Audio Advice (speakers receivers) [Archive]

whiteboy

02-20-2006, 01:43 PM

Hey all,

I was thinking about putting my HDA-Mystique card to use, because I have grown tired of headphones. I was thinking about DDL, and want to use this technology, since my soundcard supports it, and I feel I am really under-using the mystique since all I have plugged into it is headphones.

Now to be truthfully honest, I am venturing into the unknown. I really have no technical knowledge whatsoever of speakers or receivers, just a very basic understanding. I listen to a lot of music, play games and sometime watch movies. I am also planning on purchasing a tv tuner card (fusion5) to watch tv on my comp. I would rather have a good 2.1 setup versus 5.1, especially because of space limitation, but if DLL requires 5.1 than I might consider a logitech system or something. I would also like to save as much money as possible, so there is definetly a price/preformance ratio involved.

Can someone give a good link towards explanation on DLL? Is it really worth it? Does the game have to support it? Setup suggestions greatly appreciated. Sorry for all the nub questions :)

Ver1tas

02-20-2006, 02:05 PM

Well the gist of DDL is it's all in software by the drivers. It's the easy and least lossy way of getting true 5.1 to your reciever in any game. Since it's software as long as the game does 5.1 it will work.

I ran a Sony str-de597 as my reciever coupled with a pair of infinity primus 250 towers and a infinity ps8 and it sounded really good i've moved on due to the fact that i'm moving to japan and i wanted a smaller setup

A decent reciever and a nice brand of towers or nice bookshelfs with a smaller sub should sound great, i'd say check out infinity's primus series, polk's R series i believe is in that range and the Klipsch synergy series. I hope this gives you a partial idea, all good brands esp since you said you didn't want to spend a crazy amount of cash.

IF you wanted to get crazy you could try some Focal's but i'm sure you don't want to spend 5k on speakers and get a preamp and amps.

Hope this helps.

V

Edit: here's infinity's 5.0 speaker pack of bookshelfs for 399. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-JKwB2cvJE8n/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=12700&I=108PT5P

and polk's for 499 http://www.crutchfield.com/S-JKwB2cvJE8n/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?g=12700&I=107RM6750T

Crutchfield doesn't have great prices so take some salt with those but those are good examples.

whiteboy

02-20-2006, 02:20 PM

those infinity's look perfect, but the sub looks kind of weak. I take it I would save more however, by buying a all in one package rather than indivdually. Polk's are a little too out of the price range.
Here's another question - does the receiver have to support DDL to play it?

Also, should I get a good receiver first, and then expand upon that with speakers, using the fiber optic cable to the mystique? I don't think I should plug in the speakers directly to the card, rather, have it into the receiver, especially since I will probably use headphones from time to time, and having to switch them out would be a pain.

Ver1tas

02-20-2006, 02:31 PM

I ran all my stuff 100% to the reciever except mic of course, headphones and all.
The infinity's i linked to didn't have a sub but that same page ahs a package for like 580 with a ps8. As for weak yea, i suppose, but it's more about matching the capabilities, you don't want a 12 with smallish speakers.

I'm just assuming your computer area isn't huge. for 2.1 it's still amazing, my primus 250's and ps8 owned all computer speakers.

I would look around online and price it out at a few places to see if you can save by going with packaged or seperate. Also maybe go to a store like soundtrack/ultimate electronics since all they sell is a/v and their demo setup is better than bestbuy or circuitcity.

whiteboy

02-20-2006, 02:44 PM

do you have any receiver suggestions? 2.1 sounds like the way to go 5.1 sounds a little overkill for my room right now..but expandability is always an option

thanks

Ver1tas

02-20-2006, 03:09 PM

well depends on price range, but generally i avoid yamaha and klh. i like onkyo, hk, sony, denon. price wise sony str-de598 is like 199.99 6 channel 90watts full bandwidth per channel.
since those infinity's only do 100w max. 90w is going to be perfect.

