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5.1 PC setup under $800?

M

Mangudai

Limp Gawd
Joined
Oct 2, 2005
Messages
343
Obviously this is for games but when I listen to music I still want to hear quality sound in 2.1. If I had to split it up on levels of importance music slightly edges out gaming. I listen mostly to rap, afrobeat, and a little bit of house. It seems you yield the best result pairing things together at this price point compared to purchasing a complete system. What I was originally doing was looking at 2.0 systems and thinking to buy two sets, a sub but then I wasn't sure on a center or even what to look for in general to make sure things the fidelity is balanced("alright" front and rears with a not so good center etc). I was looking a lot at Swan ( two sets of D1080MkII, Darton sub and wasn't sure what center to go with). But then I read a review and they didn't seem quite like something I'd want, M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 seem quite nice though(compact too). For this price range though I think I have to accept I cant get the best of the best.


How true is this?


If adding a powered subwoofer down the line is your plan, I suggest not looking at active monitors. There just isn't any "right" way to hook one up.
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Well, if going 5.1, I'd suggest going away from active monitors anyway, and going passive speakers/receiver route.
 
After more research that makes sense, I've decided to make my budget $1000. There's a lot more to computer audio than I originally thought.
 
A receiver and passive speakers are the only way to go 5.1.
 
You would probably do well by starting with just the Left, RIght, and receiver at first. Then add in the sub, center, and surrounds later.

A refurb Marantz would be a nice receiver choice. For speakers, you have a ton of options. Energy comes to mind with their RC10 bookshelves as a good option on a budget. Also look at Audigon for NHT, B&W, Definitive, KEF, Paradigm, Axiom, AV123 (if the company is running again), and many others that are not coming to mind this second.

And lastly, for a nice sub that is very musical, a REL would be great. Probably out of budget. In which case, I hear HSU VTF subs are musical, while you could pick out a SVS or Elemental designs for more movie/gaming inclined output. SVS PB10 is probably the best 10 inch subwoofer out there that is under $500.00.

Just my opinion, enjoy the research phase of your build, I always enjoy researching before buying.
 
Untrue, what the guy said about active monitors and subwoofers. They can work quite well with each other. Just don't try to connect them to each other. Connect them to a third component such as a computer, surround processor, or a receiver. Then you can set filters on frequencies.

Anyhow, I would suggest following CJRP's advice. Slowly build your 5.1 setup so that you can maintain high quality in your setup instead of blowing all your money on mediocre products.

For a receiver, the suggested Marantz is great as well as a Harmon Kardon. Stick to one of these, especially for budget builds.

For subs... well, let us know your specific budget for subs. They can easily be one of your priciest component in your setup.

Do you have any objection to used or vintage products?
 
Alai, if you are using a good DAC or something like it with active monitors, there is no way to use a powered sub.
 
A 2ch DAC, yeah, you're right. But who amongst us uses a 2ch DAC? Almost no one. And definitely no one who asks for recommendation on audio.

However, any of the processor-type components I mentioned will do fine with active monitors and a sub. If it's a receiver, it just needs pre-outs.
 
Most consumer receivers don't have pre-outs. I have a few Pioneer and Onkyo's around my house that don't. Also, if you use a soundcard with a sub/center out, you are stuck using Windows to control the volume. If you don't you would have to raise and lower the sub independently.

Im just not a fan of the combination. If you are set on a dedicated sub, you should be looking at a receiver + passive speakers combo. Not to mention the OP is interested in 5.1.
 
Well, we weren't really talking about what the OP was interested in. We were only talking about the merits of the combo of active monitors and subs. Besides, he still needs to answer me about used or vintage components before I recommend any components.

Plenty of receivers have pre-outs. Just don't buy the ones that don't....?

I don't understand the idea of constantly changing the sub's individual volume. If you have to constantly do that, then you clearly have a sub that doesn't work with your setup. Or you have music that was produced, recorded, or mastered craptastically. Either way, the sub should have a set volume after some calibration and from then, you are SUPPOSED to control global volume from a central component (aka computer or receiver or processor). It would be stupid to change individual component volume every time you want to change volume.
 
