Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › Looking for a reasonably-priced 5.1 system...
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Looking for a reasonably-priced 5.1 system...

post #1 of 25
1/18/12 at 6:54am
Thread Starter 
My first post here, but I've been reading for a long time.

I'm currently looking for a decent set of speakers, primarily for music (mainly electronica, big bass, rap, techno) and a bit of gaming. I usually use my headphones at the moment, but need a set of speakers as well.

I have an SPDIF optical out, so did consider a receiver and a set of references, but really wouldn't know where to start looking. I also considered a Logitech Z-906 set, which is within my price range. I'm not looking to spend more than €300 on the whole set and could do with some heavy basslines.

I would prefer the receiver/references option because it's expandable, but am open to any ideas and suggestions from the forum.
Edited by Jirachi - 1/18/12 at 6:56am
Reply
post #2 of 25
1/18/12 at 7:31am

Logitech Z5500, out of production, you can find them once in a while on eBay. Bass is heavier than that of Z-906, had them for years, very good speakers considering it's like $300 when I bought them for all that equipment.

Reply
post #3 of 25
1/18/12 at 7:52am
Thread Starter 
I actually owned some Z-5500s once, good set of speakers but I managed to break the bass box (whenever I put a fuse in, it blows). Not sure if this is a common problem but it put me off them when Logitech said they can't fix them.
Reply
post #4 of 25
1/18/12 at 8:09am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jirachi View Post

I actually owned some Z-5500s once, good set of speakers but I managed to break the bass box (whenever I put a fuse in, it blows). Not sure if this is a common problem but it put me off them when Logitech said they can't fix them.

That's weird :/ honestly, I called them and told them there was a slight hiss on the speakers while they were still under warranty and they sent me a second set for free. If you're really getting into high end audio (I'm not sure if that's what you intend), you should look into stereo speaker systems. You'd think it'd be difficult to get used to not having surround sound but 2 good speakers can fill a room just as well as 5 at best, decently made speakers (Do the math for production costs + profit margin, you really don't get much to spend on each speaker). The subwoofer I had, and I had 2, neither ever had problem. If not, get the Z-906, they're just as nice a little less bass and a less-wieldy remote.

 

Reply
post #5 of 25
1/18/12 at 9:36am
Thread Starter 
Any suggestions on a good stereo system to go with my SPDIF output?

I guess I could get a 5.1 receiver and start with 2 references then get more if I want to?
Reply
post #6 of 25
1/18/12 at 9:48am

IMO don't bother with multimedia PC speakers, best to go for a "decent" cheap HTIB 5.1 setup.

Reply
post #7 of 25
1/18/12 at 9:50am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Sneis View Post

IMO don't bother with multimedia PC speakers, best to go for a "decent" cheap HTIB 5.1 setup.

Any suggestions for good setups? Will they work with my optical S/PDIF output? I've only ever used multimedia speakers with my PC before.
Reply
post #8 of 25
1/18/12 at 9:56am

Primarily for music?  Don't buy 5.1...  A 2.1 (or even 2.0) system would be of much better quality at your budget.

Reply
post #9 of 25
1/18/12 at 10:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Jirachi View Post


Any suggestions for good setups? Will they work with my optical S/PDIF output? I've only ever used multimedia speakers with my PC before.


I'm in the US so I'm not sure how different our markets are but find a good deal on an Onkyo HTIB and call it a day is what I would do if I had the space, sorry I don't have specific recommendations!!  If you want world class sound though disregard everything said here lol.

Reply
post #10 of 25
1/18/12 at 10:19am
Thread Starter 
Sadly, I really don't know what I'm looking for.

Would something like the LG SR906SB be suitable for use with my PC?

I have an Asus Crosshair IV Formula motherboard with built in S/PDIF output (optical, not coaxial). What cables or extra equipment would I need to hook this up?
Reply
post #11 of 25
1/18/12 at 10:23am

I'd be careful with some of the HTIB choices; I would still try to find a deal on an Onkyo setup.  IIRC they sell refurbs which are not a bad call.  An optical SPDF cable will be all you need from your mobo to the receiver.

Reply
post #12 of 25
1/18/12 at 10:26am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.Sneis View Post

I'd be careful with some of the HTIB choices; I would still try to find a deal on an Onkyo setup.  IIRC they sell refurbs which are not a bad call.  An optical SPDF cable will be all you need from your mobo to the receiver.

I looked for Onkyo but so far I'm only seeing €400+ which is really a little out of what I want to spend this month.

Is a receiver the same as a DAC? i.e. would I get better quality out of my headphones if I plugged them into it?
Reply
post #13 of 25
1/18/12 at 2:57pm
Thread Starter 
Considering upping my budget to include the HT-S3305 Onkyo, is this a good choice? Is there a reason to choose it over the AVX-390?
Reply
post #14 of 25
1/18/12 at 8:27pm

Behringer A500 Stereo Amp, the cheapest floorstanding speakers you can find on Amazon or Newegg ($120 each probably), some cheap speaker wire from Monoprice, you will hear things you've never ever heard before from pre-packaged Mc5.1 systems before. I used to love 5.1 for music - really. But any half way decent 2.0 set up is a win compared to them. That combo will run you about $400 USD, get used if you can and saved plenty.

Reply
post #15 of 25
1/18/12 at 8:37pm

Have a look at Onkyo HTX-22HD(X) and SK22 

Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Computer Audio
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Computer Audio › Looking for a reasonably-priced 5.1 system...