New audio system for pc

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ronb94

n00b
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Aug 17, 2008
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Hello
I am total noob to this.
I want to get speakers for my PC for Music.I never had something like this and I don't have any ideas what should I take.Can I get something good for 400 CAD (without taxes) with all what I need [receiver,sound card,speakers, subwoofer(?)]
Will it be better than the logitech Z-5500? I read a lot in this forum and I found that logitech sucks.
Can you recommend me please what is the best that I can get for this price 400 CAD (maybe a little bit more).
And where can I buy it (I am living in Canada,Montreal -Chateauguay)? I was in future shop, best buy and some other shops and there are nothing expect some logitech models.
Or maybe should I buy it from Internet?
Thank you very much and sorry for my bad English:)
 
Do you want a bad 5.1 or a good 2.1?

With your budget, you will get better quality speakers and sound with 2.1.

Online is the place to buy. I can't help you much with Canadian online stores but if you have craigslist there then you should be able to find some good deals on Paradigm speakers. They are a Canadian company.

I am sure one of your countrymen will help you soon.
 
Ok thanks
But what about the parts? Can you recommend me what are the best parts for this price(2.1)?
Is it possible to make something good with this budget? (better than logitech?)
Thanks
 
Oh sure it is. Hold on. I will look around online and see what is out there.
 
There is nothing better?
This cost 120 CAD.
What about a receiver 2 bookshelf speakers subwoofer and audio card?
Is it possible with my budget?
And do I need sound card if I buy a receiver?
 
no receiver needed. hang on again though. I think I need to make this simpler.
 
Depending on how much space you have you could look into a small HT receiver. I recently picked up a Panasonic SA-XR45 used for $100. It puts out more power than you could ask for in a PC audio system and superb quality (it uses pure digital from input all the way to amp power stage, which also makes it small, lightweight and efficient). You can also build your own speakers and save a ton of money on that too, or get far better speakers for the same cost. Here's an example of low-cost kit speakers:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=300-642

Figure these are probably comparable to speakers that are $300-500 each purchased from a normal store (USD prices). I personally built their Usher 701 kits ($300/speaker) and they sound absolutely incredible. They are running on the Panasonic amp. Also with speakers such as the ones linked above you most likely would not need a subwoofer as they have good bass response.

EDIT: Just for reference, I'm using mine for a main TV / music stereo system. The main use is streaming music from PC through PS3, then out to optical into the amp. It would work just as well having the PC directly play.
 
I believe PartsExpress ships to canada, not certain about prices though. I was reading up on kit / DIY design speakers for a few months before I picked out the ones I bought and built them. If you have the right skills and tools (wood working, soldering, etc.) you can buidl your own speakers entirely and save a little more money. One site with some good designs is www.zaphaudio.com . Take a look at his "Bargain Mini" speakers -- those are designed for 5.1 systems and their frequency response absolutely demoralizes the Logitech Z5300 speakers I have for my PC. They require more extensive woodworking skills though. The kits generally only require that you be able to solder, turn a screwdriver, and apply glue.

PE is located in northern Ohio, but I'm sure there are also places in Canada that sell speaker drivers and kits. Another site, www.madisound.com out of Wisconsin, has speaker kits but they are generally in the higher price range ($300-1000+/speaker).
 
You do not need a sound card b/c those speakers have one built in. Just them plug the optical cable to your motherboards optical out. The speakers also have a sub woofer out so all you need to do is connect the speaker to the subwoofer with a pair of rca cables. Just read the manual.

So, one optical wire from your pc into these speakers and one from the speakers to the subwoofer and you are done! Easy as I can make it for you man.
 
Optical cable from the pc to the speaker. One rca cable from the speaker to the subwoofer.
 
Sorry for my noob questions:rolleyes:
So I connect this (PC)
to the optical output here
( speaker)
And I should get this cable with the speakers ?
Thanks again
 
Yeah. You are right.

Flip the switch over to optical. I have no idea if the cable is included. Maybe go buy the cables and keep the receipt just in case.
 
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