• Some users have recently had their accounts hijacked. It seems that the now defunct EVGA forums might have compromised your password there and seems many are using the same PW here. We would suggest you UPDATE YOUR PASSWORD and TURN ON 2FA for your account here to further secure it. None of the compromised accounts had 2FA turned on.
    Once you have enabled 2FA, your account will be updated soon to show a badge, letting other members know that you use 2FA to protect your account. This should be beneficial for everyone that uses FSFT.

Entry Level Audio System

G

Gemütlichkeit

n00b
Joined
Dec 5, 2009
Messages
27
I'm building a system around an Asus Crosshair III mobo. It specs the following for audio:
Onboard Audio
Audio Chipset
SupremeFX X-Fi Audio Card
- EAX Advanced HD 4.0
- X-Fi CMSS-3D
- X-Fi Crystalizer
- Creative ALchemy
- Supports 1 x S/PDIF out header
- Supports Coaxial/Optical S/PDIF out ports on rear
Audio Channels
8 Channels

...and I don't know what any of it means.

I have been using the stereo mini jack output on my computer as input to what amounts to an Aiwa boom box & would like to upgrade. So, I would appreciate suggestions (and especially explanations) from those of you with a little knowledge and experience to share. Obviously, for the audio stuff, I am a rank noob. Also obvious, I am not an audiophile--I don't want a high dollar solution, just something semi respectable. Thanks in advance. ~ Gem
 
Speakers first, then source. AV40s are great for the price, Swans are a bit better. After you have an output at least that good, it may be worth looking at a different source. If that's already more than you're willing to pay, figure out your budget, and then we'll figure out what can be done. If you're willing to pay more...figure out your budget, and then we'll figure out what can be done. But the options I mentioned should be great for most people.

Surround...if you desperately want surround, it will be a little complicated. You'd get better quality going with a 2.x solution...less parts. You can get a mediocre system fairly cheaply, or a good one if you have the money...good starts around the point where it is at least an option to get passive sats and a receiver.
 
I've been poking around a little regarding the SupremeFX X-Fi audio card. Apparently it supports 7.1 surround. I friend has a 7.1 home theater system and I've watched a couple Blue Rays on it with the following conclusions: Kung Fu Panda is a really great high-end home theater experience. (No, really! It's not just for kids, it is unmitigated high-tech art of the 1st magnitude.) ...and 2nd: I think the difference between a 7.1 and 5.1 system would not be distinguishable (by me).

A pair of AV40s look to go for ~$200. This is within my price range, but I'd still need several more speakers for 5.1 plus some sort of box I'm guessing to plug everything in to. An important side note: My computer area isn't very big--I don't need a great deal of power to really blast things. Most often, I wouldn't go past ~4, and probably never up to 10 (11?) on the volume control.

So... perhaps I'm looking for a modestly powered 5.1 system, perhaps a pre-configured complete system (as opposed to buying individual components)? Or not. Perhaps buying the components is the best way to go. Thoughts?
 
7.1 vs 5.1 is generally handled by the processor (in your friend's case, likely a receiver), most source material is encoded in 5.1 (meaning it comes from the studio in 5.1, at least for consumer formats), so generally you can live without the extra effects channels (you'd notice more of a difference in games, where the surround-back channels would actually be getting their own processed signal, but it isn't really required)

as far as a 5.1 system, the AV40's wouldn't be my pick for that, you'd need three pairs of them (bringing you to six speakers), one of them wouldn't be used, and you'd have three volume control knobs, plus the sub, unless you ran them all at 0 dB and built a control box

basically, I wouldn't spend close to $600 for that

in the 5.1 realm, you can get some multimedia type speakers from Logitech, Creative, etc for a few hundred bucks ($150-$350)

if you want to put considerably more money into this (say, $500-$1500) you can step up to an A/V receiver and 5.1 speaker package, which will take up more space and may have advantages (like inputs and outputs, processing features, etc), subjective quality is probably going to be better as well, but thats really up to your opinion
 
Hmm. AV40s have gone up a bit since the last time I looked. I would turn to the Swans for $200.

