Stereo System Setup

[stampy]

I am sure this has been asked before and I'm sorry about the repeat.

I have a spare computer and am going to set it up as an all around home stereo system. Was going to put an all-in-wonder vid card in there and was thinking about XP media center for the OS but recently found out that my AMD XP processor wont jive to well with that.

But the part I have a problem with is the sound its soemthing I've never been too good at. I want to get a good sound card for all around stereo (going to watch movies on this both in divx format and off of DVD's.....) there isnt going to be any real gaming just music and movies mostly on this system. I was thinking of buying computer speakers and a sound card that works well with that type of a setup.

I don't want to go crazy but I'm willing to spend around $500 for both speakers and sound card. (less always makes my very small pocketbook feel happier)

Suggestions are GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Deleted member 72990]

Hi Dan, welcome to the forums!

$500 is a pretty solid budget and you can probably put together something nice. I personally have an Audigy 2 ZS which is alright but the bass is really weak. I know most people would recomment the M-Audio revolution for someone in your situation, and although I've never used one, I'd probably take their advice and assume that it's your best bet.

With the rest of the money, you can probably get a decent receiver and a good pair of speakers. I personally have the Harman Kardon AVR130 which is just a superb unit, and you can find a remanufactured unit for $230 at www.harmanaudio.com . With the rest of the money, you can probably buy some HK speakers from that website as well to use up the rest of the money, and then you will have a stereo system better than any computer speakers.

Here's what i would probably get with your budget:

2 of these http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=HKTW 6&status=
so a total of $200 there

1 of these http://www.harmanaudio.com/search_browse/product_detail.asp?urlMaterialNumber=AVR 130-Z
$230 for that

1 of these http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=29-121-116&depa=0

$70 for that

So all total that is $500, plus some shipping fees and maybe a couple bucks for a RCA cable to connect the sound card to the receiver.

The great thing about using a component setup like this is you can add stuff as you go along. Also, computer speakers may break after a couple years but a component setup can last a long long time if you take care of it.

You also can eventually add a sub when you have the money for it

 

[GodsMadClown]

If there will only be music and movies, then you can get by with only a digital output to an AV reciever.

The vast majority of your budget should be spent on the speakers. If your motherboard has onboard digital output then you can go ahead and use that, or buy a Chaintech AV-710 for the digital output.

AV123 is running a holiday deal (one of many)
http://www.av123.com/products_product.php?section=speakers&product=42.1

For a very limited time - purchase the Rocket Tyke home theater system at $399.00 and receive a BRAND NEW Kenwood VRS 7100 digital home theater receiver (MSRP $499.00) for just $99.00!

$499 + $36.00 shipping

p.s. It doesn't have any analog multichannel inputs.

 

[stampy]

great advice guys. I appreciate it.

I was hoping to avoid getting a receiver but it sounds like I would be missing too much if I didnt go that route. I'm thinking in advance so i'll be taking my time and getting things as they go on sale.

Thanks for the info!!

Dan

 

[mustang_steve]

BTW, go for a reciever with 20hz-20khz rated refquency response. Some will say it wont matter, but if you get hold of a rather nice set of speakers and end up driving them nearfield, it will make a difference, and the price points between the bottom end 40-20khz models and the 20-20khz models are close enough that you might as well.

 

[Pinipig523]

I would recommend something like Fluance speakers. They dont cost too much and they are good for a starter set. Should BLOW AWAY any and all computer speaker systems EVER made.

http://www.fluance.com/fluan5speaks.html

Get a receiver for around 100-150 and you're gold.

 

[BO(V)BZ]

Wow, good deal for those Fluance speakers, at least in terms of finish =] Assuming they are decent sounding, the asking price seems to be great.