I've currently got a pair of M-Audio AV-30's hooked up to my onboard sound. However, I think the left speaker (with the amp) is starting to give out, as it won't turn on half the time. Even aside from that, I think I'm ready for a step up in sound quality.
Music is my only real concern, specifically rock/prog/metal. I do minimal gaming these days, and don't care about multi-channel or a loud sub for movies.
It looks like a good receiver and pair of passive monitors is probably my best bet. I'd like to keep the total cost around $300-350, if possible. I realize this might mean going with monitors that aren't exactly top-shelf (to say the least), but that's fine for now, as they can always be upgraded when I'm out of school and have a real income.
Recommendations?
FWIW, my biggest complaint with my AV-30's is actually the high end, which seems lacking. My ideal speakers would have really clean, pronounced treble and crisp bass that isn't artificially inflated to compensate for the lack of sub, like the AV-30/40 seem to have.
Music is my only real concern, specifically rock/prog/metal. I do minimal gaming these days, and don't care about multi-channel or a loud sub for movies.
It looks like a good receiver and pair of passive monitors is probably my best bet. I'd like to keep the total cost around $300-350, if possible. I realize this might mean going with monitors that aren't exactly top-shelf (to say the least), but that's fine for now, as they can always be upgraded when I'm out of school and have a real income.
Recommendations?
FWIW, my biggest complaint with my AV-30's is actually the high end, which seems lacking. My ideal speakers would have really clean, pronounced treble and crisp bass that isn't artificially inflated to compensate for the lack of sub, like the AV-30/40 seem to have.