I need some help and some advice.

My Monsoon system just died (well, the subwoofer did).   I really loved this system…even the subwoofer.  I shed a couple of tears and then moved on.  

So I came to the forums looking to find a new 2.1 system.  It seems that there are no great 2.1 computer systems out there for around $200 (my budget).  Some systems I’ve read about here are either discontinued or are not available in the States.  There are some systems that I would love (Blue Sky…Focal), but they are out of my price range.  I was thinking about an Edifier S330 or the Klipsch Promedia, but both systems seem to have quality issues (specially the Klipsch 2.1).   One thing that bothers me about the Edifier is the fact that it has blue led lights on the volume control…call me crazy, but I don’t like neon lights on my equipment.

So then I started thinking about powered 2.0 speakers.  Here are my choices:

Audioengine A2s - People either love them or they don’t like them much.  Not sure.  Perhaps I should try them along with their stands.

Swan  D1010MkII - Currently are out of stock.

M-Audio AV40s – Blue led on volume…lol (perhaps the XC8s with a very small blue led).

Swan M10s – No place to put that stupid sub, otherwise I would have purchased these already.

The big problem with all of these, and many other systems I have read about, is the fact that I have not heard them in person.  Also, I’m afraid that I’ll be missing the subwoofer.  I mostly listen to Jazz (some lounge, rock, and electronic music).    I don’t need a lot of bass (my subwoofer was set to around one quarter to one half ), but I do need some for certain instruments.

Lately I’ve been thinking that perhaps my best option is to get a small amp, a small subwoofer and hook up some old Boston Acoustic bookshelf speakers that are stored in my garage.  I could place them on speaker stands (also in storage) next to my computer desk.

What do you guys recommend?

I was thinking $100 for the amp and $100 for the subwoofer.  I’m looking for a very small amp (so I can hide it away) and a subwoofer about the size of those that come with computer 2.1 systems (my girlfriend would kill me if I install a full size subwoofer in our small study).

Suggestions please.  Would you go for a 2.1 system, a 2.0 system, or for the amp\subwoofer \bookshelf combo?

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRG1990 

Id go with the amp/sub/bookshelf combo.

 

Sub here http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-Audio-SUB-80-Powered-Subwoofer/dp/B000I7VQAS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1316270858&sr=8-3

amp http://www.amazon.com/Dayton-DTA-100a-Class-T-Digital-Amplifier/dp/B004JK8BDK/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1316271396&sr=8-4 longs the speakers are 6-8ohms if there 4 your need a different amp.

That is one of the subwoofers I'm interested in.  The other one is a $100 Polk from Amazon...but that one is bigger.

Thanks...
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexsj 

If you want to go with bookshelf speakers, sub, and amp, this is a decent small amp for $100, http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=300-383.  I know you're starved for space but personally I'd go with an inexpensive stereo receiver like this, http://www.amazon.com/Sherwood-RX-4105-Stereo-Receiver-Black/dp/B0002EPWC0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1316275304&sr=8-3.  You also might want to check out manufacturer refurbished products.

I have a 9 year old Onkyo receiver in my garage.  I was thinking about using that, but space is an issue.  Perhaps I could hide it behind something, but if I do that I would have to leave it on most of the time.  The girlfriend is the limitation here.  If it was up to me, I would just stack equipment up and install some Polk towers I have (guess where) in the garage.

BTW, the story with all the equipment in the garage is...girlfriend moves in...doesn't like man-cave equipment...I purchase better looking equipment for the home theater (small Monitor Audio Radius system and smaller Onkyo that will fit in newly purchased cabinet)...fight to keep a subwoofer in the living room...store old equipment in garage.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Il Mostro 

Man up, get your stuff out of the garage and do your thing.  If you are getting this much grief now, just imagine what the future holds if you keep grabbing your ankles.  Now is the time to take a stand, man.  Do it now, before it is too late. 

I have to admit that the place looks nicer after she got done with it.  All mid century furniture mixed with some modern stuff. 

Plus, she made Lasagna for me yesterday...from scratch.

I think it's too late to take a stand.  I thought she was going to freak when I told here I was planning on placing speakers on stands next to the desk.  She didn't make a fuss.  As a matter of fact, she offered her old 2.1 system which is stored...wait for it...wait for it...in the garage.   I kindly refused the offer to use her precious Bose CineMates (she got pissed...how could I refuse such great speakers ).    She doesn't know about the sub I'm planning on buying for the study.  I might need to take my stand then.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRG1990 

the daytons are easier to connect up because there have rca in and out , the polk doesn't so to use the polk you need a receiver with a sub output.

 

This is exactly why I'm thinking on getting the Dayton.  The Polk looks nicer though. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Il Mostro 

LOL.  You are wise to pick your spots.  And, it certainly sounds like your gf is a keeper.  Of the speakers on your list, I have only heard the Swan D1010's -- I thought they sounded pretty good for their size and intended purpose.  This was in quite a small room.   The fact that they have a very extensive line of speakers, including high-end models, leads me to believe that Swan goodness trickles down to their more affordable models.   

 

I've heard great things about Swan.

If I go a little over my budget perhaps I can get a pair of the D1010s in October when they are back in stock,  but that will leave me with my imac's speakers until then.  Another option would be to get the A2s and add the subwoofer.   This would take me $100 over my budget.

Maybe I should take the Bose system out of storage just to hear how it sounds.  I just don't want to go through the song and dance of packing and unpacking when more than likely it will sound like crap.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JRG1990 

The A2's are overpriced there not worth the extra $100 of your budget, if you want actives consider the edifier R1900Tiii or R2000s , they sound better than the av40's and a2's they might even not be far off the swans sound quality.

I'm not necessarily looking for actives, I'm just looking for something small (passive or active) so that I can place it on the desk instead of using stands (now that the house looks good, I want to keep it that way).

Right now I'm looking at surround satellites for around $100.  Some Polk Audio RM7s might work. 

I will then add a small amp and a subwoofer and I should be in business.

Thanks for the heads-up on the A2s.  They are small little critters though.