[duckz]

Hello, I was thinking of getting the Pioneer SP-BS21-LR Bookshelf for my college dorm room, and I will be connecting it to a laptop. What kind of amp would be recommended (nothing too fancy) so that I can power the speakers, and possibly a subwoofer later on if I invest in it? Additionally, what kind of wiring would I need?
 
sorry, I meant GOOD amps for pioneers

 

[cel4145]

Most subwoofers now have their own amps built in, so you don't need to think about that when buying the amp for the speakers. 
 
If you have the room for one, a budget HT receiver or a stereo 2 channel receiver would work well. HT receivers have the advantage of HDMI and optical inputs, whereas many 2 channel stereo receivers would only accept analog input from your computer. 
 
What kind of computer do you have? What's your budget? 

 

[duckz]

Quote:

Most subwoofers now have their own amps built in, so you don't need to think about that when buying the amp for the speakers. 
 
If you have the room for one, a budget HT receiver or a stereo 2 channel receiver would work well. HT receivers have the advantage of HDMI and optical inputs, whereas many 2 channel stereo receivers would only accept analog input from your computer. 
 
What kind of computer do you have? What's your budget? 

 
I have a ASUS G73S-W republic of gamers laptop. I would prefer to spend 125 or less, not including the speakers themselves (and not the subwoofers right now)

 

[cel4145]

With that budget, then the Sherwood RX-4109 or Onkyo 8255. 

 

[duckz]

Quote:

With that budget, then the Sherwood RX-4109 or Onkyo 8255. 

What kind of wires would I need to connect it? Also, would it just actually be better getting a subwoofer from the start, so that I do not need to get an amp?
 
I was thinking of http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882290034

 

[cel4145]

The speakers you are looking at need an amp. Subwoofers come with built-in amps just to power the sub. 
 
You would need speaker wire and a cable to connect the receiver to your laptop. 

 

[duckz]

Quote:

The speakers you are looking at need an amp. Subwoofers come with built-in amps just to power the sub. 
 
You would need speaker wire and a cable to connect the receiver to your laptop. 

By speaker wires, do you mean something like http://www.amazon.com/RCA-AH16100SN-16-Gauge-Speaker-Wire/dp/B0029HHIDY/ref=pd_bxgy_e_text_y ? How do you use that wire to connnect the speakers to the amp?
And also, what kind of cable would i need to connect the sherwood amp to my laptop?
Sorry I'm a noob at this.

 

[cel4145]

Yep. That speaker wire works fine. And then you need a 3.5mm to RCA adapter, like this: http://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-Stereo-design-accomodates-smartphone/dp/B004YEBK66/
 
OK to be new at this. Everyone had to start somewhere 

 

[duckz]

Quote:

Yep. That speaker wire works fine. And then you need a 3.5mm to RCA adapter, like this: http://www.amazon.com/Mediabridge-Stereo-design-accomodates-smartphone/dp/B004YEBK66/
 
OK to be new at this. Everyone had to start somewhere 

Thanks. :]
 
Also, for amps, would these work as well? http://www.amazon.com/LP-2020A-Lepai-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1351234305&sr=1-3&keywords=Dayton+Audio
And, how much of a downgrade would it be from the Sherwood?

 

[cel4145]

Quote:

Thanks. :]
 
Also, for amps, would these work as well? http://www.amazon.com/LP-2020A-Lepai-Tripath-Class-T-Amplifier/dp/B0049P6OTI/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1351234305&sr=1-3&keywords=Dayton+Audio
And, how much of a downgrade would it be from the Sherwood?

 
The Lepais are great little amplifiers for their price. They are not the same class as a full stereo receiver.

 

[duckz]

All right.
 
To set connect the speakers to the amp/receiver with speaker wires, would I need bannana plugs? If so, how do I install them?
 

 

[cel4145]

Banana plugs are not required and do not make a sonic difference. They are merely for the convenience of repeatedly plugging and plugging the speaker wires into the back of the speakers.
 
Trim about 1/2" of insulation off the end of the speaker wire, and just unscrew the terminal caps on the back of the speakers and insert the wire at the base of the terminal. Won't take any more time than properly setting the wires into banana plugs. Since you are building your system on a budget, you can always add banana plugs down the road if you feel you need them.