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Speaker Setup for Computer - Page 2

post #16 of 25
5/31/08 at 12:33am
Thread Starter 
Well, I got to thinking, and I believe I've come up with what I am going to do and I'd like opinions on it.

1) Sell off my HP's and Zero DAC/Amp
2) Purchase a Keces DA-151(or 131) DAC
3) Purchase Audio Engine A5 Speakers

This will leave me plenty upgrade room later down the line as the Keces DAC is most likely the most I plan on spending for a DAC. So unless something amazing comes out, it should stay as a very good base for my system. Then getting the Audio Engine A5 speakers saves me some $$$ because I won't need an amp.. right away. Later down the line, when I get some extra cash, I can sell off the Audio Engine A5's and upgrade to a better pair of speakers and a dedicated amp.

I also won't require a HP Amp right away as the only cans I plan on keeping are a pair of Audio Technica AD700's, for LANs and when I need to keep the noise down.

Edit: Actually thinking of going a slightly different route. Here is what I am thinking...

1) Sell off my HP's and Zero DAC/Amp
2) Purchase a Keces DA-151(or 131) DAC
3) Purchase a Pioneer A35R
4) Purchase either B25 or AV123 X-Series

It'll cost a little bit more, but it will make upgrading down the line even easier. I'll be able to add a sub-woofer easily, or even replace the speakers with better ones altogether, without having to change the core of the system(Amp/DAC).

Edit2: I'm still not set on the amp or the speakers either. I would like more input on those if possible.
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post #17 of 25
5/31/08 at 10:40am
holy moly, you have a lot of different options going on!

At this point, you have to decide what you are most comfortable with. As I said, you want to have a balanced system, also don't buy something you will want to replace down the road. That's what I did with the speakers, I tore into my budget to get the best speakers I could ever conceive buying with my Dynaudios.

As for speakers, it's such a personal thing. Try to get out and hear some of these speakers. Then you have a reference point for others to give recommendations. In terms of power amps, it probably won't make a huge difference which way you go.

The A5 has a decent amount of bass, but you *still* may want to add a sub down the road.
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post #18 of 25
5/31/08 at 11:21am
The X-LS that I have almost do not need a sub. I am still playing around with them but they do seem to reach down lower than any bookshelf I have ever had.

That, and the mids and highs completely blew me away.

Remember though, mine are modded to the hilt.

Still, they kick lot's of ass for bookshelves. Just my 2 cents.
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post #19 of 25
5/31/08 at 1:02pm
I find if a speaker has response down to 40Hz, you never really miss a sub. How deep a speaker plays is often directly related to the size of the cabinet, and how the cabinet is tuned.
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post #20 of 25
5/31/08 at 1:28pm
here's another contender which is awesome for the price

Cambridge Audio



Only about $250. Add in a Cambridge Audio 340A amp and you have a great matched system. For its size, the bass is very impressive. It seems to do a bit better than its rating of 55Hz bass limit
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post #21 of 25
5/31/08 at 4:07pm
Thread Starter 
I think I'm going to go with the PSB B25's, they seem highly recommended for being amazing speakers for their price. Now I just need to make up my mind for the Amp/DAC Section of the rig, and I'm set.
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post #22 of 25
5/31/08 at 11:22pm
Thread Starter 
If I end up going to cheaper route(Audio Engine A5), how do the Swan M200MkII compare to them?
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post #23 of 25
6/3/08 at 3:04am
Thread Starter 
Okay, I've configured 2 Setups that I believe should both sound amazing. The first one was configured with ease of use and space in mind. Here they are:

Setup 1(~$500):
- Audioengine A5
- Dayton SUB-120 12"
- Zero DAC


Setup 2(~$750):
- PSB Image B25/AV123 X-Series/Paradigm Atom
- KingRex T20U USB Amplifier
- Dayton SUB-120 12"

I believe I'll end up going with Setup 1 as it's simpler and smaller. Perfect for Dorm use. I'd have no problem splurging and getting Setup 2, but I'd need more opinions on the subject.
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post #24 of 25
6/3/08 at 5:38am
perhaps if you are getting a sub, the A2s would be a better choice? you could cut costs down even more, and the bass difference between the two is negligible since you will probably crossover at 80 or 100 hz anyway. i'm not sure how you would hook up the sub though because i do not believe the A2 has a sub out. i would probably consider trying that setup myself if i had a way to do that.
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post #25 of 25
6/3/08 at 7:00am
Thread Starter 
I opted for the A5's because I would think there would be a difference in SQ and because my budget allows. Unless the A2's put out the saem SQ as the A5's, I'll stick with them.
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