The problem with 5.1 is that it costs. A respectable subwoofer alone will set you back at least about $100. It could come down to solid 2.x versus very questionable 5.1...the problem is not how loud it can be, the problem is whether it can reproduce the sound well. Little bitty plastic housings from Logitech and kit "subwoofers" which are tiny and have a driver smaller than many midwoofers? Not going to reproduce sound very well. But for some people, having the sound come out behind them is more important than having better sound quality...that's a personal decision. But you aren't four satellites, a center, and a subwoofer for the same price as two satellites without either compromising quality heavily or doing a new vs. used, retail vs. really good sale type deal. Of course if you find a good used deal, there's nothing at all wrong with used audio gear as long as it was gently used.
 
Okay then... Let's say we're looking for the best gaming audio setup for ~$600. Could probably stretch that to $750 if there's a compelling reason to do so, but it has to cover *everything*. What parts am I looking at ...?
 
Gemütlichkeit;1035079372 said:
Okay then... Let's say we're looking for the best gaming audio setup for ~$600. Could probably stretch that to $750 if there's a compelling reason to do so, but it has to cover *everything*. What parts am I looking at ...?
Click to expand...

honestly for gaming just spend $200-$300 and get some 5.1 speakers

the sound quality in games isn't reference grade, you'll still have a good time, and theres no need to blow money (sorry, I just don't believe in spending every dime you can just because you could)

Z-5500's aren't a bad choice in that regard, nor are solutions from Creative
you could probably get something less expensive like the Z-5300 and be just as happy

if you must QUADRUPLE your budget, you can get an entry level receiver and inexpensive speaker package from TSC, Polk, Energy or similar, with a basic sub from Hsu or Dayton
 
$600-750 should get a solid 5.1 system or a nice 2.x...at this point if 5.1 is desirable, I would do it and not worry about the quality difference, it's no longer a matter of solid vs. questionable. But note that if you only want gaming audio, sound quality is less of a concern than say if you want an awesome home theater. Most games do not use particularly complex audio beyond concerns over spatialization. It may be perfectly fine to use a $200 surround kit...but I would listen to someone else's first if at all possible and to a more solid system, and decide for certain which you want before putting up the money if there is any doubt.

You need:

Something that generates an analog signal (DAC), can be contained in other things (receiver, sound card, audio interface).
Something that amplifies from line level and allows volume adjustment (receiver, integrated amp).
Something that amplifies the power sufficiently to drive the speakers (receiver, power amp).
Several speakers (satellites, center, subwoofer).
Possibly a subwoofer amplifier (many low-budget subwoofers use an internal amp).

A receiver bundles up most of the electronics involved, plus gives you source selection, and maybe some other features. Catch is, it's pretty darn big. If space is a concern, there can be other options.
 
For me, I won't spend that much money just on GAMING AUDIO. If you really need the best sound for gaming, you should just get a headset, not 5.1s.
 
So, for 5.1, in addition to whatever the "SupremeFX X-Fi Audio Card" that comes with the mobo provides (a DAC?), and dismissing the headset option, and recognizing that, besides gaming, I will be listening to some tunes once in a while, and watch a DVD once in a while, and in consideration of a ~$600 budget... what do I need? (Please do not hesitate to suggest specific components, i.e., brand/model). Thanks again to all. ~ Gem
 
Gemütlichkeit;1035079516 said:
So, for 5.1, in addition to whatever the "SupremeFX X-Fi Audio Card" that comes with the mobo provides (a DAC?), and dismissing the headset option, and recognizing that, besides gaming, I will be listening to some tunes once in a while, and watch a DVD once in a while, and in consideration of a ~$600 budget... what do I need? (Please do not hesitate to suggest specific components, i.e., brand/model). Thanks again to all. ~ Gem
Click to expand...

in a hella overgeneralized sense, your soundcard is a DAC, yes (it fulfills the first tick on his list)