Not necessarily. I use a S/PDIF connected 2 channel DAC outputting to my M200MKII's. When you connected a S/PDIF audio device, you can no longer control the volume from the "central component" as it is disabled. Obviously this is because you aren't outputting an analog signal.
 
When you connected a S/PDIF audio device, you can no longer control the volume from the "central component" as it is disabled.
Click to expand...

What's your setup? I've seen a few conflicting stories on controlling volume through S/PDIF. Right now I'm using a 2 channel DAC for my desktop speakers/sub connected via optical and still able to control the volume through Windows without an issue.
 
Wait... what? I am outputting SPDIF to my surround processor and I can control volume from my computer just fine (though I prefer controlling from my pro).
 
When I run a S/PDIF line from my PC (Realtek ALC888) to a receiver, the volume control is grayed out, same when I use my USB Foobar II DAC. I like it this way, I HATE controlling the volume in Windows. I always put all software to full volume. It really irritates me when software/OS's mess with the volume, I want external analog control over it.

I get that with the simple knob on my M200MKII's.
 
That's probably your settings then. My SPDIF doesn't force me to use external volume control at all.
 
When you do approach the threshold between really good speakers and speakers so good they'll show you the flaws in lower quality sources? I listen mostly to 192k mp3's when im listening to music so that's kind of a concern for me.
 
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Relatively easy... Even a good new $200 pair of speakers could probably do that. $100 vintage pair of speakers definitely could.
 
O yea, I was forced to delete all my <255kbps music after getting my Swan M200MKII's. It was even worse after I got my DAC.
 
Damn..

This can get expensive rather quickly so like suggested earlier I'll go with a 2.1/receiver setup first. So far the Energy C-100, RC10, and KEF iQ10(a bit pricey) have caught my eye. Spec wise what should I be looking for as far as speakers for music/gaming/movie? I guess what I really want is a decent general purpose setup. I was also looking at the REL T3 which appear to have great definition but from reviews they dont seem to have too much punch.
 
Yes, the REL T3 is the smallest and cheapest of the REL line up. It does not have the same punch or depth as the SVS PB10 or the Elemental Designs A2-300, but what it lacks there, it makes up for in its ability to perfectly blend in with your speakers.

I have personally auditioned this sub matched with a number of nice speakers and it is incredible for music. You can connect it via the LFE out on your receiver as well as to the speaker inputs simultaneously. It picks up right where the speakers drop out, it's amazing. I believe it is around $500 to 600. I would only pick it if music is your number one priority.

If you value movies/games at least somewhat, go with the SVS or ED. The SVS might take the edge slightly in music, while I would give the home theater edge to the ED (if comparing similarly priced models). Honestly, you can't go wrong with either of these brands. I have dealt with both companies and they both have SUPERB customer service and super fast shipping. They are both extremely quick to answer e-mails as well.

There are also a number of other good subwoofer manufacturers out there, but I have personally listened to and dealt with REL, SVS, ED, and Paradigm (Paradigm makes subs as well, but they don't compare for the price, unlike their speakers).
 
In regards to speakers, I can only really relay information that I have read, unless you're curious about Paradigms as I have auditioned and own them. I was considering Energy, but after I auditioned the Paradigms I couldn't imagine going with something else.

From what I read, if you choose energy, stick with the Reference Connoisseur line. I would choose the RC10s over the "C" series. If you look at stores like Vanns, they sell the RC10s for $300 sometimes. They retail for $600, so it seems like a nice deal. Also, try to factor in the cost of some speaker stands if in the living room or something to decouple them from a desk if that's your plan.

I need to re-read your original post, what speakers are you upgrading from again? I upgraded from some Klipsch Promedia 5.1s, and also some Swan M10s. I didn't know what to expect with spending a decent chunk of change on some real speakers, I just new I would be in for something special. Whatever you choose, if you are upgrading from any type of computer speaker to something like this, you will be blown away.
 
Im currently using Boston Acoustics BA7800. Thank for the advice I'll do some more research.
 
