Pre-packaged system or straight for components?

 

New member
Username: Biewen

Post Number: 3
Registered: Nov-04
It is finally time for me to look into developing a solid home stereo system. I do not know too much about this, so i need some help.

All I care about is listening to music through the speakers. Is there any point in getting a 5.1 channel system? I feel like I read somewhere that all music is only done in 2.1, so I don't know if 5.1 is really only necessary for movies.

As far as the 5.1 systems go, it seems to be quite a common consensus that the klipsch promedia 5.1 ultra is the best pre-packaged system for computers. But should I try to avoid a pre-packaged system like this and go for the whole reciever-type setup?

I do not have a ton of money to spend on this (I am only 21 and therefore a poor college student), but I am certainly willing to take my time in building up a good system as opposed to just spending less to get a better immediate system (i want something that i will be happy with for years).

Thanks for any help that can be offered.

Eric
 

New member
Username: Audioman1

Post Number: 3
Registered: Nov-04
Is this going to connect to your computer or a Home audio receiver? And if the broadcast is in Dolby surround sound then it's not just 2 channel, and most DVD's are in Dolby now days, the only thing that is Stereo is FM radio broadcasts, and Analog TV signals, If you have a digital broadcast from your Cable or Sat. you will love the 5-1 speakers. Just a thought from a idiot. hope it helps a little.
 

Bronze Member
Username: Touche6784

Post Number: 24
Registered: Nov-04
hi eric. i too am a college student trying to get the best i can get with my money. i personally think going 5.1 HT is a bit much considering there isnt anything worthwhile in a price range that you or i can afford. i went for a 2.1 system. the klipsch promeida ultra 5.1 system i have heard is an awesome system if you are going to use it for the computer. i had a klipsch 4.1 system and it did wonderfully till i decided to upgrade to a real speaker system. if you look on ebay, audiogon, or any reputable online stores im sure you will find some really good deals. u might have to dish out atleast $500 to get a decent system. i would look for speakers first then go for a reciever. ur gonna have to run on blind faith assuming that you havent heard the equipment in person. im sure if you give a budget for your system some more knowledgable members could give you a better idea of what to look for. you will out grow the comp. speakers pretty quick. if your patient and look hard, im sure you will find a decent stereo system that will last for a while. hope that helps.
 

Silver Member
Username: Edison

Glendale, CA US

Post Number: 576
Registered: Dec-03
Stick to 2 channel Erik.

The Klipsch is a good start - sounds transparent on top like an upscale piece, and the bass is good (100 watts with pretty good quality amp).

You can find good deals on ebay on it.

You might want to upgrade the soundcard however -
This one won the best in a magazine review :

http://www.studica.com/products/product_detail.cfm?productid=5138

It will make a difference!

Since you need a computer speaker, I would start with this setup - can be had for under $300.

If you want to upgrade from there, you would have to add an amp and a bookshelf speaker.

I would recommend an old Marantz 2230, 2250,or 2270 receiver from the ebay - make sure it's working though - they are as old as you, but sound better than today's unit at the price for sure.

If you don't want to risk with an old one, this is nice for the price :

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3279%26item%3D5734843664% 26%26

For a bookshlef speaker, you can get this one :

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00005IA2Z

You might want to check buy.com for a lower price on it.

If you need more bass, add a sony sub for under $100 -

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem%26item%3D5735063611

There you have 2 options. It is a good beginning to this exciting hobby.

Another option is to get this exec system - Less than $200. Sounds good and looks good too. Also easy to move since you are a student, and will be moving around. It has class A amp - and sounds like an upscale sound - just not that powerful.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=4787%26item%3D5735239261% 26%26

Hunt at ebay, and chat at www.audioasylum.com to get more info, and you can get pretty good sounds for a few hundred $ - especially if you buy used.

Happy hunting,

I would use your computer as the CD player - but burn it to your hard drive first - this will sound better, but you want the upgraded soudcard I mentioned before. A good CD player is expensive, and this way, it will be more convenient as well.

There is a free program called EAC which sounds the best.

http://www.exactaudiocopy.de/

I hope I am not giving you oo much to think about, but if you are serious about good music, a little research will go a long way in getting it on a budget.
 

Silver Member
Username: Edison

Glendale, CA US

Post Number: 577
Registered: Dec-03
This free program sounds the best - Eac is for ripping to the hard drive; foobar is the best sounding player - also free.

http://www.foobar2000.org/
 

Silver Member
Username: Edison

Glendale, CA US

Post Number: 578
Registered: Dec-03
You can get klipsch 2.1 for less at ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=25320%26item%3D3857388590 %26
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