As for 2.1, it's a great start, trust me spend as much as you were going to if you did 5.1 as you'll kick yourself later if you bought average speakers and want to add on. i bought some junk tiny sat package to go with my reciever and i later trashed it and got the primus 250's.

galois427

02-20-2006, 04:08 PM

I suggest looking at the panasonic digital receivers (xr-25, xr-55). They are relatively cheap and sound great. If you're willing to spend a little more, look at the harmon kardon line (avr-140 and avr-240 in particular). Pioneer an Denon also have some very nice models in the $500 range. My personal favorite is the pioneer vsx-1014 (vsx-1015 is the newer version).

As for speakers, I highly suggest the energy conossieur line. I own a pair of c-3s and they sound great. You can find the c-1 for about $150 and c-3 for around $250 a pair. If you want something a step up, you should consider b&w's 602/603 line, some of the best musical bookshelves for under a grand. Search on ebay and you'll probably find a good deal on them. Lastly, I suggest getting an hsu subwoofer, they have a quick response and sound very musical. You can get an hsu vtf-2 for about $350.

whiteboy

02-20-2006, 09:27 PM

Thanks guys :), I will look into purchasing some of these and see how everything goes. Ebay might seem like a good place to get some of this, I'll have to mingle around there and keep my heads up for some good deals. I'll get a receiver soon and build off that.

what an expensive way to drain out a computer's fan with more noise :p

lastly -- is there any easy way to switch headphones and speakers quickly? will I have to buy a switch for that......?

himmy

02-21-2006, 03:09 PM

well depends on price range, but generally i avoid yamaha and klh. i like onkyo, hk, sony, denon. price wise sony str-de598 is like 199.99 6 channel 90watts full bandwidth per channel.
since those infinity's only do 100w max. 90w is going to be perfect.

Stay as far away from the Sony STR-DE line as possible. The only good line they have for receivers is the ES line.

Also, sorry, the way you explain 'watts' is not correct at all. That receiver is not 90W X 6. It is each channel can do 90 Watts when run by itself. Turn on all 6 at once and that number drops way low.

The digital amp receivers are good buys, but so are some other ones. Never go by 'watts' when picking a receiver. Most companies do it liek above, make it sound liek it is 100W X 7 when it is each amp is capable of doing 100W when only one channel is on, turn on more and the rating drops. Harmon Kardon is one that actually rates it amps all channel driven and even are very conservative(there are a few others, like NAD).

Not only all of that above, but you can have a 1K w amp going into a speaker rated for 100W and never worry about blowing the speaker. Never look and think 'huh, this speaker is rated at 100W so I can not buy this 110W amp.' What matters is when that amp starts to clip.

placeboFx

02-21-2006, 03:44 PM

MoxMonkey

02-21-2006, 04:04 PM

I am a fan of Denon Audio. They have good sound and have enough power to run high end speakers. If you buy the Canadian model numbers like the 883 instead of the 1803 you can save a few bucks. I bought mine from etronics.

Also, I really enjoy paradigm speakers though you can't get them online. And the high end can cost some money.

Anyways that's my two cents.

one of the nice things about paradigm i find is that they have great speakers throughout the entire range.

for low end the atom and titan are both great deals and sound quite nice, with a bit more money i like the mini monitor's and monitor 5's (which i own) and the studio 20's and 40's properly amped are supposedly one of the best sounding speakers according to many in the price range

Treyshadow

02-21-2006, 04:43 PM

Yeah I am a paradigm zealot too. I just like their sound signature. For most, they are comparable to an amped HD600 sennheiser. Just good all around.

Currently I have studio 100's in the front, studio CC 450, and studio 20's and ADP's in the back.

As for a computer based system. I have not heard a nice high end speaker sound as nice as the linn artikulat, but they are a bit pricey. However small rooms, or near field these guys just excel.

A nice outlaw audio receiver or amp would be a great addition.

Ver1tas

02-21-2006, 05:44 PM

Stay as far away from the Sony STR-DE line as possible. The only good line they have for receivers is the ES line.

Not only all of that above, but you can have a 1K w amp going into a speaker rated for 100W and never worry about blowing the speaker. Never look and think 'huh, this speaker is rated at 100W so I can not buy this 110W amp.' What matters is when that amp starts to clip.

