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Overwhelmed! Want to Overhaul My Computer Audio - Page 2

post #16 of 30
3/9/13 at 4:32pm
Oh, and if you want best bang for you $ for speaker setup in that $150 to $200 price range, this is the way to go: http://news.cnet.com/8301-13645_3-57439115-47/build-your-own-desktop-stereo-for-under-$70/. Then you can get a sub to go with them.
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post #17 of 30
3/9/13 at 5:08pm
Thread Starter 

...Well, after thinking a bit, I think I'm gonna wait a little longer before I look at better audio options.  I've got too many things I want ATM, and all considering how much I have, I believe that I'll be getting a fight stick now.  Thank you all for your time, and I apologize for the inconvenience.  I'll most likely necro the topic whenever I'm going to end up with enough money to look more assuredly at audio systems.

 

Per Laborem ad Astra,

JbstormburstADV

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post #18 of 30
3/23/13 at 5:29pm
Thread Starter 

Well, that was a short period before necromancy.  Anyways, I did a bit of thinking, and I can deal with my JBL Creature II's for a while longer. As you may know, they are powered speakers, so I just really need a DAC (although it also depends on whether I should get an amp if I decide to plug in my Crossfade LPs).  Or, should I go for the sound card at first opportunity, since the SupremeFX X-Fi is only a riser card?

 

As for current budget, my maximum is still $200.  So, thoughts, suggestions?

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post #19 of 30
3/25/13 at 12:00am
So basically you want to improve the pc sound but dont have any firm idea what to buy, be it speakers, amp, dac or sound card? Mind telling us again what you have right now?
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post #20 of 30
3/25/13 at 4:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by JbstormburstADV View Post

Anyways, I did a bit of thinking, and I can deal with my JBL Creature II's for a while longer. As you may know, they are powered speakers, so I just really need a DAC

This is just me, but I really think you've got it backwards. Like with headphones, better speakers will be the biggest instrument of change in improving sound quality. Spending $200 on a DAC for the Creatures doesn't make any sense to me. Put your money into a pair of quality monitors and use the analog line out of your sound card for the time being. Then as more money becomes available, invest in a DAC if you want, it will be an incremental upgrade. IMO if you can live with the sound of the Creatures, you can live without a DAC.
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post #21 of 30
3/25/13 at 10:40am
Thread Starter 

Yeah, might as well.  I really have no clue where to make the initial investment, especially since I'm still awaiting more solid info on that pair of Monoprice monitors.

 

My current gig is PC native sound from the Supreme FX X-Fi riser card that came with my Rampage II Extreme motherboard, connected into a used set of JBL Creature IIs.  While the riser card has the usual suspect connections, I also have both a TOSLINK and coax connection each available on the card, so I can get a bit more use of it than if I just had a regular MOBO.

 

But yeah, if the Monoprice ends up looking like an OEM of the Bx5s, I'm definitely looking at those for the speaker, and if I get a DAC for it at some point, I was thinking the Modi, although between that, the ODAC, and the FiiO E17, I can't decide on a really good option.

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post #22 of 30
3/25/13 at 10:54am

I wouldnt worry about upgrading your sound card, it is more than fine. I think the problem is you've been reading way too much into dacs and buying into the marketing. With your current setup a dac should be the last thing you look at upgrading (if it even needs upgrading). Speakers first, then a sub, then add more music/games/movies. Dac is not needed as you already have a good one

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post #23 of 30
3/25/13 at 11:37am
Quote:
Originally Posted by weez82 View Post

Speakers first, then a sub, then add more music/games/movies.

 

Yes! This doesn't get recommended enough.

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post #24 of 30
3/25/13 at 3:12pm
Thread Starter 

Right.  Seems like it'll be that 2.0 system first.  Hopefully, the reviews turn out well.

 

Also, if they are Bx5 OEMs, what sub would you recommend to go with them?

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post #25 of 30
3/25/13 at 7:11pm
Does Monoprice sell the matching sub?
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post #26 of 30
3/25/13 at 8:48pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by obobskivich View Post

Does Monoprice sell the matching sub?

 

No, and the Monoprice itself is a 2.0 system,

 

EDIT: NVM, wasn't looking hard enough.  Monoprice is offers two different subwoofers at 8" and 12".  The link to them both is here: http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10906


Edited by JbstormburstADV - 3/25/13 at 10:15pm
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post #27 of 30
3/26/13 at 9:28am
I like the 12" (9723) because it costs less and shows a lower F3. smily_headphones1.gif
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post #28 of 30
3/26/13 at 9:32am
I would recommend the Daytons subs at Parts Express over the Monoprice subs. I've seen many good testimonials from people who were very satisfied with the Daytons. The SUB1200 in particular: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-629
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post #29 of 30
3/26/13 at 10:56am
Quote:
Originally Posted by cel4145 View Post

I would recommend the Daytons subs at Parts Express over the Monoprice subs. I've seen many good testimonials from people who were very satisfied with the Daytons. The SUB1200 in particular: http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?partnumber=300-629

I'm not trying to start a flamewar or anything, but I've had nothing but terrible experiences with PE; I'd very seriously consider going elsewhere with your money. That said, that sub looks marginally improved on paper.
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post #30 of 30
3/26/13 at 11:35am
I understand.

I don't know about their other products, but their sub drivers are very popular in the DIY crowd in both home audio and car audio for building subs. And then I've seen quite a few people order the Dayton SUB1200 and be very satisfied with it, with even one comparison of it as having similar overall quality to the Polk PSW505. Not sure I buy that completely, but it does seem a very good value.
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