Help for an audio noob

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chrono2x

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Mar 3, 2011
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I've been looking at replacing my nearly decade old computer speakers (Altec Lansing 2100) for a while now. I've narrowed down my choice to a pair of bookshelf speakers, a receiver, and perhaps a sub. However, in doing research on this site I've just gotten confused with the various choices and information so I figured I would ask for advice.

First the receiver, the only major features I would like out of the receiver would be HDMI ports (for gaming systems) and the possibility of radio reception (HD radio if possible).
The Onkyo TX-SR508 was suggested to me by a friend. Is this receiver a good choice or are there any other choices?

Next the bookshelf speakers, I would be using this setup primarily for listening to music (mostly classical and post-rock with a little bit of everything else thrown in), and sometimes gaming or movies. However, I would like to pay less than $500 for the whole setup. Any suggestions on a good pair of bookshelf speakers?

As for the sub, I don't tend to listen to music with a lot of bass and I live in an apartment, so window shuddering sound is not possible. Would it be better to get a sub, or should I skip the sub altogether and purchase nicer speakers with that money? If I should get a sub are there any suggestions?

Finally some general information, I would be using a on-board sound card (Realtek ALC889) and using these in a small bedroom. Also, the less I spend on this project the better, so coming in under budget is a priority.

Also, is there a basic primer for audio information that I can read for future upgrades or anything like that?
 
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The normal rule of thumb is to spend 70% or more on speakers vs. the rest of the junk in a sound system. Unfortunately, on a $500 budget with an A/V receiver, you probably can't quite hit that ratio.

Receiver:
The Onkyo TX-SR508 is probably a good choice, especially refurbed (1 year warranty) and shipped for ~$200: http://www.accessories4less.com/mak...hannel-3-D-Ready-Home-Theater-Receiver/1.html You can get a little cheaper with an Onkyo HT-RC230 or Onkyo TX-SR308 from the same site, but the extra power and features seem worth it to stick with the 508.

The 508 will take Onkyo's HD radio module (at $100-175), but I've heard mixed things about it. A better bet would be to hunt down the excellent Sony XDR-F1HD HD radio tuner. Unfortunately, it's been discontinued and it's probably going for over $100 on eBay these days. Denon has a lowish-end reciever, the AVR-1611, that has built in HD radio, but it's ~$400.

A side note, I have been contemplating HD radio for home use as well, however it seems like internet radio streaming will give you a similar fidelity with less hassle and hardware for your budget. This is one reason I'm looking for a higher end network-enabled receiver; the 2011 model TX-NR509 (~$350) is the lowest-end one I've found. The vTuner website (one of the sources of content for many of the network-enabled receivers: http://vtuner.com/setupapp/guide/asp/BrowseStations/startpage.asp) has all the local stations I listen to and there's no reason you can't just use it for to find streams for the software player of your choice (I keep a Foobar2k playlist of all my radio stations).

Also another side note, none of the AV receivers in this price range (that I know of) upscale. So you'll be relying on your TV/monitor. Probably not a problem, but just in case you didn't know.

Speakers:
So that leaves you with about $300 for speakers. The the big name in the $300 bookshelf market is a pair of Paradigm Atom Monitors. You can grab them at your local boutique hi-fi shop (not online), but you probably want to listen to them before bucking up anyway. Bring your own music and enjoy. You've also got Audioengine P4 for $250, Axiom M3 for $330, and literally hundreds more.

You have more choices if you go the used or the DIY route. AV123 speakers are fairly highly regarded (in terms of sound, not business practices:D) in your price range, like the X-LS Encore. Check audiogon.com for used gear. DIY is whole different can of worms, but your starting points can be parts-express.com, madisound.com, zaphaudio.com, and gr-research.com.

Again, I'm the market for similar bookshelf speakers, and the one model that's really tempting me is the Arx A1: http://www.theaudioinsider.com/product_info.php?products_id=65 for $250/pair. The high-tech-in-a-plain-box resonates with me. And I'm a planar headphone fan. There aren't a lot of reviews of them out on the internet (which concerns me), but Don Lindich (http://www.soundadviceblog.com/) gushes about them all the time: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10192/1071982-468.stm

One of the best things you can do is make a trip out to Best Buy and listen to their house-brand Insignia NS-B2111s (with your own music), then do the same with some Paradigm Atoms at your local hi-fi shop to A-B and see if you even care for $300 speakers. If the $90/pair (~$50 Best Buy employee price) Insignia are good enough you, then... they're good enough for you.

Sub:
I'd skip the sub for now. You just can't fit a decent sub in your budget. Find an old HTIB sub from craigslist if you think you're missing out. But you won't find a "musical" (i.e. something that plays more than a thump) sub until you hit the $300+ range (Emotiva Ultra 10, HSU STF-1).

Using on-board sound, you'd likely connect via digital S/PDIF to the receiver to avoid the crappy, noisy on-board DAC.

Cables, connectors, adapters, speaker wire (16~14 gauge will be plenty) from Monoprice.com.

If you just want one site to keep up to date on AV info, audioholics.com would be my choice.
 
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