the Klipsch 2.1s for a while and they really just irritated me compared to REAL speakers. And those speakers you have are actually supposed to be quite good, I've been wanting a pair myself. If you have the speakers and a subwoofer, spend the money for a used receiver, it will cost less than the computer speakers and sound a whole lot better.

So what was it specifically that irritated you about the Klipsch? Bass, distortion, etc? The reviews have been stellar from what I have seen.

[tex]

Originally Posted by MSP

So what was it specifically that irritated you about the Klipsch? Bass, distortion, etc? The reviews have been stellar from what I have seen.

The reviews were probably from computer speaker people. My surround logitechs at work are nice. for computer speakers. my paradigms on my home desk will kick their ass 2 ways to sunday.

If you think normal pc speakers sound good, then you'll be happy with the klips. Its all a frame of reference.

[ninefivezero]

Exactly, people who only know "computer speakers" don't know good sound. And I don't mean that as an insult, people just don't know what they are missing and don't know what true speakers sound like. The truth is they are just so much fuller, better presence, clarity, everything. I thought for computer speakers, the Klipsch were the best I have heard, I will not deny that much. I bought them because I didn't know how much space my dorm would have and when I found I had the space for a real sound system, I returned them as quickly as I could.

[mistawiskas]

I'm seriously thinking about making some towers in oak cabinets for my PC setup.

[MSP]

Originally Posted by smirnoff

Pretty hard to beat the Klips for the price, even if you allready have speakers and sub. Perhaps if your speakers were a little more efficient I'd say give the T-amp a whirl, cause it's cheap and some people love the sound they get with em.

Also with those speakers you got, it wouldn't make sense to me to put them on your desk (if that's what you had in mind) because I don't imagine they are meant to be placed so close the the listener... just seems like it would be less than ideal. The imaging (if that's the right term) would be fucked.

T-Amp, what a great idea! This is exactly what I was looking for. Basic amplification, small footprint.

Amazon.com: Sonic Impact 5066 15-Watt Portable Class-T Digital Audio Amplifier: Electronics

[mistawiskas]

i've been installing a few of these: digital audio ,*LH-E9674 - LG Electronics USA
Think I'll be getting a setup for my computer and monitor combo. they sound pretty decent and without the stands the front R&L speakers will fit my desk and there's an optional wireless rear set. 1000 watts is a lil' much though, but I'd rather have it, and not need it, than need it and not have it.
At the store, I hooked one of these babies up to a 60" plasma and plugged in Pirates of the Caribean and gave it about 60% volume. The whole 5000 sq. ft. (50,000 cu.ft.) floorspace sounded real close to theatre quality sound, I was impressed, but it was sure distracting, watching/listening to the movies while working .

[Chair]

Originally Posted by mistawiskas

i've been installing a few of these: digital audio ,*LH-E9674 - LG Electronics USA
Think I'll be getting a setup for my computer and monitor combo. they sound pretty decent and without the stands the front R&L speakers will fit my desk and there's an optional wireless rear set. 1000 watts is a lil' much though, but I'd rather have it, and not need it, than need it and not have it.
At the store, I hooked one of these babies up to a 60" plasma and plugged in Pirates of the Caribean and gave it about 60% volume. The whole 5000 sq. ft. (50,000 cu.ft.) floorspace sounded real close to theatre quality sound, I was impressed, but it was sure distracting, watching/listening to the movies while working .

not to worry then, because there's no way in hell that system pushes 1000w in any way shape or form.

[Adam12]

I dont know a ton about home audio or anything, but I have those klipsch 2.1 and I love them.