Replacing dead Klipsch setup, opinions wanted

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Coreyk78

Limp Gawd
Joined
Jul 10, 2008
Messages
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Well I was kinda sad, my old Klipsch Promedia 5.1 amp died over the weekend. My desk and room where the PC is located really isn't any good for 5.1 so I'm looking to replace them with a decent 2.1 setup. My idea is to buy a nice pair of desktop speakers for less than $200 and add a sub later as my budget allows. I'm a complete noob when it comes to any brands that aren't sold at Best Buy / CC etc, but I was looking at these and I am wondering if they are a good value.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-Studiophile-AV40?sku=600092

Like I said, I know nothing about the MAudio brand, so if anyone has suggestions for other brands in that price range I'm open to it. Size isn't much of an issue since I have a fairly large desk, as long as they aren't too much bigger than the ones in the link.
 
If I was gonna build up a 2.0 setup right now, I'd probably hit my local Best Buy and get a set of Bose 301s..

The problem there is that I don't believe the 301s are shielded..

Bose 301s on Best Buy.com

These are also very attractive - these should be able to put out quite a lot of sound without sacrificing quality.

These Polk bookshelf speakers look quite nice as well, and are quite attractive, visually speaking.

The important thing is to be able to test-drive the speakers.. I'd recommend hitting Best Buy and doing some listening..
 
Sorry to waste your time then, I have no input on self-powered speakers 8 )
 
Might wanna look at some of Swan's and Audioengine's offerings... I've heard a lot of good things about the A2/A5 (though I don't think the A2s would allow you to easily add a sub later on) as well as the M200 (which were replaced by the M200 MKII I think). The best place to shop for Swan speakers online seems to be theaudioinsider.com. The Swan M10s are also a favorite around here and elsewhere, good value.
 
The amp on an old 5.1 Cambridge Soundworks set I had also died without warning, no pop, smoke, noise, or anything... Just didn't turn on one day. The set's far too ancient to even bother looking for a replacement amp, and I mostly game w/headphones these days, so I'm actually looking for a decent 2.0 set myself

I'll mostly it use it for music though, and I prefer something relatively compact if I'm going that route, something that can maybe double as a portable set for the occasional poker/domino game w/my friends perhaps. I think I'm about to spring for those A2 I mentioned before.
 
Well I ordered the M-Audio AV40's, I'll post back once I have a chance to try them out.
 
Yeah man let us know what you think. I have been reading about the AV40 and the AV30 (since they are smaller). I'd like to hear your opinion especially since you are coming from the Klipsch 5.1.

Where did you buy them from?
 
I ordered from musician's friend, they had free shipping and a 45 day full refund/exchange deal which is why I chose to go with them.
 
Coreyk78 said:
Well I was kinda sad, my old Klipsch Promedia 5.1 amp died over the weekend.
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Coreyk78 said:
... the amp died without warning.
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Old, eh? Died without warning, like 99.999% of electronic components do, eh? The volume knob issues are well known so I'll give you that, but I'd argue that apparently if your Klipsch setup was old apparently it gave you years of listening pleasure. I didn't see you state they were new, or barely used, but old sooo...

I gotta ask: what kept you with those old Promedias for so long even in spite of the volume knob issue and the potential they could drop dead at any second just like one of us?

Just for the record, I have some friends that own the M-Audio AV40 set in their small(ish) home studios (they're audio producers like myself) and they do have a great sound for powered monitors at a relatively good price. I doubt you'll be disappointed, but that question about the Klipsch set would still be great to see answered.
 
I had the Klipsch set for 4 years, and while they worked they were very nice. However, IMO an amp shouldn't just die after 4 years, I have an Onkyo stereo receiver from 1979 that still works flawlessly, it was purchased new by my mom and I happily took it off her hands when she got something newer. So Klipsch dies in 4 years, but the old school Onkyo is still kicking after 29 years. Idk, 4 years seems too short to me.
 
dandragonrage said:
Those M-Audios will be very weak on bass. Start saving for that subwoofer ASAP.
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X2 no doubt. Fine for playing soft but turn them up and yeah. Honestly though, they are tiny speakers and could not be expected to do bass well. If you order a pair with 6 or 8 inch drivers then the bass obviously improves. Still, you want a sub to turn on for games. There are several excellent sub-$200 subwoofers though so no fear.

You were smart enough to buy with the 45 day return. No worries then,

good luck and happy listening!
 
Joe Average said:
Old, eh? Died without warning, like 99.999% of electronic components do, eh? The volume knob issues are well known so I'll give you that, but I'd argue that apparently if your Klipsch setup was old apparently it gave you years of listening pleasure. I didn't see you state they were new, or barely used, but old sooo...