Well he did say he wanted to save as much money as possible so i recommended a cheap reciever that will do the job ok.

You know what, don't listen to me, i'm just starting out in the whole sterophile thing. check out this mags buyers guide. Then go lsiten to some speakers and see what you like and waht you love.

http://www.whathifi.com/newsMainTemplate.asp?newssectionID=2&storyID=183

himmy

02-21-2006, 10:09 PM

Ver1tas,

I have no idea what you are trying to say with that little 'definition' of home audio, but you really have a future being a Platinum level customer at Best Buy for home audio. They have great products for you to buy, like Sony STR receivers and Bose speakers. Yes, that is how dumb what you posted is. If you want to be ignorant, be ignorant. Don't go around trying to help someone when you don't know crap.

Google search shows the really great, really informative website you ripped this drivel from: http://epanorama.rackhost.net/links/audiopro.html

Ver1tas

02-22-2006, 11:05 AM

Thats cool himmy, i appreciate the personal attack.

Pinipig523

02-23-2006, 03:42 AM

whiteboy

02-26-2006, 05:02 PM

Paradigms are solid speakers....

I really dont know what the OP is looking for here... do you want speakers at a certain price range - if so, can you clarify it again for me?

Do you want to go 2.1 because you can get better speakers for the same budget?

Let me know... I'll try to help also.

Joey

well, I was hoping to be able to get a receiver along with 2 nice speakers (because I want good quality vs. quantity) at a price range of about 200$-300$ for everything, and eventually work my way up where I can use DLL.

himmy

02-27-2006, 11:19 AM

MoxMonkey

02-28-2006, 01:01 AM

check ebay for some paradigm atoms, titans or mini monitors you might be able to squeeze those with a cheap stereo reciever (go to pawnshops to, might be able to find a decent vintage stereo reciever for the time being)

whiteboy

03-05-2006, 08:00 PM

$300 for two speakers and the receiver is pushing it for getting into the higher ended brands.

FYI, a very good review of the Onix x-ls is available here: http://www.audioholics.com/productreviews/loudspeakers/Onixxlsp1.php

thanks for the link...but do you mean I should spend more by your first comment? IDK Mox, are you saying I should skimp on the receiver?

Theres also the issue of the subwoofer. Like someone said ealier, I don't want to overpower the two bookshelf speakers I buy with a huge woofer, soo does Onix or Paradigm (which seem to have the popular mention around here) sell really nice 2.1 setups for under 250?

xayd

03-05-2006, 08:29 PM

do some research and try to properly match your receiver and your speakers. it's easy to go wrong...

for instance klipsch and axiom speakers are naturally kinda bright because of the metal tweeters, so you will want a warmer sounding amp to balance them out. the best fit for those speakers would be harman kardon, pioneer, marantz, denon, in no particular order. avoid yamaha, onkyo/integra, panasonic. nothing wrong with those brands, but their sound is typically on the bright side, which when coupled with your bright speakers could be too harsh. if you have the opposite, warm sounding speakers, then you would want a brand like yamaha, onkyo/integra, panasonic, etc. to add a little more on the high end to your warmer sounding speakers.

i agree on ebay, as long as you shop carefully. harmon kardon sells refurbs on ebay direct from the factory under the name "harmanaudio" so that would be the way to go if you're looking to save money on ebay.

AcidBurn

03-05-2006, 09:38 PM

lastly -- is there any easy way to switch headphones and speakers quickly? will I have to buy a switch for that......?

Most receivers turn off the speakers when you plug into the headphone jack(if they have one).

Smitty2k1

03-05-2006, 10:27 PM

I REALLY reccomend looking into Pannasonics all digital XR-55 reciever.
Its 7.1 so you can easily expand, and it has some really great features, AMAZING sound, and its pretty small and doesnt get very hot due to the all digital nature. Plenty of imputs and video switching, all for under $250.

I just got one a few months ago, and I run my XFI thru it... extreemly happy.

