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Total utter newb audio guide

E

EchoMatrix

Gawd
Joined
Feb 1, 2005
Messages
806
I am a noob when it comes to anyhting other than hooking your speakers into your sound card.

Should I buy a reciever? pre amp? amp?

basically, what is all of this stuff? thanks to those who help a noob.

but i know good sound when i hear it, so im not that new. I can tell a 128bit mp3 from a cd anyday on a good sound blaster audigy 2 zs
 
Yes. Buy an external reciever to run the card thru. If you have an entertainment center DVD, CD, TV ect. Your Computer can be hooked up to the recievers AUX input/output. The latest greatest recievers have dedicated pc input/output lines but that isnt really necessary.

You can run a digital signal out of the card and using splitters connect the card to the 5.1 surround of the reciever. The reciever is essentialy a pass-thru device. However sound management (EQ) leaves a bit to be desired with the card, so an EQ used with the reciever is a good investment (not required though...obviously)

Keep in mind that you are going to be handling line level inputs essentialy. Your not going to damage anything. Just keep the volume down, so if you do try and make an improper connection you will get distorted feedback letting you know you have erred. (of course dont turn on anything till after its been connected. a good habit)

The Audigy hookup instucts are big and colorful and most or all recievers have basic easy to read set-up guides too. You will need 3 pairs of splitters for the analog 5.1 card to reciever set up.

It's as easy as connecting the dots.
 
JL_Audio_User said:
Yes. Buy an external reciever to run the card thru. If you have an entertainment center DVD, CD, TV ect. Your Computer can be hooked up to the recievers AUX input/output. The latest greatest recievers have dedicated pc input/output lines but that isnt really necessary.
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I don't think he's specifically asking about how to hook up speakers, but asking a very vague question about all the audio stuff going on here.

To the poster - read the FAQ definitely. Do you simply want to be more informed or are you looking make a purchase? Any topics/products specifically?
 
Deadlierchair]I don't think he's specifically asking about how to hook up speakers, but asking a very vague question about all the audio stuff going on here.
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:rolleyes:


[EchoMatrix]....Should I buy a reciever? pre amp? amp?
Click to expand...
I said reciever..... my opinion.




You address me?? Why? and quote me :confused: I addressed a part of his question and elaborated. You should give YOUR 2 cents instead of commenting on other posters.

For every helpful person on this forum (there are many), there are 10 piss a**es with sticks in their ass's. Just help the guy, and dont worry what other people say for christ's sake.
 
ok, i am looking at some of the "headphone" setups and i see a lot of stuff i dont reconize. is most of this stuff just amps? they look like white boxes with just the audio cable comming out.

so, whats a good web site to do some reasearch for this stuff. I tried Cruchfield, but am more confused. what are some good amps and good recievers, if i need one at all

and i must be hella tired for some reason cuz i cant spell worth a damn
 
EchoMatrix:
Remember most audio components are named with audiophiles in mind so the name has to be kept simple or they get confused. ;)
Amplifier = just what it's name implies.
Preamp = volume control and source switching (sometimes they even have a phono stage)
Phono stage (AKA Phono preamp) specialized line level amplifier for record players
Integrated amplifier= Combine a preamp with an amp and you got a Integrated amplifier.
DAC= Digital to Analog converter.
Tuner= AM/FM radio receiver.
Receiver= Combine a tuner, a preamp, a DAC and a amplifier into one package and you get a receiver.

What do you need to get sound from your computer?
An Amplifier, some Speakers and some cables. :)

Is this the Crutchfeild article you read?
http://www.crutchfieldadvisor.com/ISEO-rgbtcspd/reviews/20040629/home_audio_building.html
If that doesn't help get you strarted then maybe one of the links here will
http://www.ecoustics.com/Home/Home_Theater/Home_Theater_Articles/

i am looking at some of the "headphone" setups and i see a lot of stuff i dont reconize. is most of this stuff just amps?
Click to expand...

Yea, many of them are Headphone amps. :)
 
what are somp good brand for amps and recievers? obviously sony and all the car models like pioneer etc, but what do you guys htink is the best. or should I just go read up on specifications and just go with them?
 
Good receiver brands are, in alphabetical order: Denon, Karmon Kardon, Marantz, Onkyo, Yamaha.

Far more important than the receiver is the choice of speakers.

Did you read the FAQ about how to ask for equipment reccomendations? We need guidance on your budget and expected application. Read the FAQ for details.
 