I gotta ask: what kept you with those old Promedias for so long even in spite of the volume knob issue and the potential they could drop dead at any second just like one of us?

Just for the record, I have some friends that own the M-Audio AV40 set in their small(ish) home studios (they're audio producers like myself) and they do have a great sound for powered monitors at a relatively good price. I doubt you'll be disappointed, but that question about the Klipsch set would still be great to see answered.
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hate to say it, but the amp failure's very well known too with the promedia 5.1s. some people had to pay for the repair multiple times before giving up or getting a good amp. most the failure's from the BASH chip. it's true for mine too.
 
But I still wonder why he kept 'em so long... I mean, did he actually like the sound quality or what? It's a given that stuff will die sooner or later. For those that have equipment that's last well beyond their expected lifetime, that's fantastic, but I'm curious: if and when those components drop dead without warning, would that suddenly give you reason enough to totally change your attitude about the products that company puts out?

I've got some hardware that's lasted for decades myself, but hell, those companies ain't even in business anymore. :) Does it necessarily mean if they were still around I'd buy from them again just because the older purchase lasted so long? Far from it... times change, and so do products, and people's tastes. So that's what I was trying to get at: what his opinion of the speakers was or remains considering he apparently liked the Klipsch set he had. I'm just wanting to see him say it. :)
 
Joe Average said:
But I still wonder why he kept 'em so long... I mean, did he actually like the sound quality or what? It's a given that stuff will die sooner or later. For those that have equipment that's last well beyond their expected lifetime, that's fantastic, but I'm curious: if and when those components drop dead without warning, would that suddenly give you reason enough to totally change your attitude about the products that company puts out?

I've got some hardware that's lasted for decades myself, but hell, those companies ain't even in business anymore. :) Does it necessarily mean if they were still around I'd buy from them again just because the older purchase lasted so long? Far from it... times change, and so do products, and people's tastes. So that's what I was trying to get at: what his opinion of the speakers was or remains considering he apparently liked the Klipsch set he had. I'm just wanting to see him say it. :)
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I did like them, and I was happy with the sound quality. I'm just not going to buy another set and would rather try something different.
 
Well there ya go. Enjoy the new speakers... and if they crap out and die without warning, don't hesitate for a second to share it. ;)
 
I'm not sure if you're purposely trying to sound apologetic for Klipsch or not Joe...

But I don't think an amp lasting a mere 4 years is acceptable regardless of how nice the speakers may be... /shrug It's not even about the expense of buying a new set, a 4 year average lifespan is just ludicrous imo. If you were talking 10 years or something like that, fine, it's probably outdated or worn down anyway and it out-lived it's usefulness, but it's not even like speakers are something most people update/swap often...

I've had plenty of equipment die unexpectedly, hard drives and memory being the biggest culprit, but I have a lot more gear that's still kicking 8-12 years after it was originally purchased. Anything from 486's/P2's, to 2nd gen digital cameras, old MP3 players (512MB Creative MuVo - it's eaten more rain and sweat than I can fathom, and it's still what I use for running), plenty of home theater stuff, etc.
 
With the exception of car amplifiers, I have never had an amp/receiver die on me. Properly designed amplifiers should last for decades.
 
Just a question, did you try to replace the fuse? my old logitech 5.1 set blew a fuse when i thought it died.
 
Well, I got my M-Audio AV40's today. One word, AWESOME.

These speakers are fantastic, one of the best purchases I've made for my computer, lovin em so far. They don't have the low-low bass, but I wasn't expecting that. I am very impressed though with the amount of bass these can produce with only 4" woofers. I wouldn't really even need to add a sub, but I probably will pick up an 8" just to fill out the low end and then I should have one kick-ass sound system for my computer. The highs and mids sound perfect to me on good quality mp3s and my CD collection. I have these hooked up to the realtek hd onboard sound now, but I ordered up a Sound Blaster XFI extreme gamer today that I should have next week (only 45 bucks after MIR at ZZF right now btw). Can't wait to hear what these will sound like with a real sound card. Highly recommended! :D
 
Excellent news, congrats on the purchase. I've considered M-Audio hardware in the past and someday maybe I'll spring on a pair of NFMs and get a decent sub. For now, the Promedia 2.1 are just fine, and as I live in a small(ish) apartment building and I'm considerate of my neighbors (I hate being a nice guy sometimes, I assure you), they fulfill my needs adequately. Besides, when I need to do serious monitoring for audio production, on go the Sony V6. :)
 
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