I'd probably saunter on down to best buy and check out some of the gaming speakers they've got, see what you think (really, why does it seem that threads like this go straight from "oh I have a limited budget" to "oh here's my credit card number be gentle", you can take a day and go give something a listen)

as far as components for this cheapie 5.1 receiver setup, I'd wait for the Pioneer 519 to A) come back in stock B) get down to ~$150 at newegg (or wait for it to drop at amazon)

take a look at speakers from Energy, TSC, Polk, Mirage (especially if you've got as limited a space as you say), and Klipsch, you're likely looking at packages based on your budget, something like the Nanosats should be just peachy

and go with a sub from Hsu, Polk, Dayton, Mirage, etc

nothing has changed since the last time you asked
is your Google broken?
 
lkiller1231 said:
For me, I won't spend that much money just on GAMING AUDIO. If you really need the best sound for gaming, you should just get a headset, not 5.1s.
Click to expand...

i agree, i only game with headphones......

music, TV, movies..... speakers. I do not even have speakers connected to my gaming rig.

if i want others to hear it, i go out to my Living room and crank up my thespeakercompany 5.1 system powered by my Onkyo 606....

if the op doesnt have anything else, then a logitech 5.1 setup will do..... the only thing that i hate with those systems is the cable lenght, too short to really set it up and too long to keep the setup compact....
 
Adidas4275 said:
i agree, i only game with headphones......

music, TV, movies..... speakers. I do not even have speakers connected to my gaming rig.

if i want others to hear it, i go out to my Living room and crank up my thespeakercompany 5.1 system powered by my Onkyo 606....

if the op doesnt have anything else, then a logitech 5.1 setup will do..... the only thing that i hate with those systems is the cable lenght, too short to really set it up and too long to keep the setup compact....
Click to expand...

iirc the newer Logitech setups have proper spring jacks for speaker cable, so you can just head down to home depot or ratshack or wherever else and get yourself 100+ ft of whatever wire you like and go crazy

and even if they're using cinch or TS jacks, its easy enough to create your own longer leads, reterm stuff, or just buy extension lines or longer cords
 
obobski said:
in a hella overgeneralized sense, your soundcard is a DAC, yes (it fulfills the first tick on his list)

I'd probably saunter on down to best buy and check out some of the gaming speakers they've got, see what you think (really, why does it seem that threads like this go straight from "oh I have a limited budget" to "oh here's my credit card number be gentle", you can take a day and go give something a listen)

as far as components for this cheapie 5.1 receiver setup, I'd wait for the Pioneer 519 to A) come back in stock B) get down to ~$150 at newegg (or wait for it to drop at amazon)

take a look at speakers from Energy, TSC, Polk, Mirage (especially if you've got as limited a space as you say), and Klipsch, you're likely looking at packages based on your budget, something like the Nanosats should be just peachy

and go with a sub from Hsu, Polk, Dayton, Mirage, etc

nothing has changed since the last time you asked
is your Google broken?
Click to expand...

My goodness, it's very difficult to sound sincere when I thank you for the worthwhile information you've provided (Pioneer 519k, Energy, TSC, Polk...) when I make mention of the douche-bag extraneous snarky bullshit you've padded it with.

Is this to be a flame war then? You know, belaboring how lazy and stupid I must be for asking questions on your forum rather than figuring it all out for myself using that weird non-broken complicated Google thing?

Really, thanks loads, but if you don't actually have, "...a little knowledge and experience to share" then JFC, don't bother.
 
Gemütlichkeit;1035079601 said:
My goodness, it's very difficult to sound sincere when I thank you for the worthwhile information you've provided (Pioneer 519k, Energy, TSC, Polk...) when I make mention of the douche-bag extraneous snarky bullshit you've padded it with.

Is this to be a flame war then? You know, belaboring how lazy and stupid I must be for asking questions on your forum rather than figuring it all out for myself using that weird non-broken complicated Google thing?

