[cel4145]

Hey!

I'm new here to head-fi but I've been reading a lot to start off. I'm an aspiring audiophile (if that's even a thing) and looking to get a deeper appreciation for music. I have very very little in terms of audio... I'm limited by high school and a minimum wage job... I should be getting my computer soon and I'm looking for a good deal on decent quality speakers and I'm very seriously considering the swan m10s after having read the reviews. I just don't know what amp to get to hook them up to... Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

The Swans are powered speakers with built in amps.

 

[obscureaudio]

OK perfect I'm planning on getting a Schiit Asgard 2 and Bifrost combo, then hooking the Swans to them... Once I have money... Thanks much!

 

[JbstormburstADV]

hey.  Sorry about hijacking a thread (even though someone else already did so), but I feel I have a better chance at getting an answer here rather than on the PC Enthusiasts thread.  To make things easier, though, here's a quote of what I originally posted:
 

 Originally Posted by JbstormburstADV 
  Hey guys, I'm back from my self-imposed isolation! XD
 
So, as a serious question, it's really about time that I upgrade my computer audio.  Right now, I'm still on my old JBL Creature IIs and I'm kinda unsure whether I should go active or passive.  I'm also totally behind on audio gear, as the last time I seriously checked into things, the Klipsch ProMedia 2.0s were falling down hard due to QC issues.  From what little browsing I've done regarding active speakers, I heard that the Swan M50w is wonderful at the $350 budget I'm working at.  Has that changed recently?  Or does someone have a better passive setup I can work with?

So far, someone has suggested the Audioengine A5+, which is strictly out of my budget range right now, and someone else went with the JBL LS305s, which I can afford, but then I'd need something to get it all connected to my desktop, since I have no dedicated DAC or sound card (even though I have the SupremeFX riser card, since my MB is the Rampage II Extreme).  And to re-iterate, I have a hard budget of $350, including tax and shipping.

 

[TwoCables]

I want to provide an answer to this thread.
 
Go with a used Klipsch ProMedia 2.1 system. Find one that has plug-in satellite speakers (the speaker wires plug into the satellites). For example:
 
For $115.00 shipped: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Klipsch-ProMedia-2-1-THX-Speaker-System-3-Piece-one-extra-speaker-/301565171795
 
For some reason, they are including a third satellite speaker for free. All 3 have the plug-in design. I guess the third one could come in handy for parts if you ever end up needing satellite parts.
 
Here's another for $118.99 shipped: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Klipsch-ProMedia-2-1-THX-Computer-Speaker-System-IN-EXCELLENT-SHAPE-CONDITION-/251852071938
 
For both of these, the only negative thing that I can see is they don't have the stock speaker wires in any of the photos. So, ask the sellers if they still have them. If not, then I would highly recommend these wires:
 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Klipsch-ProMedia-2-1-Premium-Speaker-Wires-Custom-Made-Pair-10-/121602842088?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c50181de8
 
The seller made these using 16 AWG Monster XP speaker wire with Neutrik Rean plugs. I have them and they made a very nice improvement to my ProMedia 2.1's sound (the sound that's produced by the satellite speakers).
 
Here's more information about the speaker wires:
 
http://www.monsterproducts.com/Monster_XP_Clear_Jacket_Compact_Speaker_Cable
 
http://wwv.crutchfield.com/p_119XPMS202/Monster-XP-20-feet.html
 
Here's more about the plugs (but it's not much): http://www.rean-connectors.com/en/products/35-mm-plugs/nys226bg
 
There are two reasons why you want an older ProMedia 2.1 system like this:
 

• These original ProMedia 2.1 systems have a superior sound to their brand-new counterparts. I don't know why this is, but it could be due to things like, superior speakers, superior amplifier, superior circuitry, etc. I honestly don't know. All I know is what I've read in multiple places.
• You can upgrade the stock satellite speaker wires to get a pretty noticeable improvement to the sound that is produced by the satellites.

 
In this price range, you will never beat the ProMedia 2.1.