Computer Audio Set-Up Help (DAC/Amp, Speakers, etc)
Mar 15, 2016 at 11:11 PM Post #16 of 19
shk216 said:
  You put me back to "noob" mode. What's the difference between computer speakers vs. powered monitors?
Click to expand...

 
Studio monitor (self-powered speakers) are more for music professionals or audio creation,
A single person or small group of people that need to be able to hear all the details in the audio.
Where people sit near the studio monitors, not so much as trying to fill a room full of audio.
Where its worth it to pay more money for good audio equipment.
Each tweeter or woofer can have it's own discrete amplifier to drive it.
 
Computer speakers are for single person that does not want to pay a lot of money to hear audio from their computer.
You can have a 5.1 (6-channel) speaker setup and the amplification is not very discrete, amplifiers share some components inside the sub-woofer box.
 
Mar 16, 2016 at 2:44 PM Post #17 of 19
So I've decided to get a O2/ODAC combo and took a look at some powered speakers. I think for now, I'll settle with a small ones for my computer.
 
I've looked at the following:
 
 - Yamaha HS 5 - $399
 - KRK Rokit 6 G3 - $399
 - JBL LSR 308 - $399
 
 - KRK Rokit 5 G3 - $299
 - JBL LSR 305 - $298
 - Audioengine A2+ - $199 (refurbished)
 - Mackie CR4 - $150
 - Monoprice 5 - $149
 
These will be the main speakers for my computer for now and maybe used in my bedroom in the future with a small tv. With that said, which would suffice my needs assuming I grab an O2/ODAC?
 
I'd like to stay below $300 for now and perhaps look at the bigger speakers later for my living room.
 
Mar 17, 2016 at 12:18 AM Post #18 of 19
Quote:
Originally Posted by shk216 /img/forum/go_quote.gif
So I've decided to get a O2/ODAC combo and took a look at some powered speakers. I think for now, I'll settle with a small ones for my computer.
 
I've looked at the following:
 
 - Yamaha HS 5 - $399
 - KRK Rokit 6 G3 - $399
 - JBL LSR 308 - $399
 
 - KRK Rokit 5 G3 - $299
 - JBL LSR 305 - $298
 - Audioengine A2+ - $199 (refurbished)
 - Mackie CR4 - $150
 - Monoprice 5 - $149
 
These will be the main speakers for my computer for now and maybe used in my bedroom in the future with a small tv. With that said, which would suffice my needs assuming I grab an O2/ODAC?
Click to expand...

 
Well there's a problem - the O2-ODAC does not have a preamplifier output. Some models don't even have an output from the ODAC in the rear, as these can be configured to either be an output from the ODAC section, or an input to the O2 section.
 
At best, even if you did have the one configured with an output from the ODAC section, you can't control the volume with the O2-ODAC's volume knob. You will have to get up and reach for the volume control on the speakers. If it's the Audioengine A2 or A5, or anything else like these which are Master-Slave designs, only one speaker has the amplifiers for both speakers, which means there's a single volume knob.
 
If it's the others on your list and all speakers like them, these are powered pro monitors, which means each speaker has its own amplifier (and therefore its own power cable as well), each of which has its own gain knob in the rear, so when you need to adjust the volume you need to move the speaker to get to the back and adjust a tiny knob there, then go over  to the other side and then do the same to that speaker, then sit down and realize that the toe-in angles after you moved them aren't even so you get back up to set them right, whoops not enough need to adjust again...and then repeat all that the next time you adjust the output level.
 
Mar 17, 2016 at 1:03 PM Post #19 of 19

Thank you for the input. I ended up purchasing Audioengine D1 and Q701 ($99 on Amazon deal of the day!!!!!!) yesterday. I think I'm going to get the D5+ when the refurbished ones become available.
 
Upon delving in, I think I could of done better with the money but I'm happy with the overall results.
 
Thank you for all your help!
 
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