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Need new 2.0 or 2.1 system for ~200-300 USD

post #1 of 10
1/5/12 at 9:05pm
Thread Starter 

I currently have a Logitech z2300 2.1 system running from a uDac, but the built in amp on the z2300 broke so now I only have one channel working.I generally listen to music in 2 ways. If I want high quality I use my Shure SRH840, everything just sounds so much better through these. If I want something loud I use the Logitech. The sound quality from the Logitech system has always been lacking, but I like that I can feel the music more than with headphones.

 

When my tax refund comes in I plan to replace the aging 2.1 system with something of higher quality and caliber. I don't have enough money to try out the multitude of systems available. Mainly I want sound quality on par with the SRH840, with enough power to be able to feel the music sometimes.

 

Currently I am looking at:

 

Swan M50W

Audioengine A5 (This is 2.0, but the reviews I have seen say the bass is plenty)

 

I would really appreciate some more suggestions and/or opinions on the previously mentioned.

 

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post #2 of 10
1/5/12 at 9:59pm

Depends how much work you want to put into piecing together a system you can probably get more bang for your buck getting a seperate sub/amp/passive speaker setup.

 

Polk PSW10 subwoofer ($100) + Polk bookshelfs ($100-150) + T-Amp ($50) is one option but there are A LOT of different speakers/subs/amps you could try out to get the sound you would prefer, that's the hard part.


If you want an all in one, then the Swan M50W might be a good bet. Never heard them but hear good things about the Swan lineup so might be worth trying out.

 

While the A5's have a nice low end, they don't have the 'boom' that even a $50 2.1 computer speaker set would have with a dedicated sub module.  They are impressive sounding overall though and have a lot in terms of versatility in how you can configure them. Another option is the A2 set to act as the satellites and then adding a separate powered subwoofer to add the bass you want.

 

Whatever route you take, good luck in finding your next setup.

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post #3 of 10
1/6/12 at 3:13am

Another option : cheap used amp/receiver and solid pair of floorstanders! Recently nabbed a pair of Kenwoods with 12" drivers and boy do they sing and go low too with natural/tight bass L3000.gif


Edited by trog - 1/6/12 at 3:21am
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post #4 of 10
1/6/12 at 9:26am

Go with a passive set-up , 2 bookshelfs an amp and a sub or a amp and 2 floorstanders , The A5 perform very poorly for there price tag there over hyped a good pair of bookshelf speakers will easily sound better.

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post #5 of 10
1/6/12 at 10:28pm
Thread Starter 

I debated it and decided to go with a passive setup. I found a Pioneer VSX-D711 amp for $60 on craigslist and Polk Audio Monitor Series II, the newegg exclusive model, for $150 for the pair. The reviews seem to say that they are good bang for the buck, but I am a little hesitant since I do not know if they are. Is this a good price for the pair and the amp?

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post #6 of 10
1/7/12 at 1:52am

Hmm $150ish also consider the Infinity Primus P162?

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post #7 of 10
1/7/12 at 2:08pm
Thread Starter 

Does anyone have any comments on the Pioneer VSX-D711, the Polk Audio Monitor Series II floorstanding, or Infinity Primus P162 bookshelf?

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post #8 of 10
1/8/12 at 10:20am

If you're inclined to believe Stereophile then here are a couple more choices in your budget which you might consider ...

 

NHT SuperZero 2.0 ($200)

 

Pioneer SP-BS41-LR ($150-200)

 

 

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post #9 of 10
1/8/12 at 12:54pm

NHT is also coming out with some active 2.0 computer speakers in February.

 

NHT Superpower

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post #10 of 10
1/10/12 at 12:55pm
Thread Starter 

I got the amp I mentioned in first post, as per recommendation I went with a passive setup. On the advice of AVS forums I got Cambridge Soundworks s30 bookshelves.

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