Is this a good setup?

[TheOrangeJuicer]

My old speakers have been acting very strange lately so I am looking to getting a new set for my computer. I am looking to get a nice 2.1 setup. I am going to be using it mainly for Games and some music.

I am using Onboard sound with my EVGA X58 LE board.

Reading these forumns I know to stay far away from logitech speakers which I am doing. So far I am slightly confused still when it comes down to what I need to run what I am looking into purchasing. I want a nice 2.0 setup which will be accompanied by a sub.

I would like some help narrowing my choices down. My budget is less than $350 if possible.

First off, i narrowed my speaker choices to the following:
Swan D1080MKII
M-Audio Studiophile AV40
Polk Audio Monitor 30

Now if I understand, I will need a receiver for the Polk Audio Monitors right? This is where I get confused... The Swan's doesn't need one and neither do the AV40's?

Subs:

Polk Audio 10'' Sub
BIC 10'' Sub
Dayton 10'' Sub

Again this is where I get confused. I WILL need a receiver if I want to add a sub correct?
Since I am leaning towards the answer of "Yes" I was looking into buying something like the Yamaha V365 or something similar. Haven't really shopped around for a receiver.

Any input would be GREATLY appreciated! I am willing to increase my budget if needed. If I need a receiver I obviously will have to do so.

Thanks.

 

[Zenshi]

In general, speakers come in both active and passive formats. Active speakers and subs have built in amplifiers in them so they don't need external amplification and can directly take a signal from the line out of any device (such as a sound card). Passive speakers and subs require external amplification so you can either get an amplifier or a receiver.

The Swan and MAudio you have are active. I think the Polks are passive but not sure and don't have time right now to check. Many subs are active. You can tell both in the speaker and the sub by checking the specifications to see if it has a built in amplifier power spec.

 

[TheOrangeJuicer]

In general, speakers come in both active and passive formats. Active speakers and subs have built in amplifiers in them so they don't need external amplification and can directly take a signal from the line out of any device (such as a sound card). Passive speakers and subs require external amplification so you can either get an amplifier or a receiver.

The Swan and MAudio you have are active. I think the Polks are passive but not sure and don't have time right now to check. Many subs are active. You can tell both in the speaker and the sub by checking the specifications to see if it has a built in amplifier power spec.

Thanks for the Input. That explains A LOT and helps me narrow down my choices.

From the looks of it the Swan's paired with the Polk Audio 10" seems like a decent choice. I won't need an amp or receiver either from what I can see which is a big plus.

Anybody have a better combo they have in mind?

 

[AceofSpades4]

Anybody have a better combo they have in mind?

If your not set on a 2.1 set up you could get Audioengine A5 2.0 speakers and a sound card for around 350$. It just seems crazy to me to spend 350$ on speakers and still be using onboard sound. This also adds the ability to upgrade later and add a higher quality sub .

 

[TheOrangeJuicer]

Sound cards make that much of a difference? I was at Fry's the other day and that was what I was going to buy but I bought some crappy logitech speakers instead. Don't worry I'm going to return them when I get my new set... i just needed something to hold me over.

So a sound card is the better route to go? These speakers make that much of a difference considering they are almost twice as much as the Swans? I mean if they are really that much better and worth the extra expense then i will go for it. I just want to make sure it's worth it. You seem like it is definitely worth the extra expense so if it is I will go for it.

Thanks a lot for the advice. If anything I can use the A5's and a sub with my onboard sound until I decide to buy a sound card so that works.

 

[AceofSpades4]

Sound cards make that much of a difference? I was at Fry's the other day and that was what I was going to buy but I bought some crappy logitech speakers instead. Don't worry I'm going to return them when I get my new set... i just needed something to hold me over.

So a sound card is the better route to go? These speakers make that much of a difference considering they are almost twice as much as the Swans? I mean if they are really that much better and worth the extra expense then i will go for it. I just want to make sure it's worth it. You seem like it is definitely worth the extra expense so if it is I will go for it.

Thanks a lot for the advice. If anything I can use the A5's and a sub with my onboard sound until I decide to buy a sound card so that works.

It depends on what you want from the setup. In your price range a5s with a 50-100$ sound card will sound very good and can be loud but the bass isnt going to be shaking your desk. If you want booming bass and the sound quality isnt as important their are other speakers that will pair with a sub better.

 

[TheOrangeJuicer]

I mainly use it for Gaming so bass is pretty important to me. I listen to music pretty often too so quality is also important.

You're saying the A5's don't pair well with a sub? Or are you saying there are cheaper choices that when paired with a sub will be on par with the A5's?

 

[AceofSpades4]

I mainly use it for Gaming so bass is pretty important to me. I listen to music pretty often too so quality is also important.

You're saying the A5's don't pair well with a sub? Or are you saying there are cheaper choices that when paired with a sub will be on par with the A5's?

They arent the best for pairing with subs but they can do fine. Audio is what sounds best to you so you could get the a5s and try them out and decide if you need a sub or a sound card.