Desktop sound system recommendation

[fernando9876]

Hello everybody,
 
I have an old 5.1 sound system from logitech (Z506) that recently broke so I'm looking for a replacement audio system. It's intended use is gaming and music mainly, some movies as well. I intend to hook it to my desktop PC output directly through the mother board (no AMPs or DACs involved) primarily but i also do have a Macbook and would like to use said speakers for the laptop as well so I was thinking on going wireless.
 
I have never tried wireless speakers so I am hesitant about them. My main concerns are sound quality and soundstage. Most recommended wireless speakers consist of only one speaker against the 6 speakers composing my old system. Wouldn't that kill the soundstage?
 
I have had a look at the 

Monitor Audio AirStream S300, the Geneva Model S Wireless DAB+ and the Sonos Play:3.​

 
As you might have guessed I'm not very familiar with sound systems so I would greatly appreciate any recommendations, tips, etc.
 
To sum up what I'm looking for is:
 
· Desktop [wireless] audio system
· Bonus points for airplay and other connectivity options
· Bonus points for being able to hook up other devices as laptops and smartphones
· Would drop any fancy feature in favor of sound quality
· Intended use: music and gming mainly
· Price: Lower than 400$ or so
 
Thanks in advance.

 

[FastAndClean]

two Sonos Play 1s, they sound amazing

 

[fernando9876]

  two Sonos Play 1s, they sound amazing

They look amazing but it does not fit my needs as I want a replacement for my deceased logitech Z506. With the Sonos being only reachable via IP (I guess) I wouldn't be able to play any other sound not streamed from within the app Sonos provide, for example, games sounds or just a YouTube video played in Chrome. I need a speaker set that can play every sound outputed from my PC/laptop as it will be my only set of speakers.
 
Even though I like the possibility of adding/pairing multiple Sonos. Does any other speaker have that feature?

 

[cel4145]

I have never tried wireless speakers so I am hesitant about them. My main concerns are sound quality and soundstage.

Then don't buy wireless speakers. I have serious doubts that the best wireless speakers will compete with the best non-wired speakers in the ~$400 range.

Look into the Emotiva Airmotiv 5s and JBL LSR305. In fact, given the price of the LSR305s, you could add a USB DAC to improve on the sound of your computer audio.

 

[fernando9876]

Then don't buy wireless speakers. I have serious doubts that the best wireless speakers will compete with the best non-wired speakers in the ~$400 range.

Look into the Emotiva Airmotiv 5s and JBL LSR305. In fact, given the price of the LSR305s, you could add a USB DAC to improve on the sound of your computer audio.

 
What about one of these with a wired speaker system? I am not planning on moving the speakers itself, I just want a easy way of changing sources. Also, price tags are very different for the 2 systems you listed, is there something worth it in between?
 
Edit: I just saw the JBLs are 150$ each, so there is not such a difference. However they are quite big. What about Dali Zensor 1 or Boston Acoustics A23/25? Are these speakers worth it without DACs/AMPs?

 

[fernando9876]

Hi again,
 
So I've reading about sound systems 4 days non stop and came to the conclusion I'm getting a couple of active studio monitors as space is limited and I can't fit an amp without doing crazy wiring. I still would like to hook them up to another devices wirelessly via bluetooth so these are my choices so far:
 
· Presonus Ceres 3.5/4.5 BT - They have all I want and the couple reviews I've read are positive
· M-Audio BX5a + Bluetooth receiver - Very positive reviews, might be a little too big and pricey
· M-Audio AV40 + Bluetooth receiver - Lower entry but size (and price) fits my needs better
 
I think I might be going for the Presonus. What do you think? Is there something else worth considering?
 
Thanks.

 

[PurpleAngel]

  So I've reading about sound systems 4 days non stop and came to the conclusion I'm getting a couple of active studio monitors as space is limited and I can't fit an amp without doing crazy wiring. I still would like to hook them up to another devices wirelessly via bluetooth so these are my choices so far:
· Presonus Ceres 3.5/4.5 BT - They have all I want and the couple reviews I've read are positive
· M-Audio BX5a + Bluetooth receiver - Very positive reviews, might be a little too big and pricey
· M-Audio AV40 + Bluetooth receiver - Lower entry but size (and price) fits my needs better
I think I might be going for the Presonus. What do you think? Is there something else worth considering?

 
Monoprice 5" studio monitors ($170), there appear to come from the same factory as the M-Audio BX5s, use the same cabinet and have a lot of the same specs.
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=115&cp_id=11504&cs_id=1150401&p_id=605500&seq=1&format=2
I've been using them for over a year.