Treyshadow

03-06-2006, 11:57 AM

Neither Paradigm, nor Onix have a package that would be under 250 for speakers and the sub. You could go with a Onix X-LS Bookshelves with a Parts express Dayton 10" or 12" sub and a decent amp/receiver. This will be the best sounding inexpensive setup IMO, and could be added onto easily.

Other speaker options are:
Paradigm Mini Monitors (used)
Aperion Audio Intimus 532-LR Bookshelves
PSB Alpha B Monitors

whiteboy

03-07-2006, 08:47 PM

Thanks again guys I'll start looking around...who knows maybe some hawt deals will come up

galois427

03-07-2006, 11:11 PM

i just brought a panasonic xr-25 and it crapped out on me. Sound is distorted and frequently pops in and out and ocassionally audio drops. Not really sure how well built the xr-55 is though.

I replaced the panny with a hk avr-135 and I can tell a night and day difference. Its labeled "40 watts" but it seems to provide more power than the panny and I prefer the sound a bit more; its more laidback and not as bright as the panny. Best thing is I got it for $200 brand new from ebay, cheaper than what I would've pay if i had went with the xr-55.

Smitty2k1

03-09-2006, 11:56 AM

Hmm maybe it was just that panny.

check out http://www.avsforum.com for more audio and video advice than anyone could ever ask for.
(For the thread starter who wanted a reciever and speakers)

whiteboy

03-11-2006, 02:47 PM

see below

whiteboy

03-11-2006, 02:49 PM

I've known all about the avs forum...I'm asking here because I guess I'm more comfortable here and come here a lot more often...o well

Anyways, browsing AVS forum I saw some seemingly good choices:

http://www.fluance.com/fldyhidetwbo.html (those are a pair for that price right?)
http://www.audioadvisor.com/store/productdetail.asp?sku=ATHASB1%2E2&product_name=Audition%20B1%2E2%20Speakers%20-%20Black,%20Pair

http://www.fluance.com/fldbposu.html (see below)

OK firstly discussing the speakers; right off the bat I like the fluance's look much better than the athena's. Pricewise there the same. Size for the speakers doesn't matter because I don't think there going on my desk anyway. Now comes down to what I don't know, which are for the audiophile in me? I am leaning more towards the fluance because of a brief glance of the specifics but.......idk

Strictly going for a 2.1 setup, the sub seem like they might be a little overkill coupled with any of the speakers. Any suggestions for this would be appreciated.

Now as for the receiver I am totally lost. I have a little cabinet like (without the door so heat shouldn't be an issue) space towards the left of my desk where I want to put the receiver, however, it is only 14.25" in width (depth and height shouldn't be an issue), and all the attractive receivers so far are over 17" in length! (including xr55). This is where I may have to fall short, but as long as I can connect it to my mystique via optical out I'm good.

Also, what is up with the video inputs on the receiver? Sorry for that really nub-like question but would I have any advantage with that...seeing that my future "tv" (FPD2185W) has some component outputs? What are they normally used for? I do plan on using my benq in my computer as the dvd player FYI.

Thanks

tenpinsniper

03-11-2006, 03:38 PM

You might check out high audio stores that are local to you. See if they have any used stuff you can test and get a deal on. KEF makes good speakers, their Q series is affordable. I'd also would not overlook Velodyne for subs. My biggest recommendation would be to stay away from BOSE. You probably already know that.

Remember that a receiver/AVR/amp clarity is more important that power (wattage).

And for $300-$1000 total system budget you would better with a lower wattage amp, that outputs a cleaner signal. I went from a old Sony 120W per channel receiver to a Denon 90W per channel. The Denon knocks the _____ out of the Sony, seems louder, deeper bass, cleaner high ends. I'd try to find a either decent bookshelf for 2.0, or decent receiver, with the ideal that the other will be replaced later on. You can add a sub later.

DO NOT RUSH IT. Don't buy at the first store, go to another. You can always go back. Take several of your favorite CD, to test if you can. Some say classical if the best music to test a system. Because of the low to high range it covers. Listen for hissing, pops, crackels...