Really, thanks loads, but if you don't actually have, "...a little knowledge and experience to share" then JFC, don't bother.
Click to expand...

my god man, its late, and I'm really not in the mood for some grandiloquent forum rant

nowhere did I attempt to "belabor how lazy stupid [you are]", although I have suggested (as has everyone else who posted information/guidance in this thread) that you hop up and go check out some equipment before buying something, if that constitutes a personal attack....

as far as using Google, whats so hard about looking up stuff thats been suggested to you and reading about it, I cannot transplant the information into your head, I can only point at its location and hope you garner something from it, honestly not too many people are going to spoon feed you what you should do, and even if someone does make you a big'ol list, you still have to decide if you want to purchase it or not

if you really want to remove all thought from this process, I'm sure theres plenty of members that'd be happy to just order you something from Amazon or Newegg (with your money, mind you) given a specific budget line, although I'm not one of them
 
Gemütlichkeit;1035079601 said:
My goodness, it's very difficult to sound sincere when I thank you for the worthwhile information you've provided (Pioneer 519k, Energy, TSC, Polk...) when I make mention of the douche-bag extraneous snarky bullshit you've padded it with.

Is this to be a flame war then? You know, belaboring how lazy and stupid I must be for asking questions on your forum rather than figuring it all out for myself using that weird non-broken complicated Google thing?

Really, thanks loads, but if you don't actually have, "...a little knowledge and experience to share" then JFC, don't bother.
Click to expand...

Don't mind obobski too much. After spending too much time in an audio related forum (here or anywhere else) you become jaded to newbie questions (since they happen so often). :cool:

What's important though is that his advice is solid.
 
450 said:
Don't mind obobski too much. After spending too much time in an audio related forum (here or anywhere else) you become jaded to newbie questions (since they happen so often). :cool:

What's important though is that his advice is solid.
Click to expand...

Thank-you, nice post. Hugs all around.

It is a shame I'm not smarter about the audio stuff, but I guess I wouldn't mind some spoon-feeding of the "Here's what I'd recommend. Here's why." type. It's all good, though.
 
just an off the wall thought, given that this seems to be a space and budget constrained setup, Klipsch should still sell ProMedia replacement speakers for $20 or $30 a pop, grab six of 'em, something like this: http://www.simplifidigital.com/shopsimplifi/51-analog-input-media-center-amplifier-silver-p-7.html, and a cheapie sub (this depends a bit on your room size, something with an 8 or 10 inch driver should be solid)

cost like $300 (so $50-$100 less than Z-5500's), give you PM5.1 Ultra/Quintet II/III sound, compact enough to go most anywhere, yeah it probably isn't the best setup in the world, but its cheaper than some computer setups, and most HTIB/package setups

::edit
yeah klipsch still does
http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/promedia-2-1-4-1-satellite-speaker-overview/
http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/gmx-a-2-1-gmx-d-5-1-satellite-speaker-overview/

I'd get the black ones, but the GMX's are $6 cheaper
 
obobski said:
just an off the wall thought, given that this seems to be a space and budget constrained setup, Klipsch should still sell ProMedia replacement speakers for $20 or $30 a pop, grab six of 'em, something like this: http://www.simplifidigital.com/shopsimplifi/51-analog-input-media-center-amplifier-silver-p-7.html, and a cheapie sub (this depends a bit on your room size, something with an 8 or 10 inch driver should be solid)

cost like $300 (so $50-$100 less than Z-5500's), give you PM5.1 Ultra/Quintet II/III sound, compact enough to go most anywhere, yeah it probably isn't the best setup in the world, but its cheaper than some computer setups, and most HTIB/package setups

::edit
yeah klipsch still does
http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/promedia-2-1-4-1-satellite-speaker-overview/
http://www.klipsch.com/na-en/products/gmx-a-2-1-gmx-d-5-1-satellite-speaker-overview/

I'd get the black ones, but the GMX's are $6 cheaper
Click to expand...


ty - appreciate the info.