I would also suggest staying away from the C series. Unless you're getting it for pretty cheap, it's not quite worth the money.



As for vintage speakers... Look into the Polk Monitor series (5, 5Jr, 7, 10) and the RTA series (8TL and 11TL... not 8T and 11T though, if you can help it).

Are these going on your computer desk? AKA do you have to have bookshelf type speakers or can you do with floorstanders?
 
I was planning to start out with just having them(Front and Left) on the desk then later getting stands after I got the center and surrounds. I want to eventually have a 5.1 setup.
 
I'd suggest going the used route and buying from somewhere like AudiogoN. You can get a lot more speaker for your money.

http://www.audiogon.com/index.html

I've heard Ushers S-520. It's a really good monitor for the price. Almost as good as my Tiny Dancers, but of course that's stretching it a bit.
They make a center channel as well (S-525). They pop up on audiogon from time to time.

http://www.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/cls.pl?spkrmoni&1256582006&/Usher-S-520-High-Gloss-Piano-B

You can find a nice used A/V receiver as well.

If you're looking to spend less, Tweak City Audio just came out with their WAF-1s. I haven't heard them, but Danny Richie designed them, so they wont suck.
You can buy a 6.0 speakers for $599 shipped.

http://tweakcityaudio.com/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=7&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1
 
^ Thanks I'll be looking into those as well

One of my hang ups is I don't really know what I should be looking for in a av receiver, specifically since I don't intend on listening to dvd or blu rays but generally .mkv hd rips(along with the music and games). That said, would things like DTS, Dolby TrueHD etc matter in that case?
 
I recently redid my PC setup and went with five Ascend HTM-200SEs, with a Hsu VTF-1 and a Denon AVR-1709. The Ascends give great sound but are small enough that they're pretty easy to find places to put them.

If you switched to a STF-2 and a Panasonic XR-55 that would still blow your budget by 200 bucks plus shipping, but it'd be an amazing system. :) If you went with 2.1 first that'd put the total at about $870 plus shipping. If you don't have space problems you could switch the 200s for CBM-170s for 70 bucks more.
 
Mangudai said:
^ Thanks I'll be looking into those as well

One of my hang ups is I don't really know what I should be looking for in a av receiver, specifically since I don't intend on listening to dvd or blu rays but generally .mkv hd rips(along with the music and games). That said, would things like DTS, Dolby TrueHD etc matter in that case?
Click to expand...

Shouldn't matter.

For me the most important thing in a receiver is having 5.1 analog inputs, because it's just the easiest way to ensure that you get surround sound for games and movies. I don't know if the Pan XR-55 has that, my guess would be no. I ended up upgrading to a more expensive Denon than I was planning specifically to get 5.1 analog inputs.
 
^ Makes sense

Another thing, the Energy RC10's are rated as up to 175W recommended amplifier power. Running them through say a Marantz which is rated @ 90w x 7 would that be enough? When it says 175w is that referring to each speaker or both of them combined? Also, is the performance dependant on that amount of wattage its receiving? I'm assuming the more wattage its receiving the higher you can play them without distortion?
 
Energy Take Sats are pretty good if you can find em cheap. I think you can get em for $35-55 on sale per. Paired with a sub they should sound pretty good for a quick 5.1 setup. Retail is supposedly $200 per so you'd have a surround setup for < $800 if you got a $250 sub and a $200-300 receiver.
 
Mangudai said:
^ Makes sense

Another thing, the Energy RC10's are rated as up to 175W recommended amplifier power. Running them through say a Marantz which is rated @ 90w x 7 would that be enough? When it says 175w is that referring to each speaker or both of them combined? Also, is the performance dependant on that amount of wattage its receiving? I'm assuming the more wattage its receiving the higher you can play them without distortion?
Click to expand...

90W from a Marantz receiver is fine. It's 175WPC (watts per channel). Wattage does not affect performance unless that is a quirk of the speaker. And yes you assume correctly. More wattage available on the amplifier/receiver, the more headroom you have for high volumes without distortion or hurting the equipment.
 
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