Agree with the above post. Onkyo and Yamaha make very nice recievers and components. I might add they both make very nice drivers.
 
like 2-300. id prefer not buying what I dont need. chances are these speakers will just be used for the computer. so maybe no reciever needed? I plan on getting an AIW card...
 
If it's just for the PC then I would have to recommend a Klipsch Promedia setup. I uses to sell and install Home Theaters and found Klipsch speakers to offer an excellent Price/Performance ratio. Amazing speakers in my opinion. I've tested the Promedia speakers and they are amazing. Klipsch speakers are also very efficient and put out lots of sound even with little power. Definitely worth the money and much better than a buying a cheap receiver and a full set of speakers at even 2x the price.
 
wolfofsin said:
If it's just for the PC then I would have to recommend a Klipsch Promedia setup. I uses to sell and install Home Theaters and found Klipsch speakers to offer an excellent Price/Performance ratio. Amazing speakers in my opinion. I've tested the Promedia speakers and they are amazing. Klipsch speakers are also very efficient and put out lots of sound even with little power. Definitely worth the money and much better than a buying a cheap receiver and a full set of speakers at even 2x the price.
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I wouldn't agree with that sentiment at all. I think it's pretty easy to best the Promedia's. Just get a nice pair of speakers like the Paradigm Titans or Atoms, a used surround receiver, and build from there =]
 
Originally posted by BO(\/)BZ
I wouldn't agree with that sentiment at all. I think it's pretty easy to best the Promedia's. Just get a nice pair of speakers like the Paradigm Titans or Atoms, a used surround receiver, and build from there =]
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I know there are better options that the Promedias, but they are not in the same price category. My statement was based upon EchoMatrix's stated budge of $2-$300.
 
WOW!

ok maybe ill just stick to a set of promedias. Those things are hella expensive. To buy a reciever, amp, then like 4-5 of those! ieeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
 
Start with the SR-TX502 and a stereo pair. Add a bargain subwoofer when there's budget. Add the rear surrounds later.

Or, if you want to stay stereo only, you can get a used receiver from a yard sale or Craigslist.org and put more meney towards your speaker budget.
 
Rule of thumb when it comes to speakers. And more often than not, this is true. You get what you pay for.
 
well thats good to know. but why does it seem so cheap for that many speakers? i looked on the other side and each speaker was over 199
 
Of course buying it all separately cost more, but it is also better that way. Also separates are design to work with a wider array of components and in larger environments than a multimedia set designed for a PC.
 
mk

so if im just gonna use it for a computer and just listen to it in my own room, i can just stick with the the 4.1 promedias with maybe some monster cable if i want to spend more money?

i think all of this is startin to go way way way out my budge range. thansk for all the info though. ill definatly keep this in mind after college
 
Exaclty my point. Get the best quality you can afford that fits your needs. First and foremost, you have to listen for yourself. no matter what anyone else say, your ears know better. Let all of our advice serve to narrow the choices down to the last few for you to compare.
 
wolfofsin said:
Rule of thumb when it comes to speakers. And more often than not, this is true. You get what you pay for.
Click to expand...

Except when it comes to bose... Then you are getting ripped off no matter how much you pay.
 
You can get ripped off in countless different ways, not just Bose :p The OP mentioned Monster cables.. there's a good way there also!

Echo,

I'd say start with just 2 speakers and a receiver, such as the one previously linked. You'll get much better sound quality along with good upgradability at the sacrifice of multiple channels. Basically, it boils down to whether you'd rather have 2 good speakers or 4-5 mediocre ones.
 
You should go on ebay and check out Athena Micra 6s... Ive seen them go as low as $100 and they are very nice. Better than the klipsch's I believe. You will need a reciever though...
 
I would have to agree with the Bose comment. I can't stand them
 
wolfofsin said:
I would have to agree with the Bose comment. I can't stand them
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I tried integrating a Bose system with a pc and was ripping my hair out. The speaker connect/everything is designed to work only with Bose. Had to cut and solder everything. On top of that I was stunned to realize they actually dont sound to good at all! For that price.

Subwoofer? forget about it. It is tuned for something like 65Hz and nothing below. I thought I was having unique problems. So I hop on the web to do some research and found a whole BOSE sucks culture. They all had similiar problems to mine. After alot more work than shoulda been necessary I worked it out.

I learned that Bose is (in my opinion) one of the biggest frauds/misconceptions or whatever you wanna call it it, I call it a scam! PERIOD! The price/performance ratio is like nothing I've seen anywhere. Will people ever realize? I think the internet is slowly helping to enlighten people.


Sorry to go off your topic, but wanted to say this
 
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