(You have a kind, generous, and forgiving soul.)
 
Gemütlichkeit;1035115703 said:
Bought Energy Take 5 Pack for $120USD delivered.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882269004

Apparently Klipsch is somehow connected with Energy (?). Anyway, $30 off with promo, free shipping, and good reviews--seemed like a good way to go.

Still need cheap 5.1 amplifier (receiver... whatever)
Click to expand...


Onkyo TX-SR606 from Accessories4less.com. Its factory refurbed, does 7.1 (future proofing your setup), decodes HDMI audio (including blu-ray formats) and has a 1 yr warranty. And its only 299.99!

On a related note I need to stop pimpin this reciever out as I need to get one before they sell out of them again :)
 
NukeULater said:
I have a bit of a similar question, but rather than making a new thread I thought I would ask here. How well would these parts work together? I know it is on a budget, but how would it compare to something like a set of logitech Z5300s or Z5500s?

Amp
http://www.simplifidigital.com/shopsimplifi/analog-input-amplifiers-c-2_5.html

Speakers
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882780017
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290113
Click to expand...


I would change out the speakers for these ones and then add a sub of your choice (budget suggestion here)

Those speakers would do much better than the logitech's provided your amp (which I dont know anything about) has enough power to drive them.

I personally would try to go with a actual reciever rather than an amp, but that would destroy your budget.
 
EndersShadow said:
Onkyo TX-SR606 from Accessories4less.com. Its factory refurbed, does 7.1 (future proofing your setup), decodes HDMI audio (including blu-ray formats) and has a 1 yr warranty. And its only 299.99!

On a related note I need to stop pimpin this reciever out as I need to get one before they sell out of them again :)
Click to expand...

when you say 7.1, do you mean 7.1 analog in? honestly thats all it takes to "future proof" a receiver/amp (which is why DSP-A1's still rock around the house, some 15 years later)
you know, unless the DRM loving types decide that phono connectors are too "unsafe" for us

NukeULater said:
I have a bit of a similar question, but rather than making a new thread I thought I would ask here. How well would these parts work together? I know it is on a budget, but how would it compare to something like a set of logitech Z5300s or Z5500s?

Amp
http://www.simplifidigital.com/shopsimplifi/analog-input-amplifiers-c-2_5.html

Speakers
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882780017
or
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290113
Click to expand...

but rather than thread jacking, I think you should start a new thread in the future ;)
your setup looks fine, I agree with Enders on the Energy speakers, heard mixed things about Simplifi, nothing outright negative though, so it should be fine
 
Gemütlichkeit;1035118033 said:
Just ordered the Simplifi 5075B amplifier:
http://www.simplifidigital.com/shopsimplifi/51-analog-input-media-center-amplifier-black-p-4.html

...to go with these speakers (previously mentioned):
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882269004

...for total price, delivered, of $272.26

I'll post again when system is completed (2 or 3 weeks) what the results are.

Thanks to all for your input.

~ Gem
Click to expand...

two or three weeks?
is Simplifi's shipping really that horrible? :eek:

-bob
 
Yet to be determined.

But I've got stuff coming in from Oliver Hellengone. Most should be in by the 6th. That plus a week or two to savor the whole 'connect widget A to slot B' experience (conducted under the disapproving, not to say admonishing, eye of my loving spouse) and there you have it: mid to late Jan.
 
Save up until you can afford something really nice, so you won't be tempted to upgrade again!
 
Gemütlichkeit;1035115703 said:
Bought Energy Take 5 Pack for $120USD delivered.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882269004

Apparently Klipsch is somehow connected with Energy (?). Anyway, $30 off with promo, free shipping, and good reviews--seemed like a good way to go.

Still need cheap 5.1 amplifier (receiver... whatever)
Click to expand...

You made a terrific buy. We have a set of those speakers in our training room and they sound amazing for the cost. You'll be happy with the set.
 
Dont forget they do not have a sub however, you might want to look at purchasing a cheap one to help out with the bass
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top